<p>On Friday afternoon (June 23), the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) announced India's 16-man squad for their upcoming two-match Test series versus West Indies in the Caribbean island, starting on July 12. Despite criticism for his captaincy after India's WTC final loss to Australia, Rohit Sharma has retained the top job with Ajinkya Rahane being named his deputy.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Meanwhile, it was expected that the axe would fall on senior players after the WTC final loss. And the same has happened. Cheteshwar Pujara, India's No. 3, has been dropped, along with&nbsp;a plethora of young players such as Yashasvi Jaiswal, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Mukesh Kumar, etc. being included. Mohammed Shami's name is also missing from the squad. The veteran is expected to have been given rest but the same might not be the case for Pujara, who struggled for runs in the WTC finale (with poor returns of 14 and 27).</p>

<p>Navdeep Saini has been roped in as well along with Jaydev Unadkat retaining his place. Umesh Yadav, meanwhile, didn't find a spot. Mohammed Siraj will be expected to spearhead the pace attack.&nbsp;The likes of Shardul Thakur, Axar Patel, R Ashwin, and Ravindra Jadeja are part of the all-rounder's department.</p>

<p>Both KS Bharat and Ishan Kishan are the wicketkeeper-batters in the 16-member squad. The first Test kicks off on July 12 at Windsor Park, Roseau, Dominica, followed by the series decider at the&nbsp;Queen's Park Oval, Port of Spain, Trinidad.</p>

<p><strong>TEST Squad:</strong>&nbsp;Rohit Sharma (Capt), Shubman Gill, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Virat Kohli, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Ajinkya Rahane (VC), KS Bharat (wk), Ishan Kishan (wk), R Ashwin,&nbsp;R Jadeja, Shardul Thakur, Axar Patel, Mohd. Siraj, Mukesh Kumar, Jaydev Unadkat, Navdeep Saini.</p>

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On Friday afternoon (June 23), the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) announced India's 16-man squad for their upcoming two-match Test series versus West Indies in the Caribbean island, starting on July 12.

On Friday afternoon (June 23), the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) announced India's 16-man squad for their upcoming two-match Test series versus West Indies in the Caribbean island, starting on July 12. Despite criticism for his captaincy after India's WTC final loss to Australia, Rohit Sharma has retained the top job with Ajinkya Rahane being named his deputy. Meanwhile, it was expected that the axe would fall on senior players after the WTC final loss. And the same has happened. Cheteshwar Pujara, India's No. 3, has been dropped, along with a plethora of young players such as Yashasvi Jaiswal, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Mukesh Kumar, etc. being included. Mohammed Shami's name is also missing from the squad. The veteran is expected to have been given rest but the same might not be the case for Pujara, who struggled for runs in the WTC finale (with poor returns of 14 and 27). Navdeep Saini has been roped in as well along with Jaydev Unadkat retaining his place. Umesh Yadav, meanwhile, didn't find a spot. Mohammed Siraj will be expected to spearhead the pace attack. The likes of Shardul Thakur, Axar Patel, R Ashwin, and Ravindra Jadeja are part of the all-rounder's department. Both KS Bharat and Ishan Kishan are the wicketkeeper-batters in the 16-member squad. The first Test kicks off on July 12 at Windsor Park, Roseau, Dominica, followed by the series decider at the Queen's Park Oval, Port of Spain, Trinidad. TEST Squad: Rohit Sharma (Capt), Shubman Gill, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Virat Kohli, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Ajinkya Rahane (VC), KS Bharat (wk), Ishan Kishan (wk), R Ashwin, R Jadeja, Shardul Thakur, Axar Patel, Mohd. Siraj, Mukesh Kumar, Jaydev Unadkat, Navdeep Saini. 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. ×

Rohit retains captaincy as BCCI names India Test squad for WI tour, Pujara dropped; Jaiswal, Ruturaj included

<p>R Ashwin's omission from India's playing XI for the recently-held WTC final versus Australia created a huge stir on social media platforms and within the cricketing fraternity. As a result, India finished second by a huge margin, losing the coveted Test mace to Australia by 209 runs at The Oval, London.&nbsp;</p>

<p>With India missing out on winning yet another ICC title, since 2013, fans showed their frustration on the Indian players and called for the omission of some senior members. Recently, Ashwin reacted to Indian fans' outbursts while mentioning about MS Dhoni's leadership and the success India achieved under him.</p>

<p>On his Youtube channel, Ashwin began by congratulating Australia and said,&nbsp;"Congratulations Australia! It was a fantastic final and they completely deserve the win. There was a small advantage although as few players like Marnus Labuschagne played a couple of matches in county cricket. That was a small one because in a one-Test shootout you can't really say who will do what, but they thoroughly deserved it. Even in the last WTC cycle, they missed qualifying for the finals only by a whisker. They have been a consistent Test team like India."</p>

<h2><strong>'Under MS Dhoni,&nbsp;same squad of 15 and the XI will play throughput the year'</strong></h2>

<p>The veteran off-spinner highlighted Dhoni's significance as a leader and mentioned an important aspect. “It is understandable that there's a furore in India that we haven't won an ICC trophy in 10 years. I empathise with the fans. But the reaction on social media is that this player should be dropped and that player should be included. But quality of a player doesn't change overnight. Lot of us talk about MS Dhoni's leadership. What did he do? Ge kept it very simple. Under his regime, where I also played, he will pick a squad of 15. The same squad of 15 and the XI will play throughput the year. That sense of security is very important for a player,” Ashwin pointed out.</p>

<p>Under Dhoni, India won all ICC titles along with winning the Test mace.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/former-indian-opener-virender-sehwag-reacts-to-rumours-of-being-approached-for-chief-selectors-post-607724">Former Indian opener Virender Sehwag reacts to rumours of being approached for chief selector’s post</a></strong></p>

<p>This is not the first time when Ashwin emphasised&nbsp;on the need for sense of security among players within the dressing room. Soon after he returned to the country after WTC final snub, Ashwin talked about the "overthinker" name tag attached to him and reasoned out&nbsp;that it was&nbsp;natural for him to be "traumatised" and "overthink" knowing he has limited chances compared to a player assured of a longer run.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In&nbsp;an interaction with Indian Express, the 36-year-old Ashwin stated,&nbsp;"A lot of people marketed me and positioned me that I am an overthinker. A person who will get 15-20 matches on the go doesn’t have to be mentally overthinking. A person who knows that they will get only two games will be traumatised and will be overthinking because it’s my job. It’s my journey. So this is what suits me. If somebody is going to tell me, ‘you’re going to play 15 matches, you will be looked after, you will be this, you are responsible for players, you are in the leadership role, I won’t be overthinking. Why would I?"</p>

<p>Ashwin will now gear up for India's two-match Test series versus hosts West Indies, which will kick off Rohit &amp; Co.'s run in WTC 2023-25 cycle, starting on July 12.</p>

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R Ashwin's omission from India's playing XI for the recently-held WTC final versus Australia created a huge stir on social media platforms and within the cricketing fraternity.

R Ashwin's omission from India's playing XI for the recently-held WTC final versus Australia created a huge stir on social media platforms and within the cricketing fraternity. As a result, India finished second by a huge margin, losing the coveted Test mace to Australia by 209 runs at The Oval, London. With India missing out on winning yet another ICC title, since 2013, fans showed their frustration on the Indian players and called for the omission of some senior members. Recently, Ashwin reacted to Indian fans' outbursts while mentioning about MS Dhoni's leadership and the success India achieved under him. On his Youtube channel, Ashwin began by congratulating Australia and said, "Congratulations Australia! It was a fantastic final and they completely deserve the win. There was a small advantage although as few players like Marnus Labuschagne played a couple of matches in county cricket. That was a small one because in a one-Test shootout you can't really say who will do what, but they thoroughly deserved it. Even in the last WTC cycle, they missed qualifying for the finals only by a whisker. They have been a consistent Test team like India." 'Under MS Dhoni, same squad of 15 and the XI will play throughput the year' The veteran off-spinner highlighted Dhoni's significance as a leader and mentioned an important aspect. “It is understandable that there's a furore in India that we haven't won an ICC trophy in 10 years. I empathise with the fans. But the reaction on social media is that this player should be dropped and that player should be included. But quality of a player doesn't change overnight. Lot of us talk about MS Dhoni's leadership. What did he do? Ge kept it very simple. Under his regime, where I also played, he will pick a squad of 15. The same squad of 15 and the XI will play throughput the year. That sense of security is very important for a player,” Ashwin pointed out. Under Dhoni, India won all ICC titles along with winning the Test mace. Also Read: Former Indian opener Virender Sehwag reacts to rumours of being approached for chief selector’s post This is not the first time when Ashwin emphasised on the need for sense of security among players within the dressing room. Soon after he returned to the country after WTC final snub, Ashwin talked about the "overthinker" name tag attached to him and reasoned out that it was natural for him to be "traumatised" and "overthink" knowing he has limited chances compared to a player assured of a longer run. In an interaction with Indian Express, the 36-year-old Ashwin stated, "A lot of people marketed me and positioned me that I am an overthinker. A person who will get 15-20 matches on the go doesn’t have to be mentally overthinking. A person who knows that they will get only two games will be traumatised and will be overthinking because it’s my job. It’s my journey. So this is what suits me. If somebody is going to tell me, ‘you’re going to play 15 matches, you will be looked after, you will be this, you are responsible for players, you are in the leadership role, I won’t be overthinking. Why would I?" Ashwin will now gear up for India's two-match Test series versus hosts West Indies, which will kick off Rohit & Co.'s run in WTC 2023-25 cycle, starting on July 12. 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. ×

R Ashwin credits MS Dhoni for creating 'sense of security' in Team India after WTC final snub

<p>Indian cricket is not at its best. The senior men's team have not won an ICC title since 2013 and recently lost the WTC final to Australia by 209 runs. While a lot of questions have been raised about Indian captain Rohit Sharma&nbsp;and head coach Rahul Dravid, BCCI has also been slammed for not giving enough breaks to players between tournaments. Moreover, many have thrashed the Indian cricket board for not finding a chief selector ever since Chetan Sharma left the post vacant following his explosive remarks during a TV&nbsp;sting operation early in 2023.</p>

<p>While BCCI continues to struggle to find Chetan Sharma's successor, reports have suggested that former Indian opener Virender Sehwag&nbsp;could represent North Zone in the selection committee and also become the next chief selector. BCCI is looking for a big name to head the selection committee, and while Sehwag is eligible to take over the post, he is unlikely to apply for it due to the pay package.</p>

<h2><strong>Why big names such as Virender Sehwag may not apply for chief selector's post?</strong></h2>

<p>As per reports in the news agency PTI, the pay package isn't lucrative enough to attract big names such as Sehwag for the post of chief selector. It is to be noted that the current salary of a chief selector is INR 1 crore (10 million). A BCCI official, on condition&nbsp;of&nbsp;anonymity, spoke at length to PTI about the matter, with regards to Sehwag's name cropping up as an ideal candidate. He&nbsp;said, "During CoA's time, Viru was asked to apply for the head coach's job and then it went to Anil Kumble. It is unlikely he will apply himself and also the pay package isn't something that will be financially viable for someone of his stature. But if we talk about stature, only he makes the cut from North Zone. It is not that BCCI can't pay a chairman of selectors at least Rs 4-5 crore. It can actually solve a lot of these conflict of interest issues which prevent prominent players from even thinking of coming into selection committee."</p>

<p><strong>Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ashes-2023-england-focused-on-entertaining-more-than-winning-1st-test-says-geoffrey-boycott-607345">Ashes 2023: England focused on entertaining more than winning 1st Test, says Geoffrey Boycott</a></strong></p>

<p>Further, the BCCI official stressed on the importance of having a significant name as the chief selector. The official added that the selector needs to take brave decisions and also stand his ground in front of the captain and coach.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"When Dilip bhai was chairman, he had to make a choice between S Badrinath and Virat Kohli. He saw a few India A games in Australia and he knew whom to back. Rest is history. He could stand his ground in front of Greg Chappell before that."</p>

<p>At present, former Indian opener Shiv Sundar Das, from the East Zone, is spearheading the selection committee. The senior men's team will be in action next month during their all-format tour of the West Indies, starting July 12. BCCI will be eager to appoint the head of the selection committee very soon with the ODI World Cup to be held later this year at home.</p>

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Indian cricket is not at its best. The senior men's team have not won an ICC title since 2013 and recently lost the WTC final to Australia by 209 runs. While a lot of questions have been raised about Indian captain Rohit Sharma and head coach Rahul Dravid, BCCI has also been slammed for not giving enough breaks to players between tournaments.

Indian cricket is not at its best. The senior men's team have not won an ICC title since 2013 and recently lost the WTC final to Australia by 209 runs. While a lot of questions have been raised about Indian captain Rohit Sharma and head coach Rahul Dravid, BCCI has also been slammed for not giving enough breaks to players between tournaments. Moreover, many have thrashed the Indian cricket board for not finding a chief selector ever since Chetan Sharma left the post vacant following his explosive remarks during a TV sting operation early in 2023. While BCCI continues to struggle to find Chetan Sharma's successor, reports have suggested that former Indian opener Virender Sehwag could represent North Zone in the selection committee and also become the next chief selector. BCCI is looking for a big name to head the selection committee, and while Sehwag is eligible to take over the post, he is unlikely to apply for it due to the pay package. Why big names such as Virender Sehwag may not apply for chief selector's post? As per reports in the news agency PTI, the pay package isn't lucrative enough to attract big names such as Sehwag for the post of chief selector. It is to be noted that the current salary of a chief selector is INR 1 crore (10 million). A BCCI official, on condition of anonymity, spoke at length to PTI about the matter, with regards to Sehwag's name cropping up as an ideal candidate. He said, "During CoA's time, Viru was asked to apply for the head coach's job and then it went to Anil Kumble. It is unlikely he will apply himself and also the pay package isn't something that will be financially viable for someone of his stature. But if we talk about stature, only he makes the cut from North Zone. It is not that BCCI can't pay a chairman of selectors at least Rs 4-5 crore. It can actually solve a lot of these conflict of interest issues which prevent prominent players from even thinking of coming into selection committee." Also Read: Ashes 2023: England focused on entertaining more than winning 1st Test, says Geoffrey Boycott Further, the BCCI official stressed on the importance of having a significant name as the chief selector. The official added that the selector needs to take brave decisions and also stand his ground in front of the captain and coach. "When Dilip bhai was chairman, he had to make a choice between S Badrinath and Virat Kohli. He saw a few India A games in Australia and he knew whom to back. Rest is history. He could stand his ground in front of Greg Chappell before that." At present, former Indian opener Shiv Sundar Das, from the East Zone, is spearheading the selection committee. The senior men's team will be in action next month during their all-format tour of the West Indies, starting July 12. BCCI will be eager to appoint the head of the selection committee very soon with the ODI World Cup to be held later this year at home. 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. ×

Virender Sehwag eligible to become chief selector, unlikely to apply due to THIS reason - Reports

<p>India lost the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) final to Australia by a whopping 209-run margin at The Oval, London, earlier&nbsp;this month. Having reached the WTC final for the second time in a row, India once again finished second&nbsp;(they lost&nbsp;to New Zealand in the summit clash of the inaugural cycle in 2021). India will now commence their campaign in the third cycle of the WTC with a two-match Test series versus West Indies in the Caribbean island, starting on July 12.</p>

<p>Prior to the Indian Test squad announcement by the BCCI selectors, former Indian cricketer Sanjay Manjrekar shared his take on the team composition going forward. Manjrekar feels Indian selectors need to make some big decisions and should include at least three new batters and pacers in the mix, with many senior players looking out of touch, while the likes of Jasprit Bumrah, Shreyas Iyer, Rishabh Pant, KL Rahul, etc. remain injured.</p>

<h2><strong>'About time we start rewarding the guys who are doing well in first-class cricket'</strong></h2>

<p>"The game changers for Australia in the WTC final - Steve Smith and Travis Head - don't play a lot of T20 cricket. So we have to find guys who are not going to be fatigued or don't have to make the adjustments from IPL to Test cricket. About time we start rewarding the guys who are doing well in first-class cricket. And not just runs. The selectors could look at players who have it in them to be future Test players and succeed in foreign conditions. I would like to see at least three new batters come into play in the picture and new fast bowlers," Manjrekar said on ESPNCricinfo.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/is-it-going-to-hold-up-ricky-ponting-questions-englands-style-of-play-after-edgbaston-thriller-606880">'Is it going to hold up': Ricky Ponting questions England's 'style of play' after Edgbaston thriller</a></strong></p>

<p>The cricketer-turned-commentator further opined, "When it comes to batting, they just have to look at first-class performers and not just the amount of runs the player has scored. if you closely observe our domestic cricket then you will find players for No. 3, 4, 5 who has a decent defensive technique, has an appetite for runs and that's your guy, that's the guy to back."</p>

<p>On the pace department, Manjrekar added, "Just a few months back I was taking pride in the depth that we have in our seam-bowling department and suddenly Bumrah is not fit. There are quite fit others like Prasidh Krishna so maybe for Test cricket, India need to create a new line of fast bowlers. Now you should look for specific test players. If somebody gets injured, we should have backups ready. Like Scott Boland. Came in straightaway and made an impact. We had to go back to Umesh Yadav which is not a good sign."</p>

<p>India's tour of West Indies will comprise two Tests, three ODIs and five T20Is. It will be interesting to see if the likes of Cheteshwar Pujara, Ajinkya Rahane, Umesh Yadav, etc. retain&nbsp;their spots or are replaced by the young guns. Meanwhile, even Virat Kohli's Test numbers have been below par in recent years whereas Rohit and R Ashwin do not have age and fitness on their side.</p>

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India lost the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) final to Australia by a whopping 209-run margin at The Oval, London, earlier this month. Having reached the WTC final for the second time in a row, India once again finished second (they lost to New Zealand in the summit clash of the inaugural cycle in 2021).

India lost the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) final to Australia by a whopping 209-run margin at The Oval, London, earlier this month. Having reached the WTC final for the second time in a row, India once again finished second (they lost to New Zealand in the summit clash of the inaugural cycle in 2021). India will now commence their campaign in the third cycle of the WTC with a two-match Test series versus West Indies in the Caribbean island, starting on July 12. Prior to the Indian Test squad announcement by the BCCI selectors, former Indian cricketer Sanjay Manjrekar shared his take on the team composition going forward. Manjrekar feels Indian selectors need to make some big decisions and should include at least three new batters and pacers in the mix, with many senior players looking out of touch, while the likes of Jasprit Bumrah, Shreyas Iyer, Rishabh Pant, KL Rahul, etc. remain injured. 'About time we start rewarding the guys who are doing well in first-class cricket' "The game changers for Australia in the WTC final - Steve Smith and Travis Head - don't play a lot of T20 cricket. So we have to find guys who are not going to be fatigued or don't have to make the adjustments from IPL to Test cricket. About time we start rewarding the guys who are doing well in first-class cricket. And not just runs. The selectors could look at players who have it in them to be future Test players and succeed in foreign conditions. I would like to see at least three new batters come into play in the picture and new fast bowlers," Manjrekar said on ESPNCricinfo. Also Read: 'Is it going to hold up': Ricky Ponting questions England's 'style of play' after Edgbaston thriller The cricketer-turned-commentator further opined, "When it comes to batting, they just have to look at first-class performers and not just the amount of runs the player has scored. if you closely observe our domestic cricket then you will find players for No. 3, 4, 5 who has a decent defensive technique, has an appetite for runs and that's your guy, that's the guy to back." On the pace department, Manjrekar added, "Just a few months back I was taking pride in the depth that we have in our seam-bowling department and suddenly Bumrah is not fit. There are quite fit others like Prasidh Krishna so maybe for Test cricket, India need to create a new line of fast bowlers. Now you should look for specific test players. If somebody gets injured, we should have backups ready. Like Scott Boland. Came in straightaway and made an impact. We had to go back to Umesh Yadav which is not a good sign." India's tour of West Indies will comprise two Tests, three ODIs and five T20Is. It will be interesting to see if the likes of Cheteshwar Pujara, Ajinkya Rahane, Umesh Yadav, etc. retain their spots or are replaced by the young guns. Meanwhile, even Virat Kohli's Test numbers have been below par in recent years whereas Rohit and R Ashwin do not have age and fitness on their side. 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. ×

West Indies tour: Sanjay Manjrekar calls for inclusion of '3 new batters and pacers' in India's Test line-up

<p>Indian captain Rohit Sharma is expected to be available for the selection for the West Indies tour. Multiple reports had previously suggested that Rohit may be rested for the Test series against the Caribbean opponents. But an article published by INSIDESPORT has now claimed that the 36-year-old is available for selection in the West Indies series. The report published by the above-mentioned-outlet also suggests that Indian selectors may very well be interested in adding someone like Sarfaraz Khan in the Test squad for the two-match series.</p>

<p>Having performed well in the Ranji Trophy in recent times, Sarfaraz can certainly secure his berth in the Test squad. It is being learnt that Rohit will handle the leadership duties in Tests and ODIs. Rohit and Virat are expected not to not take part in the T20I series against West Indies.</p>

<p><br />
Apart from Sarfaraz Khan, pacer Mukesh Kumar can find his name in the Test squad as well. Mohammed Siraj and Mohammed Shami are expected to be rotated in a bid to keep themselves fit. Umesh Yadav’s place in the playing XI also appears to be questionable and Jaydev Unadkat, in all likelihood, can be included in the side.The report even suggests that wicketkeeper Ishan Kishan is set to make his Test debut. Kishan is undergoing strength conditioning at the National Cricket Academy (NCA) in Bengaluru. KS Bharat, on the other hand, may remain in the dugout. The selectors will reportedly discuss ways to bring back Hardik Pandya in red-ball cricket.</p>

<p><br />
After failing to do anything effective in the World Test Championship (WTC) final against Australia, Indian cricket fans would desperately want Rohit Sharma to regain his form as soon as possible. With the World Cup scheduled to be played in India later this year, the West Indies series could be the platform where Rohit can find the momentum back by producing some crucial knocks.</p>

<p><br />
Rohit Sharma’s average has been 49.27 in ODIs in the last 12 months. He has scored one century and four half-centuries in 13 innings. He has also recorded a strike rate of 111.52. In Tests, his average is of 37.5 in five matches.</p>

<p><br />
KL Rahul, Shreyas Iyer and Jasprit Bumrah, however, will not be able to take part in the series against West Indies. The first Test between India and West Indies will start from July 17. After the completion of the two-match Test series, the two sides will be involved in ODIs and T20Is.</p>


The first Test between India and West Indies will start from July 17. After the completion of the two-match Test series, the two sides will be involved in ODIs and T20Is.

Indian captain Rohit Sharma is expected to be available for the selection for the West Indies tour. Multiple reports had previously suggested that Rohit may be rested for the Test series against the Caribbean opponents. But an article published by INSIDESPORT has now claimed that the 36-year-old is available for selection in the West Indies series. The report published by the above-mentioned-outlet also suggests that Indian selectors may very well be interested in adding someone like Sarfaraz Khan in the Test squad for the two-match series. Having performed well in the Ranji Trophy in recent times, Sarfaraz can certainly secure his berth in the Test squad. It is being learnt that Rohit will handle the leadership duties in Tests and ODIs. Rohit and Virat are expected not to not take part in the T20I series against West Indies. Apart from Sarfaraz Khan, pacer Mukesh Kumar can find his name in the Test squad as well. Mohammed Siraj and Mohammed Shami are expected to be rotated in a bid to keep themselves fit. Umesh Yadav’s place in the playing XI also appears to be questionable and Jaydev Unadkat, in all likelihood, can be included in the side.The report even suggests that wicketkeeper Ishan Kishan is set to make his Test debut. Kishan is undergoing strength conditioning at the National Cricket Academy (NCA) in Bengaluru. KS Bharat, on the other hand, may remain in the dugout. The selectors will reportedly discuss ways to bring back Hardik Pandya in red-ball cricket. After failing to do anything effective in the World Test Championship (WTC) final against Australia, Indian cricket fans would desperately want Rohit Sharma to regain his form as soon as possible. With the World Cup scheduled to be played in India later this year, the West Indies series could be the platform where Rohit can find the momentum back by producing some crucial knocks. Rohit Sharma’s average has been 49.27 in ODIs in the last 12 months. He has scored one century and four half-centuries in 13 innings. He has also recorded a strike rate of 111.52. In Tests, his average is of 37.5 in five matches. KL Rahul, Shreyas Iyer and Jasprit Bumrah, however, will not be able to take part in the series against West Indies. The first Test between India and West Indies will start from July 17. After the completion of the two-match Test series, the two sides will be involved in ODIs and T20Is.

Rohit Sharma set to lead against West Indies: Report

<p>India locked horns with Australia in the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) final and lost by 209 runs at The Oval, London earlier this month. With another failure in an ICC event, India's trophyless run continues in mega tournaments since 2013. Ever since Rohit Sharma took over the captaincy from Virat Kohli, he was expected to take the national side to some big wins in ICC events. But India have failed twice under his leadership. In the 2022 T20 World Cup, India were hammered by eventual winners England by ten wickets and now lost to Australia in the WTC finale.</p>

<p>India's ICC title drought continues since 2013 when they won the ICC Champions Trophy under MS Dhoni. Thus, a lot of questions are now being raised about Rohit's captaincy. He has a herculean task ahead as Hitman not only needs to win the next ICC tournament, i.e. the 2023 ODI World Cup at home later this year&nbsp;but find an able successor for a smooth transition. While many are calling for his removal as captain, especially in whites, former Australian skipper Michael Clarke has backed him.</p>

<h2><strong>'I think he is a very good captain. I like his aggressive approach'</strong></h2>

<p>Speaking to&nbsp;<i>RevSportz</i>&nbsp;after India's&nbsp;WTC final loss,&nbsp;Clarke stated, "I would be keeping the faith with Rohit. I think he is a very good captain. I like his aggressive approach, he looks to be as positive as he can be. He has had a lot of success as a leader. Look at his IPL record for Mumbai (Indians). Just because India didn’t win the Test World Championship doesn’t mean Rohit is not the right guy to lead India. The fact that India qualified again, they are the only team to make consecutive finals, says a lot about how they have played their Test cricket over the past four years. It is also a very important time for stability with the One-Day World Cup right around the corner."</p>

<p><strong>Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/i-need-closure-r-ashwin-reflects-on-his-tweet-after-indias-big-loss-in-wtc-final-vs-australia-606352">'I need closure': R Ashwin reflects on his tweet after India's big loss in WTC final vs Australia</a></strong></p>

<p>Clarke added, "He has done well as a batter as well. Think of his hundred in the last series. Losing a one-off final doesn't make him a bad captain and nor does it make India a bad team. To make consecutive finals isn't easy. What it means is that India was the only team to play consistently well over a period of four years. To do so in Test cricket is commendable and I would urge you to look at that as well before making any kind of judgment call."</p>

<p>Team India have a lot on their plate going forward. They need to start the 2023-25 WTC cycle on a positive note, start looking at the future, groom young leaders and aim to end their ICC title drought later this year with the ODI WC to be held at home. Will Rohit deliver as captain? Only time will tell...</p>

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India locked horns with Australia in the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) final and lost by 209 runs at The Oval, London earlier this month. With another failure in an ICC event, India's trophyless run continues in mega tournaments since 2013.

India locked horns with Australia in the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) final and lost by 209 runs at The Oval, London earlier this month. With another failure in an ICC event, India's trophyless run continues in mega tournaments since 2013. Ever since Rohit Sharma took over the captaincy from Virat Kohli, he was expected to take the national side to some big wins in ICC events. But India have failed twice under his leadership. In the 2022 T20 World Cup, India were hammered by eventual winners England by ten wickets and now lost to Australia in the WTC finale. India's ICC title drought continues since 2013 when they won the ICC Champions Trophy under MS Dhoni. Thus, a lot of questions are now being raised about Rohit's captaincy. He has a herculean task ahead as Hitman not only needs to win the next ICC tournament, i.e. the 2023 ODI World Cup at home later this year but find an able successor for a smooth transition. While many are calling for his removal as captain, especially in whites, former Australian skipper Michael Clarke has backed him. 'I think he is a very good captain. I like his aggressive approach' Speaking to RevSportz after India's WTC final loss, Clarke stated, "I would be keeping the faith with Rohit. I think he is a very good captain. I like his aggressive approach, he looks to be as positive as he can be. He has had a lot of success as a leader. Look at his IPL record for Mumbai (Indians). Just because India didn’t win the Test World Championship doesn’t mean Rohit is not the right guy to lead India. The fact that India qualified again, they are the only team to make consecutive finals, says a lot about how they have played their Test cricket over the past four years. It is also a very important time for stability with the One-Day World Cup right around the corner." Also Read: 'I need closure': R Ashwin reflects on his tweet after India's big loss in WTC final vs Australia Clarke added, "He has done well as a batter as well. Think of his hundred in the last series. Losing a one-off final doesn't make him a bad captain and nor does it make India a bad team. To make consecutive finals isn't easy. What it means is that India was the only team to play consistently well over a period of four years. To do so in Test cricket is commendable and I would urge you to look at that as well before making any kind of judgment call." Team India have a lot on their plate going forward. They need to start the 2023-25 WTC cycle on a positive note, start looking at the future, groom young leaders and aim to end their ICC title drought later this year with the ODI WC to be held at home. Will Rohit deliver as captain? Only time will tell... 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. ×

'Just because they didn’t win WTC final...': Former Aussie skipper backs Rohit Sharma to remain India captain

<p>Dilip Vengsarkar, India's 1983 World Cup-winning member and former BCCI chief selector, has slammed the board and its selection committee for lack of vision and cricketing sense. Vengsarkar believes India have failed to identify and groom a young skipper who can take over from Rohit Sharma. The former Indian batter has lashed out at the BCCI and past selectors for making Shikhar Dhawan the stand-in captain when tours overlapped for Team India in the past two years.</p>

<p>In 2021-22, there have been plenty of instances when Dhawan led the Men in Blue in white-ball formats with many senior players rested or involved in red-ball assignments. Thus, Vengsarkar has slammed BCCI and the selection committee for not backing a youngster to lead the charge. In addition, he raised questions about India's bench&nbsp;strength.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/r-ashwin-opens-up-on-being-denied-india-test-captaincy-after-wtc-final-snub-606066">R Ashwin opens up on being denied India Test captaincy after WTC final snub</a></strong></p>

<h2><strong>'They made Shikhar Dhawan India captain'</strong></h2>

<p>Vengsarkar told Hindustan Times, "The unfortunate part is that the selectors I have seen over the last six-seven years neither have the vision, deep knowledge about the game or cricketing sense. They made Shikhar Dhawan India captain (when tours overlapped and the core players were&nbsp;not available); it is where you can groom the future captain."</p>

<p><strong>Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/not-100-certain-rohit-sharma-will-remain-test-captain-says-former-indian-openers-after-wtc-final-debacle-606047">Not 100% certain Rohit Sharma will remain Test captain, says former Indian opener after WTC final debacle</a></strong></p>

<p>He added, "You talk about the richest cricket board in the world, where is the bench strength? Just having IPL, earning crores of rupees in media rights, it should not be the only achievement."&nbsp;</p>

<p>Vengsarkar is among the many former Indian players who are not happy with the current operations in Indian cricket. Rohit-led India were recently seen in action in the WTC final where they lost to Australia by 209 runs as their ICC title drought continues since 2013. They will next be seen in action in their upcoming all-format tour of the West Indies starting next month.</p>

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Dilip Vengsarkar, India's 1983 World Cup-winning member and former BCCI chief selector, has slammed the board and its selection committee for lack of vision and cricketing sense.

Dilip Vengsarkar, India's 1983 World Cup-winning member and former BCCI chief selector, has slammed the board and its selection committee for lack of vision and cricketing sense. Vengsarkar believes India have failed to identify and groom a young skipper who can take over from Rohit Sharma. The former Indian batter has lashed out at the BCCI and past selectors for making Shikhar Dhawan the stand-in captain when tours overlapped for Team India in the past two years. In 2021-22, there have been plenty of instances when Dhawan led the Men in Blue in white-ball formats with many senior players rested or involved in red-ball assignments. Thus, Vengsarkar has slammed BCCI and the selection committee for not backing a youngster to lead the charge. In addition, he raised questions about India's bench strength. Also Read: R Ashwin opens up on being denied India Test captaincy after WTC final snub 'They made Shikhar Dhawan India captain' Vengsarkar told Hindustan Times, "The unfortunate part is that the selectors I have seen over the last six-seven years neither have the vision, deep knowledge about the game or cricketing sense. They made Shikhar Dhawan India captain (when tours overlapped and the core players were not available); it is where you can groom the future captain." Also Read: Not 100% certain Rohit Sharma will remain Test captain, says former Indian opener after WTC final debacle He added, "You talk about the richest cricket board in the world, where is the bench strength? Just having IPL, earning crores of rupees in media rights, it should not be the only achievement." Vengsarkar is among the many former Indian players who are not happy with the current operations in Indian cricket. Rohit-led India were recently seen in action in the WTC final where they lost to Australia by 209 runs as their ICC title drought continues since 2013. They will next be seen in action in their upcoming all-format tour of the West Indies starting next month. 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. ×

1983 World Cup winner lashes out at BCCI, past selectors for not finding Rohit Sharma's successor

<p>After India's ICC World Test Championship (WTC) final loss to Australia early this month, questions were raised on Rohit Sharma-Rahul Dravid-led Indian think tank. Skipper Rohit and head coach Dravid were criticised for their decision to drop R Ashwin from the playing XI as India once again faltered in a big chance to lift a mega title and end their ten-year-long ICC trophy drought.</p>

<p>As India are set to kick off their campaign in the current WTC 2023-25 cycle, former Indian opener Aakash Chopra made a big claim on Rohit. Chopra is not 100 per cent confident that Rohit will continue as the Test captain in this WTC cycle.</p>

<p>"Rohit Sharma is a good captain. That is out of the question, understands the pulse of the game, doesn’t make common mistakes. He’s very decent. The question is not about Rohit Sharma’s captaincy. It’s about playing XI (for the WTC final). The next question is on the type of pitches they play at home. See, all these decisions are taken by the team management. I am sure Rohit Sharma would’ve been part of the think tank when Virat Kohli was the captain. Now Kohli will also be part of that group too. However, the responsibility lies with the one who goes for the toss. The focus now is on Rohit Sharma and Rahul Dravid like it was before on Virat Kohli and Ravi Shastri. This is the sad reality," Chopra said&nbsp;on his YouTube video.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/virat-kohli-charges-around-1-million-per-instagram-post-net-worth-of-approximate-126-million-report-605954">Virat Kohli charges around $1 million per Instagram post, net worth approximately $126mn: Report</a></strong></p>

<h2><strong>'I am not 100% certain because you have...'</strong></h2>

<p>Chopra further opined, "Rohit is a good captain, there is no doubt about that. Rohit is a good Test batter, there is no doubt about that as well, but will the future remain like this only - I am not 100% certain because you have reached the final in the last two cycles but haven't won even once, and age is not on his side, this is the reality. When you see the next two years, and another WTC cycle - 2025, Rohit Sharma could still be playing Test cricket if he really wants to play Test cricket. Six series is a lot of time."</p>

<p>"Can the selectors, by the end of 2023, when you come back from South Africa, start thinking about the next WTC final? One year will remain. There will be five Test matches against England. Then you have to go to Australia, so should they look for a change? This is going to be an interesting one," the ex-Indian batter&nbsp;added.</p>

<p>In the WTC 2023-25 cycle, India will tour West Indies, Australia, and South Africa whereas they will host England, New Zealand, and Bangladesh. After ending second in the previous two WTC cycles, they will aim to win the title this time around.&nbsp;</p>

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After India's ICC World Test Championship (WTC) final loss to Australia early this month, questions were raised on Rohit Sharma-Rahul Dravid-led Indian think tank.

After India's ICC World Test Championship (WTC) final loss to Australia early this month, questions were raised on Rohit Sharma-Rahul Dravid-led Indian think tank. Skipper Rohit and head coach Dravid were criticised for their decision to drop R Ashwin from the playing XI as India once again faltered in a big chance to lift a mega title and end their ten-year-long ICC trophy drought. As India are set to kick off their campaign in the current WTC 2023-25 cycle, former Indian opener Aakash Chopra made a big claim on Rohit. Chopra is not 100 per cent confident that Rohit will continue as the Test captain in this WTC cycle. "Rohit Sharma is a good captain. That is out of the question, understands the pulse of the game, doesn’t make common mistakes. He’s very decent. The question is not about Rohit Sharma’s captaincy. It’s about playing XI (for the WTC final). The next question is on the type of pitches they play at home. See, all these decisions are taken by the team management. I am sure Rohit Sharma would’ve been part of the think tank when Virat Kohli was the captain. Now Kohli will also be part of that group too. However, the responsibility lies with the one who goes for the toss. The focus now is on Rohit Sharma and Rahul Dravid like it was before on Virat Kohli and Ravi Shastri. This is the sad reality," Chopra said on his YouTube video. Also Read: Virat Kohli charges around $1 million per Instagram post, net worth approximately $126mn: Report 'I am not 100% certain because you have...' Chopra further opined, "Rohit is a good captain, there is no doubt about that. Rohit is a good Test batter, there is no doubt about that as well, but will the future remain like this only - I am not 100% certain because you have reached the final in the last two cycles but haven't won even once, and age is not on his side, this is the reality. When you see the next two years, and another WTC cycle - 2025, Rohit Sharma could still be playing Test cricket if he really wants to play Test cricket. Six series is a lot of time." "Can the selectors, by the end of 2023, when you come back from South Africa, start thinking about the next WTC final? One year will remain. There will be five Test matches against England. Then you have to go to Australia, so should they look for a change? This is going to be an interesting one," the ex-Indian batter added. In the WTC 2023-25 cycle, India will tour West Indies, Australia, and South Africa whereas they will host England, New Zealand, and Bangladesh. After ending second in the previous two WTC cycles, they will aim to win the title this time around. 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. ×

Not 100% certain Rohit Sharma will remain Test captain, says former Indian opener after WTC final debacle

<p>India captain Rohit Sharma might be the newest addition to the list of players who could be rested for 'some part' of the upcoming West Indies tour, per the latest reports. India will tour the Caribbean Islands for two Tests, three ODIs and five T20Is, starting July 12 - the schedule of which was announced last week.</p>

<p>Having played regular cricket since February this year, including the Border-Gavaskar series, the IPL 2023 and then the World Test Championship Final, Rohit has looked worn out, and selectors seem to take note of this. As reported by the Times of India (TOI), the selectors will sit together to pick the squad for the West Indies series on June 27.</p>

<p>Other than hitting an impressive hundred in the first innings of the Nagpur Test against Australia, Rohit didn't contribute much with the bat in outings after that. For Mumbai Indians in the IPL 2023, he was mediocre, scoring just 332 runs from 16 games averaging 20.75. Though his team somehow reached the playoffs, Rohit's poor form got everyone worried, considering the WTC Final 2023.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/trent-boults-flexi-contract-with-nzc-will-open-a-can-of-worms-feels-ex-coach-mike-hesson-605061">Trent Boult's 'flexi' contract with NZC will open a 'can of worms', feels ex-coach Mike Hesson</a></p>

<p>Even in the all-important one-off clash against the Aussies, Rohit scored 15 and 43 in two innings.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“Rohit looked a bit jaded during the IPL and the World Test Championship final in England. The selectors want him to rest for some part of the West Indies tour. He’s likely to miss the Tests or the eight-match white-ball series (three ODIs and five T20Is) to follow. The selectors will speak to Rohit and then take a decision,” a source close to developments told TOI.</p>

<h2>Who will captain if Rohit is rested?</h2>

<p>In case the selectors decide to rest Rohit for the two-match Tests, Ajinkya Rahane, who enjoyed his return to the red-ball setup with a brilliant 89 and 46 against Australia, could be asked to be the stand-in captain.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Besides Rohit, either Mohammed Siraj or Mohammed Shami could also be rested for the Test series.</p>

<p>Earlier reports suggested the board is looking to replace Cheteshwar Pujara with the young Yashasvi Jaiswal, while Mukesh Kumar could come in place of experienced Umesh Yadav.&nbsp;</p>

<p>If Rohit gets rested for the Tests and selectors also decide to hand Virat Kohli extra time off, Pujara could retain his place in the team.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Moreover, Hardik Pandya is expected to lead the new-looking T20I side with the inclusion of uncapped players like Jaiswal and Rinku Singh.</p>

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India captain Rohit Sharma might be the newest addition to the list of players who could be rested for 'some part' of the upcoming West Indies tour, per the latest reports.

India captain Rohit Sharma might be the newest addition to the list of players who could be rested for 'some part' of the upcoming West Indies tour, per the latest reports. India will tour the Caribbean Islands for two Tests, three ODIs and five T20Is, starting July 12 - the schedule of which was announced last week. Having played regular cricket since February this year, including the Border-Gavaskar series, the IPL 2023 and then the World Test Championship Final, Rohit has looked worn out, and selectors seem to take note of this. As reported by the Times of India (TOI), the selectors will sit together to pick the squad for the West Indies series on June 27. Other than hitting an impressive hundred in the first innings of the Nagpur Test against Australia, Rohit didn't contribute much with the bat in outings after that. For Mumbai Indians in the IPL 2023, he was mediocre, scoring just 332 runs from 16 games averaging 20.75. Though his team somehow reached the playoffs, Rohit's poor form got everyone worried, considering the WTC Final 2023. ALSO READ: Trent Boult's 'flexi' contract with NZC will open a 'can of worms', feels ex-coach Mike Hesson Even in the all-important one-off clash against the Aussies, Rohit scored 15 and 43 in two innings. “Rohit looked a bit jaded during the IPL and the World Test Championship final in England. The selectors want him to rest for some part of the West Indies tour. He’s likely to miss the Tests or the eight-match white-ball series (three ODIs and five T20Is) to follow. The selectors will speak to Rohit and then take a decision,” a source close to developments told TOI. Who will captain if Rohit is rested? In case the selectors decide to rest Rohit for the two-match Tests, Ajinkya Rahane, who enjoyed his return to the red-ball setup with a brilliant 89 and 46 against Australia, could be asked to be the stand-in captain. Besides Rohit, either Mohammed Siraj or Mohammed Shami could also be rested for the Test series. Earlier reports suggested the board is looking to replace Cheteshwar Pujara with the young Yashasvi Jaiswal, while Mukesh Kumar could come in place of experienced Umesh Yadav. If Rohit gets rested for the Tests and selectors also decide to hand Virat Kohli extra time off, Pujara could retain his place in the team. Moreover, Hardik Pandya is expected to lead the new-looking T20I side with the inclusion of uncapped players like Jaiswal and Rinku Singh. WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

WI vs IND 2023: Selectors ponder over resting 'worn-out' Rohit Sharma for few matches - Reports

<p>Former India skipper Sunil Gavaskar has come down hard on the Indian cricket team following its 209-run loss in the World Test Championship (WTC) Final against Australia. Gavaskar, after the match, criticised senior players like Virat Kohli and Cheteshwar Pujara for getting out on cheap shots.</p>

<p>"I have been in the teams where we have been knocked out at 42 and we had been miserable in the change rooms. We were also criticized heavily. So, I think you cannot say that the current lot is not beyond criticism. They have to be very analytical about what happened, how they get out, why didn't they bowl well, why didn't they catch, was the selection of the Playing XI was the right thing, so all these factors have to come in," said Gavaskar in a chat on Star Sports.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read:</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/selectors-may-take-decision-on-rohits-captaincy-later-this-year-report-604215">Selectors may take decision on Rohit's captaincy later this year - Report</a></p>

<p>India's next assignment is against West Indies where they are slated to play two Test, three ODIs and five T20Is. Gavaskar, however, isn't bothered about that much and said that the upcoming tour can't be the excuse to brush WTC Final loss under the carpet.</p>

<p>"You cannot brush this under the carpet like 'yeah we have got two matches against West Indies'. West Indies are not the best team in the world. You just go and hammer them 2-0, 3-0, whatever the matches are. This doesn't mean anything because when you come across and if you go to the finals and if you are playing Australia again, making the same mistakes, then how would you win the trophy?" he added.</p>

<p>Notably, Rohit's decision to drop number one Test-ranked bowler Ravi Ashwin also met with a lot of criticism by fans and cricket experts alike, including from Sachin Tendulkar. The skipper, however, had said at the toss on day 1 of the final that it was hard to drop the ace spinner but the decision was needed for the team.</p>

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Former India skipper Sunil Gavaskar has come down hard on the Indian cricket team following its 209-run loss in the World Test Championship (WTC) Final against Australia.

Former India skipper Sunil Gavaskar has come down hard on the Indian cricket team following its 209-run loss in the World Test Championship (WTC) Final against Australia. Gavaskar, after the match, criticised senior players like Virat Kohli and Cheteshwar Pujara for getting out on cheap shots. "I have been in the teams where we have been knocked out at 42 and we had been miserable in the change rooms. We were also criticized heavily. So, I think you cannot say that the current lot is not beyond criticism. They have to be very analytical about what happened, how they get out, why didn't they bowl well, why didn't they catch, was the selection of the Playing XI was the right thing, so all these factors have to come in," said Gavaskar in a chat on Star Sports. Also Read: Selectors may take decision on Rohit's captaincy later this year - Report India's next assignment is against West Indies where they are slated to play two Test, three ODIs and five T20Is. Gavaskar, however, isn't bothered about that much and said that the upcoming tour can't be the excuse to brush WTC Final loss under the carpet. "You cannot brush this under the carpet like 'yeah we have got two matches against West Indies'. West Indies are not the best team in the world. You just go and hammer them 2-0, 3-0, whatever the matches are. This doesn't mean anything because when you come across and if you go to the finals and if you are playing Australia again, making the same mistakes, then how would you win the trophy?" he added. Notably, Rohit's decision to drop number one Test-ranked bowler Ravi Ashwin also met with a lot of criticism by fans and cricket experts alike, including from Sachin Tendulkar. The skipper, however, had said at the toss on day 1 of the final that it was hard to drop the ace spinner but the decision was needed for the team. 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.

Sunil Gavaskar says India beating West Indies 2-0 on upcoming tour won't 'mean anything' after WTC Final loss

<p>Skipper Rohit Sharma is under pressure after India's recent loss against Australia in the World Test Championship (WTC) Final by 209 runs. This was India's second consecutive loss in the WTC Final after losing the first final against New Zealand in 2021 under Virat Kohli.</p>

<p>India will now travel to West Indies for a full tour which will comprise two Tests, three ODIs and five T20Is. The 36-year-old is set to lead India on the tour but will he go on to lead India throughout the current WTC Cycle of 2023-25 remains to be seen. According a report by the news agency PTI, the selectors may take a call on Rohit's captaincy after the two Tests against West Indies. The report, citing a source, however, said that Rohit isn't going to be removed from captaincy immediately.</p>

<p>Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ashes-2023-moeen-ali-reveals-who-made-him-come-out-of-test-retirement-604190">Ashes 2023: Moeen Ali reveals who made him come out of Test retirement</a></p>

<p>"These are baseless stuff that Rohit will be removed from captaincy. Yes, whether he will last the whole two-year WTC cycle is a big question as he would be nearly 38 when the third edition ends in 2025," a senior BCCI source told PTI on condition of anonymity. "As of now, I believe that Shiv Sunder Das and his colleagues will have to take a call after the two Tests and looking at his batting form."</p>

<p>"After West Indies, we have no Tests till December-end when the team travels to South Africa. So there is enough time for selectors to deliberate and take a decision. By then the fifth selector (new chairman) will also join the panel and a decision can be taken," the source added.</p>

<p>After taking on the captaincy, Rohit has led India in seven Tests and missed three - one in England due to COVID-19 and two against Bangladesh due to split webbing. Rohit has scored 390 runs in those seven matches at an average of 35.45 with his 120 against Australia in Nagpur Test of the Border-Gavaskar series being the highlight.</p>

<p>The source also told PTI that Rohit wasn't keen on taking the Test captaincy but erstwhile president Sourav Ganguly and secretary Jay Shah convinced him to do so.</p>

<p>"The two top men at that time (former president Sourav Ganguly and secretary Jay Shah) had to convince him to take up the role once KL Rahul failed to impress as a captain in South Africa," the source said.</p>

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Skipper Rohit Sharma is under pressure after India's recent loss against Australia in the World Test Championship (WTC) Final by 209 runs. This was India's second consecutive loss in the WTC Final after losing the first final against New Zealand in 2021 under Virat Kohli.

Skipper Rohit Sharma is under pressure after India's recent loss against Australia in the World Test Championship (WTC) Final by 209 runs. This was India's second consecutive loss in the WTC Final after losing the first final against New Zealand in 2021 under Virat Kohli. India will now travel to West Indies for a full tour which will comprise two Tests, three ODIs and five T20Is. The 36-year-old is set to lead India on the tour but will he go on to lead India throughout the current WTC Cycle of 2023-25 remains to be seen. According a report by the news agency PTI, the selectors may take a call on Rohit's captaincy after the two Tests against West Indies. The report, citing a source, however, said that Rohit isn't going to be removed from captaincy immediately. Also Read: Ashes 2023: Moeen Ali reveals who made him come out of Test retirement "These are baseless stuff that Rohit will be removed from captaincy. Yes, whether he will last the whole two-year WTC cycle is a big question as he would be nearly 38 when the third edition ends in 2025," a senior BCCI source told PTI on condition of anonymity. "As of now, I believe that Shiv Sunder Das and his colleagues will have to take a call after the two Tests and looking at his batting form." "After West Indies, we have no Tests till December-end when the team travels to South Africa. So there is enough time for selectors to deliberate and take a decision. By then the fifth selector (new chairman) will also join the panel and a decision can be taken," the source added. After taking on the captaincy, Rohit has led India in seven Tests and missed three - one in England due to COVID-19 and two against Bangladesh due to split webbing. Rohit has scored 390 runs in those seven matches at an average of 35.45 with his 120 against Australia in Nagpur Test of the Border-Gavaskar series being the highlight. The source also told PTI that Rohit wasn't keen on taking the Test captaincy but erstwhile president Sourav Ganguly and secretary Jay Shah convinced him to do so. "The two top men at that time (former president Sourav Ganguly and secretary Jay Shah) had to convince him to take up the role once KL Rahul failed to impress as a captain in South Africa," the source said. 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.

Selectors may take decision on Rohit's captaincy later this year - Report

<p>Is it the right time to address the elephant in the room? Or shall we wait for another lost opportunity at an ICC tournament to start talking about it?</p>

<p>Since last winning an ICC trophy in 2013 - at a time when Facebook had seen its peak, Twitter was emerging to become a social media giant, and Instagram was probably in the earlier stages of being launched, the Indian team failed to bring home any major accolades.</p>

<p>So, where is the problem? It’s not that they are missing&nbsp;world-class players or lack&nbsp;infrastructure, or don't have a setup where youngsters thrive to succeed. Is it luck? Could be, but not entirely! So where does one find an answer to this?</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/you-dont-say-this-in-ipl-gavaskar-slams-rohit-sharma-for-his-latest-remarks-on-wtc-final-format-603529">'You don't say this in IPL...': Gavaskar slams Rohit Sharma for his latest remarks on WTC Final format</a></p>

<p>Maybe it's in front of everyone's eyes, and the Indian cricket fans are happy living in denial. Can happen! The big question here arises what’s stopping the Indian Men’s Team from winning an ICC trophy?</p>

<p>Having lately lost the second straight World Test Championship (WTC) Final, this time to Australia by a massive margin of 209 runs, the Indian players, let alone the fans, looked disappointed with the result and seemed eager to find solutions. With India all set to host the 50-over World Cup later this year, they would want to tick most of the boxes to avoid suffering the same fate as they did during the previous editions.</p>

<h2>Is the way how Test Cricket unfolds in India a problem?</h2>

<p>Maybe no one’s ready for this discussion.</p>

<p>How does wrapping up Test matches in India inside two, three or on the least doctored track, four days, help players across all departments, other than spinners, in any way? Honestly, they are not!</p>

<p>Providing tracks that turn from day one will neither help the batters gain any momentum nor will it see fast bowlers succeeding in Tests in this part of the world. Leave aside the touring sides, it’s a rarity to see more than two Indian pacers taking the field in any Test in these conditions – even considering the venues where they would get some assistance from the pitch.</p>

<p>Now, with spinners taking control of the game from the ball, thus dictating how things will pan out throughout the series, it doesn’t really help the team in the longer run.</p>

<p>India might, and well, have been doing this for the past ten years, to win all those Tests at home, and some even by daunting margins. But the truth is that&nbsp;such tactics are not helping other departments to get better in any way.</p>

<p>It’s understandable, for obvious reasons, why host teams tend to use the home advantage in their favour – which is to win matches and gain a lead on the points table of the WTC Cycle.&nbsp;But what’s the use of that if the same bunch of players were to suffer the old, monotonous fate of falling shy of winning the trophy outside of their home conditions?</p>

<p>India’s past two results in the WTC Finals are prime examples of that.</p>

<p>With the batters failing to score in home conditions, and for countless reasons, not being able to go outside of their bubble and train or play in different domestic leagues, in the County Championships in the UK, for example, their inability to adapt to the new conditions get exposed on the D-day.</p>

<h2>Is high-headedness killing, or has&nbsp;already killed Indian cricket?</h2>

<p>India doesn't have big-name players in the country, India has demigods - be it the great Sachin Tendulkar, Kapil Dev, MS Dhoni and so on. With the amount of love they get from the fans, they are no less than supreme powers on the field in their head, and it has had its adverse effects.</p>

<p>Though a few of the big names in the India line-up have contributed immensely throughout their career, their stubbornness not to learn from their mistakes has shockingly cost India World Cups at a stretch. What’s worse, they keep getting away every single time.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/indias-tour-of-west-indies-2023-cwi-announce-full-schedule-jaiswal-mukesh-kumar-in-line-for-test-call-ups-603590">India’s tour of West Indies 2023: CWI announce full schedule, Jaiswal, Mukesh Kumar in line for Test call-ups</a></p>

<p>The least discussed or untouched, like some taboo, in this country, the egos are now starting to take centre stage. Sure, it’s all part of the game and must have been around for hundreds of years now, but this thing has had its impact on the team environment and subsequently on the results.</p>

<h2>Can India revive?</h2>

<p>They must before it gets too late.</p>

<p>In a few months, the World Cup starts, and this is India’s best chance at glory, having last won in Asia 12 years back.</p>

<p>Sticking around as a team, working on the weaknesses, and deliberately putting in hard yards to prepare for the worst situation can only help India get ready for the biggest winter extravaganza this year.</p>

<p>Before the World Cup gets underway, India will get involved in another multi-team tournament - the Asia Cup 2023, and winning that would boost the side's chances of ending the trophy drought in the home WC.</p>

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<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>


Is it the right time to address the elephant in the room? Or shall we wait for another lost opportunity at an ICC tournament to start talking about it? Since last winning an ICC trophy in 2013 - at a time when Facebook had seen its peak, Twitter was emerging to become a social media giant, and Instagram was probably in the earlier stages of being launched, the Indian team failed to bring home any major accolades.

Is it the right time to address the elephant in the room? Or shall we wait for another lost opportunity at an ICC tournament to start talking about it? Since last winning an ICC trophy in 2013 - at a time when Facebook had seen its peak, Twitter was emerging to become a social media giant, and Instagram was probably in the earlier stages of being launched, the Indian team failed to bring home any major accolades. So, where is the problem? It’s not that they are missing world-class players or lack infrastructure, or don't have a setup where youngsters thrive to succeed. Is it luck? Could be, but not entirely! So where does one find an answer to this? ALSO READ: 'You don't say this in IPL...': Gavaskar slams Rohit Sharma for his latest remarks on WTC Final format Maybe it's in front of everyone's eyes, and the Indian cricket fans are happy living in denial. Can happen! The big question here arises what’s stopping the Indian Men’s Team from winning an ICC trophy? Having lately lost the second straight World Test Championship (WTC) Final, this time to Australia by a massive margin of 209 runs, the Indian players, let alone the fans, looked disappointed with the result and seemed eager to find solutions. With India all set to host the 50-over World Cup later this year, they would want to tick most of the boxes to avoid suffering the same fate as they did during the previous editions. Is the way how Test Cricket unfolds in India a problem? Maybe no one’s ready for this discussion. How does wrapping up Test matches in India inside two, three or on the least doctored track, four days, help players across all departments, other than spinners, in any way? Honestly, they are not! Providing tracks that turn from day one will neither help the batters gain any momentum nor will it see fast bowlers succeeding in Tests in this part of the world. Leave aside the touring sides, it’s a rarity to see more than two Indian pacers taking the field in any Test in these conditions – even considering the venues where they would get some assistance from the pitch. Now, with spinners taking control of the game from the ball, thus dictating how things will pan out throughout the series, it doesn’t really help the team in the longer run. India might, and well, have been doing this for the past ten years, to win all those Tests at home, and some even by daunting margins. But the truth is that such tactics are not helping other departments to get better in any way. It’s understandable, for obvious reasons, why host teams tend to use the home advantage in their favour – which is to win matches and gain a lead on the points table of the WTC Cycle. But what’s the use of that if the same bunch of players were to suffer the old, monotonous fate of falling shy of winning the trophy outside of their home conditions? India’s past two results in the WTC Finals are prime examples of that. With the batters failing to score in home conditions, and for countless reasons, not being able to go outside of their bubble and train or play in different domestic leagues, in the County Championships in the UK, for example, their inability to adapt to the new conditions get exposed on the D-day. Is high-headedness killing, or has already killed Indian cricket? India doesn't have big-name players in the country, India has demigods - be it the great Sachin Tendulkar, Kapil Dev, MS Dhoni and so on. With the amount of love they get from the fans, they are no less than supreme powers on the field in their head, and it has had its adverse effects. Though a few of the big names in the India line-up have contributed immensely throughout their career, their stubbornness not to learn from their mistakes has shockingly cost India World Cups at a stretch. What’s worse, they keep getting away every single time. ALSO READ: India’s tour of West Indies 2023: CWI announce full schedule, Jaiswal, Mukesh Kumar in line for Test call-ups The least discussed or untouched, like some taboo, in this country, the egos are now starting to take centre stage. Sure, it’s all part of the game and must have been around for hundreds of years now, but this thing has had its impact on the team environment and subsequently on the results. Can India revive? They must before it gets too late. In a few months, the World Cup starts, and this is India’s best chance at glory, having last won in Asia 12 years back. Sticking around as a team, working on the weaknesses, and deliberately putting in hard yards to prepare for the worst situation can only help India get ready for the biggest winter extravaganza this year. Before the World Cup gets underway, India will get involved in another multi-team tournament - the Asia Cup 2023, and winning that would boost the side's chances of ending the trophy drought in the home WC. WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

EXPLAINED - What's stopping India from winning ICC trophies? Lack of temperament, poor luck or something else?

<p>Former India captain and BCCI President Sourav Ganguly has expressed his surprise at Virat Kohli's unexpected decision to relinquish his role as the captain of the Indian Test cricket team. Ganguly revealed that the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) was not prepared for Kohli's departure, as it was his personal choice to step down following the South Africa series in 2022.</p>

<p>Fans have been actively campaigning for Kohli's reinstatement as the Test captain, highlighting his remarkable record as captain on social media. During his tenure, Kohli secured the fourth-highest number of victories for an Indian Test captain, with an impressive 40 wins and 11 draws in 68 matches. His win percentage of 50% places him third among all 28 Test captains who have led their teams in 40 or more matches.</p>

<p>In an exclusive interview with Indian news channel Aaj Tak, Ganguly acknowledged the fans' support for Kohli but emphasised that only Kohli himself could provide the reasons behind his decision to step down. Ganguly stated that dwelling on the matter now serves no purpose as the selectors had to appoint a new captain, and Rohit Sharma was deemed the best option at that time.</p>

<p>"BCCI was not prepared for Virat Kohli leaving the Test captaincy. It was unexpected for us also after the South Africa tour. Only Virat Kohli can reveal why he left the captaincy. There is no point talking about this now because Virat Kohli left the Test captaincy. Selectors had to appoint an India captain. And Rohit was the best option at that time," Ganguly said.</p>

<p>However, Kohli had said something in a completely different note. The RCB Captain had said, “There was no prior communication to me at all from when I announced the T20I captaincy decision until the eighth (of December) where, as I said, I got a call one-and-a-half hours before the selection meeting," hinting at a clear rift between him and the board.</p>

<p>Virat Kohli's captaincy stint in Test cricket was highly successful, guiding India to the final of the ICC World Test Championship in 2021. Under his leadership, India achieved several milestones, and Kohli became the most successful Test captain in Indian cricket history at the time of his departure.</p>

<p><br />
Summary - Former India captain and BCCI President Sourav Ganguly expressed surprise at Virat Kohli's decision to step down as the captain of the Indian Test cricket team. Ganguly revealed that the board was not prepared for Kohli's departure, as it was his personal choice after the South Africa series in 2022. Fans have been campaigning for Kohli's reinstatement, citing his impressive record as captain, including 40 wins and 11 draws in 68 matches.</p>


Former India captain and BCCI President Sourav Ganguly has expressed his surprise at Virat Kohli's unexpected decision to relinquish his role as the captain of the Indian Test cricket team.

Former India captain and BCCI President Sourav Ganguly has expressed his surprise at Virat Kohli's unexpected decision to relinquish his role as the captain of the Indian Test cricket team. Ganguly revealed that the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) was not prepared for Kohli's departure, as it was his personal choice to step down following the South Africa series in 2022. Fans have been actively campaigning for Kohli's reinstatement as the Test captain, highlighting his remarkable record as captain on social media. During his tenure, Kohli secured the fourth-highest number of victories for an Indian Test captain, with an impressive 40 wins and 11 draws in 68 matches. His win percentage of 50% places him third among all 28 Test captains who have led their teams in 40 or more matches. In an exclusive interview with Indian news channel Aaj Tak, Ganguly acknowledged the fans' support for Kohli but emphasised that only Kohli himself could provide the reasons behind his decision to step down. Ganguly stated that dwelling on the matter now serves no purpose as the selectors had to appoint a new captain, and Rohit Sharma was deemed the best option at that time. "BCCI was not prepared for Virat Kohli leaving the Test captaincy. It was unexpected for us also after the South Africa tour. Only Virat Kohli can reveal why he left the captaincy. There is no point talking about this now because Virat Kohli left the Test captaincy. Selectors had to appoint an India captain. And Rohit was the best option at that time," Ganguly said. However, Kohli had said something in a completely different note. The RCB Captain had said, “There was no prior communication to me at all from when I announced the T20I captaincy decision until the eighth (of December) where, as I said, I got a call one-and-a-half hours before the selection meeting," hinting at a clear rift between him and the board. Virat Kohli's captaincy stint in Test cricket was highly successful, guiding India to the final of the ICC World Test Championship in 2021. Under his leadership, India achieved several milestones, and Kohli became the most successful Test captain in Indian cricket history at the time of his departure. Summary - Former India captain and BCCI President Sourav Ganguly expressed surprise at Virat Kohli's decision to step down as the captain of the Indian Test cricket team. Ganguly revealed that the board was not prepared for Kohli's departure, as it was his personal choice after the South Africa series in 2022. Fans have been campaigning for Kohli's reinstatement, citing his impressive record as captain, including 40 wins and 11 draws in 68 matches.

Sourav Ganguly claims he didn’t know Virat Kohli was quitting Test captaincy

<p>Former India coach Ravi Shastri, in response to India skipper Rohit Sharma's demand of 20-25 days before an event like WTC Final, has asked him to let go of the IPL. Notably, there was only a week's gap between the IPL 2023 final and the WTC Final this year which India lost to Australia by 209 runs. This was also India's second consecutive defeat in the marquee event.</p>

<p>"See, that's never going to happen," Shastri opined on Rohit's statement in a chat with Star Sports.</p>

<p>"Let's be realistic here. You're not going to get those 20 days. And if that's the case then you've got to miss IPL," said the former coach. "So, the choice is yours and it's up to the establishment as well. I'm sure the BCCI will review this in the future, if a World Test Championship [final] is going to come after an IPL every time in the month of June, then for that season, if your team qualifies for the final, there should be certain clauses put to franchises."</p>

<p><strong>Also Read:</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ravi-ashwin-reacts-at-indias-loss-in-wtc-final-after-being-dropped-from-playing-xi-603725">Ravi Ashwin reacts at India's loss in WTC Final after being dropped from playing XI</a></p>

<p>Rohit, at the post-match presentation after the loss against Australia, had advocated for a bigger window before the WTC Final-like events to give bowlers enough rest and have good time in hand to prepare.</p>

<p>"Yeah, ideally, we would want to have a good time in hand to prepare, give enough rest to the bowlers," he had said. "Sometimes, it can be tough because playing T20 cricket, you completely bowl different lengths, different lines, and a lot of change-ups.</p>

<p>"And then Test cricket, obviously, requires a lot of discipline, hitting that area consistently and challenging the batsmen - but again, you know Shami, Siraj, Umesh they all are experienced, they obviously know how to prepare themselves and get ready for a game like this. But in an ideal scenario, yes, I would prefer it if we have 20-25 days to prepare for a game like this," added the skipper.</p>

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Former India coach Ravi Shastri, in response to India skipper Rohit Sharma's demand of 20-25 days before an event like WTC Final, has asked him to let go of the IPL.

Former India coach Ravi Shastri, in response to India skipper Rohit Sharma's demand of 20-25 days before an event like WTC Final, has asked him to let go of the IPL. Notably, there was only a week's gap between the IPL 2023 final and the WTC Final this year which India lost to Australia by 209 runs. This was also India's second consecutive defeat in the marquee event. "See, that's never going to happen," Shastri opined on Rohit's statement in a chat with Star Sports. "Let's be realistic here. You're not going to get those 20 days. And if that's the case then you've got to miss IPL," said the former coach. "So, the choice is yours and it's up to the establishment as well. I'm sure the BCCI will review this in the future, if a World Test Championship [final] is going to come after an IPL every time in the month of June, then for that season, if your team qualifies for the final, there should be certain clauses put to franchises." Also Read: Ravi Ashwin reacts at India's loss in WTC Final after being dropped from playing XI Rohit, at the post-match presentation after the loss against Australia, had advocated for a bigger window before the WTC Final-like events to give bowlers enough rest and have good time in hand to prepare. "Yeah, ideally, we would want to have a good time in hand to prepare, give enough rest to the bowlers," he had said. "Sometimes, it can be tough because playing T20 cricket, you completely bowl different lengths, different lines, and a lot of change-ups. "And then Test cricket, obviously, requires a lot of discipline, hitting that area consistently and challenging the batsmen - but again, you know Shami, Siraj, Umesh they all are experienced, they obviously know how to prepare themselves and get ready for a game like this. But in an ideal scenario, yes, I would prefer it if we have 20-25 days to prepare for a game like this," added the skipper. 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.

'Be realistic...,' says Ravi Shastri on Rohit's demand of 20 days before WTC Final

<p><meta name="uuid" content="uuidvWkXK5et1s98" /><meta charset="utf-8" /></p>

<p>Former India legend Sunil Gavaskar has come down hard on the Indian captain Rohit Sharma for his latest remarks on the WTC Final being a one-off decider instead of the more desirable three-match series. On Sunday, for the second straight time, India lost the World Test Championship Final, this time against Australia by 209 runs at the Oval. During the post-match presser, Rohit suggested the WTC Final should be played across the best-of-three format.</p>

<p>“I would like to play the 3-Test match series for the WTC Final. We worked hard, and we fought, but we played just one game. I think a 3-match series would be ideal in the next WTC cycle,” Rohit said after India failed to chase down 444 on the final day of the WTC Final.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/after-claiming-wtc-final-pat-cummins-sets-sight-on-winning-ashes-in-england-first-time-in-over-two-decades-603498">After claiming WTC Final, Pat Cummins sets sight on winning away Ashes for first time in over two decades</a></p>

<p>Unlike a few others who echoed exact words, Gavaskar slammed Rohit saying from day one of the WTC cycles, everyone knows the final will be a one-off Test, so on that note, every team must prepare them for the same beforehand. Gavaskar added, like how every team prepares for the IPL, where there is just a final - the same must happen for other format's finals too.</p>

<p>“No! This has been decided for a long time; you know even before you enter that first match of the cycle that the final is going to be just a one-off. So, you have to be prepared mentally,” Gavaskar said, as quoted in India Today.</p>

<p>“Just like you prepare for the IPL, you don’t say best of three. Everybody can have a bad day or a couple of days, but before the first ball of the cycle, you know what it is. So, you can’t be asking for a best of three. Tomorrow, you may say best of five,” the former India legend added.</p>

<h2>Pat, Sunny on the same page</h2>

<p>Elated after winning his maiden World Test Championship crown, Australia captain Pat Cummins expressed the same views as that of Gavaskar’s, saying there is no end to suggestions, and from a three-match series, it can go on and on. He added even players win medals in a one-off Olympic final.</p>

<p>"We already won the WTC title. Not only 3-match series for the WTC final, but there could also be 16-match series too. Players win medals in the Olympics with just one final,” Pat said after the WTC Final.</p>

<p>Meanwhile, Australia will now face England in the Ashes 2023, with the first Test starting on June 16&nbsp;in Edgbaston, whereas, India will next travel to the Caribbean Islands for the extended tour, beginning July 12.</p>

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Former India legend Sunil Gavaskar has come down hard on the Indian captain Rohit Sharma for his latest remarks on the WTC Final being a one-off decider instead of the more desirable three-match series.

Former India legend Sunil Gavaskar has come down hard on the Indian captain Rohit Sharma for his latest remarks on the WTC Final being a one-off decider instead of the more desirable three-match series. On Sunday, for the second straight time, India lost the World Test Championship Final, this time against Australia by 209 runs at the Oval. During the post-match presser, Rohit suggested the WTC Final should be played across the best-of-three format. “I would like to play the 3-Test match series for the WTC Final. We worked hard, and we fought, but we played just one game. I think a 3-match series would be ideal in the next WTC cycle,” Rohit said after India failed to chase down 444 on the final day of the WTC Final. ALSO READ: After claiming WTC Final, Pat Cummins sets sight on winning away Ashes for first time in over two decades Unlike a few others who echoed exact words, Gavaskar slammed Rohit saying from day one of the WTC cycles, everyone knows the final will be a one-off Test, so on that note, every team must prepare them for the same beforehand. Gavaskar added, like how every team prepares for the IPL, where there is just a final - the same must happen for other format's finals too. “No! This has been decided for a long time; you know even before you enter that first match of the cycle that the final is going to be just a one-off. So, you have to be prepared mentally,” Gavaskar said, as quoted in India Today. “Just like you prepare for the IPL, you don’t say best of three. Everybody can have a bad day or a couple of days, but before the first ball of the cycle, you know what it is. So, you can’t be asking for a best of three. Tomorrow, you may say best of five,” the former India legend added. Pat, Sunny on the same page Elated after winning his maiden World Test Championship crown, Australia captain Pat Cummins expressed the same views as that of Gavaskar’s, saying there is no end to suggestions, and from a three-match series, it can go on and on. He added even players win medals in a one-off Olympic final. "We already won the WTC title. Not only 3-match series for the WTC final, but there could also be 16-match series too. Players win medals in the Olympics with just one final,” Pat said after the WTC Final. Meanwhile, Australia will now face England in the Ashes 2023, with the first Test starting on June 16 in Edgbaston, whereas, India will next travel to the Caribbean Islands for the extended tour, beginning July 12. WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

'You don't say this in IPL...': Gavaskar slams Rohit Sharma for his latest remarks on WTC Final format

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<p>The wait for an ICC trophy continues as yet another Indian team failed to cross the line. This time, it was against Australia in the second World Test Championship (WTC) Final at the Oval in London, where Rohit Sharma-led Indian team came second, losing by a huge margin of 209 runs.&nbsp;</p>

<p>After another painful defeat in an ICC Final, Rohit, who was part of the 2013 Champions Trophy campaign in England – the last when India won an all-team tournament, said while he laments his side's performance across the past five days, he still feels proud of the team for making it to their second successive final, which in itself is no small achievement.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/australia-crowned-world-test-champions-after-beating-india-by-210-runs-at-oval-603140">Australia crowned World Test Champions after beating India by 209 runs at Oval</a></p>

<p>Speaking to the post-match presenter after the match that ended inside the first session on day five, Rohit backed his call to put Australia into bat first in those conditions but feels the bowling let the side down considering the overall picture. The Indian captain didn’t shy from giving credit where its due as he praised the pair of Steve Smith and Travis Head, who scored respective hundreds in the first innings.</p>

<p>“I thought we started well with winning the toss, putting them to bat in those conditions. We bowled well in the first session, and then we let ourselves down with how we bowled. Got to give credit to the Australian batters. Head came in and played really well along with Steven Smith. That just took us off guard a little bit,” Rohit said.</p>

<p>While the Indian team didn’t bring their A-game this time against the mighty Aussies, Rohit feels what this squad achieved over the past two years is incredible in many ways, adding he is proud of this team irrespective of the result.</p>

<p>“We've worked hard for all those four years. Playing two finals is honestly a good achievement for us. But we'd like to go a mile ahead as well. You can't take the credit away from what we've done in those last two years to come here. Great effort from the entire unit,” the Indian Test captain added.</p>

<h2>India suffers a similar fate once again!</h2>

<p>It’s been a decade since an Indian team won an ICC trophy, having lost on several occasions across formats in the past ten years.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Meanwhile, in this one-off final, Australia had the upper hand after scoring 469 in the first innings and dismissing India on 296 in theirs. A strong batting show in the second inning saw them giving India a huge total of 444 to win the match.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Following a decent start in the fourth innings, India failed to maximize the chances as they gave away wickets, resulting in losing their second straight WTC Final.</p>

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The wait for an ICC trophy continues as yet another Indian team failed to cross the line. This time, it was against Australia in the second World Test Championship (WTC) Final at the Oval in London, where Rohit Sharma-led Indian team came second, losing by a huge margin of 209 runs.

The wait for an ICC trophy continues as yet another Indian team failed to cross the line. This time, it was against Australia in the second World Test Championship (WTC) Final at the Oval in London, where Rohit Sharma-led Indian team came second, losing by a huge margin of 209 runs. After another painful defeat in an ICC Final, Rohit, who was part of the 2013 Champions Trophy campaign in England – the last when India won an all-team tournament, said while he laments his side's performance across the past five days, he still feels proud of the team for making it to their second successive final, which in itself is no small achievement. ALSO READ: Australia crowned World Test Champions after beating India by 209 runs at Oval Speaking to the post-match presenter after the match that ended inside the first session on day five, Rohit backed his call to put Australia into bat first in those conditions but feels the bowling let the side down considering the overall picture. The Indian captain didn’t shy from giving credit where its due as he praised the pair of Steve Smith and Travis Head, who scored respective hundreds in the first innings. “I thought we started well with winning the toss, putting them to bat in those conditions. We bowled well in the first session, and then we let ourselves down with how we bowled. Got to give credit to the Australian batters. Head came in and played really well along with Steven Smith. That just took us off guard a little bit,” Rohit said. While the Indian team didn’t bring their A-game this time against the mighty Aussies, Rohit feels what this squad achieved over the past two years is incredible in many ways, adding he is proud of this team irrespective of the result. “We've worked hard for all those four years. Playing two finals is honestly a good achievement for us. But we'd like to go a mile ahead as well. You can't take the credit away from what we've done in those last two years to come here. Great effort from the entire unit,” the Indian Test captain added. India suffers a similar fate once again! It’s been a decade since an Indian team won an ICC trophy, having lost on several occasions across formats in the past ten years. Meanwhile, in this one-off final, Australia had the upper hand after scoring 469 in the first innings and dismissing India on 296 in theirs. A strong batting show in the second inning saw them giving India a huge total of 444 to win the match. Following a decent start in the fourth innings, India failed to maximize the chances as they gave away wickets, resulting in losing their second straight WTC Final. WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

'Reaching two finals is a good achievement, proud of this team', says Rohit Sharma after India lost WTC Final

<p>Former India cricketer Sanjay Manjrekar blasted Rohit Sharma for being a bit eager for runs and getting out in the process on day 4 of the World Test Championship (WTC) Final against Australia.</p>

<p>Rohit was batting fluently before getting out LBW while attempting a sweep shot off Nathan Lyon. He scored 43 runs and had added 41 runs with Shubman Gill for the 1st wicket and 51 runs with Cheteshwar Pujara for the second wicket.</p>

<p>“Rohit Sharma didn't put a foot wrong. T20 and Test match have absolutely no connection. He struggled in IPL, but come Test cricket, he didn't put a foot wrong unless that happened. It happened when a spinner came on after the three quality seamers went out. You suddenly felt there's a chance to get some runs and a T20 shot came out of the psyche of Rohit Sharma,” Manjrekar said in a conversation with ESPNCricinfo.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read:</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/wtc-final-never-expected-that-ravi-shastri-laments-poor-shot-selection-from-cheteshwar-pujara-on-day-4-603081">'Never expected that...:' Ravi Shastri laments poor shot selection from Cheteshwar Pujara on day 4</a></p>

<p>Manjrekar described the ball by Lyon as nothing special but a bit shorter than Rohit would have liked.</p>

<p>“The ball came straight, it was nothing special. Maybe, there was a lapse of concentration, a bit too eager for runs. Once he went down on his knees, much to his chagrin, it was shorter than he would've liked. He became greedy to pick up a few runs,” he added.</p>

<p>The former India batsman also compared Rohit to Virat Kohli and said that Kohli wouldn't have gone for a shot like that.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"With some batters, you can say there's a genuine problem of lapse of concentration. This is a guy who got two hundreds in his first two innings of his Test career. He knows how to get the big scores. Even against England in the four Tests, he got 100 and a a 80, and looked a million-dollar right through the series.</p>

<p>“This wasn't him losing the concentration. There's some difference in Rohit Sharma playing in that fashion, against somebody like Virat Kohli in his prime. He was never going to give you a chance, once he's in, he's in. 4 hundreds against Australia in 2014... that's what Kohli did,” Manjrekar added.</p>

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Former India cricketer Sanjay Manjrekar blasted Rohit Sharma for being a bit eager for runs and getting out in the process on day 4 of the World Test Championship (WTC) Final against Australia.

Former India cricketer Sanjay Manjrekar blasted Rohit Sharma for being a bit eager for runs and getting out in the process on day 4 of the World Test Championship (WTC) Final against Australia. Rohit was batting fluently before getting out LBW while attempting a sweep shot off Nathan Lyon. He scored 43 runs and had added 41 runs with Shubman Gill for the 1st wicket and 51 runs with Cheteshwar Pujara for the second wicket. “Rohit Sharma didn't put a foot wrong. T20 and Test match have absolutely no connection. He struggled in IPL, but come Test cricket, he didn't put a foot wrong unless that happened. It happened when a spinner came on after the three quality seamers went out. You suddenly felt there's a chance to get some runs and a T20 shot came out of the psyche of Rohit Sharma,” Manjrekar said in a conversation with ESPNCricinfo. Also Read: 'Never expected that...:' Ravi Shastri laments poor shot selection from Cheteshwar Pujara on day 4 Manjrekar described the ball by Lyon as nothing special but a bit shorter than Rohit would have liked. “The ball came straight, it was nothing special. Maybe, there was a lapse of concentration, a bit too eager for runs. Once he went down on his knees, much to his chagrin, it was shorter than he would've liked. He became greedy to pick up a few runs,” he added. The former India batsman also compared Rohit to Virat Kohli and said that Kohli wouldn't have gone for a shot like that. "With some batters, you can say there's a genuine problem of lapse of concentration. This is a guy who got two hundreds in his first two innings of his Test career. He knows how to get the big scores. Even against England in the four Tests, he got 100 and a a 80, and looked a million-dollar right through the series. “This wasn't him losing the concentration. There's some difference in Rohit Sharma playing in that fashion, against somebody like Virat Kohli in his prime. He was never going to give you a chance, once he's in, he's in. 4 hundreds against Australia in 2014... that's what Kohli did,” Manjrekar added. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

WTC Final: Sanjay Manjrekar calls out Rohit Sharma for being 'too eager for runs'

<p>Australia have stamped their authority on the World Test Championship (WTC) final after they dominated Day 2 of the Oval Test with both bat and ball on Thursday, June 8. After getting bowled out for 469, their bowlers did the trick with the ball and limited India to 151/5, with top-order batters Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli already back in the pavilion. As things stand, India still trail by 318 runs in the first innings and need 118 runs to avoid follow-on.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Stumps ⏲<br />
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Like the opening day, Day 2 of the Ultimate Test has belonged to the Aussies 💪<br />
<br />
Follow the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WTC23?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WTC23</a> Final 👉 <a href="https://t.co/wJHUyVnX0r">https://t.co/wJHUyVnX0r</a> <a href="https://t.co/3RRJJJh0Jo">pic.twitter.com/3RRJJJh0Jo</a></p>
— ICC (@ICC) <a href="https://twitter.com/ICC/status/1666854015223595008?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 8, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<h2><strong>India's collapse with bat</strong></h2>

<p>After bowling out Australia, the Indian team needed a good start to stay in the hunt of the Aussies, but things did not go according to plan for Rohit Sharma’s team. India lost the skipper on 15 on the final ball of the sixth over. Soon India lost Shubman Gill as he missed judged the flight of the delivery and was scalped by Scott Boland on 13 in the very next over. At tea, India were 37/2 with Virat Kohli and Cheteshwar Pujara in the middle and trying to steer the team to a safe position.</p>

<p>However, in the post-lunch session, India lost both Pujara (14) and Kohli (14) as the situation went from bad to worse at 71/4.</p>

<h2><strong>Jadeja and Rahane hold firm for India</strong></h2>

<p>With wickets following at regular intervals new batters Ajinkya Rahane (unbeaten 29) and Ravindra Jadeja (48) steered India to the 100-run mark. Jadeja was aggressive of the two and scored 48 off just 51 deliveries, while Rahane held one end for the Indian side. Jadeja’s innings consisted of a six and seven fours. Both Rahane and Jadeja put in a 71-run stand for the fifth wicket before Nathan Lyon got the better of him.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/if-it-had-been-a-question-of-money-i-would-have-gone-to-saudi-arabia-lionel-messi-on-joining-inter-miami-601947">'If it had been a question of money, I would have gone to Saudi Arabia' - Lionel Messi on joining Inter Miami</a></p>

<h2><strong>Smith scores 31st Test ton</strong></h2>

<p>Earlier in the day, Smith reached his 31st hundred for the Aussies in the Test format. The New South Wales batter leapfrogged Matthew Hayden for most Test hundreds while also bringing up his 43rd international ton. Only Steve Waugh (32) and Ricky Ponting (41) have reached the triple-figure mark on more occasions. Australia would later end their innings at 469 after they were bowled out by Indian bowlers.</p>

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Australia have stamped their authority on the World Test Championship (WTC) final after they dominated Day 2 of the Oval Test with both bat and ball on Thursday, June 8.

Australia have stamped their authority on the World Test Championship (WTC) final after they dominated Day 2 of the Oval Test with both bat and ball on Thursday, June 8. After getting bowled out for 469, their bowlers did the trick with the ball and limited India to 151/5, with top-order batters Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli already back in the pavilion. As things stand, India still trail by 318 runs in the first innings and need 118 runs to avoid follow-on. Stumps ⏲ Like the opening day, Day 2 of the Ultimate Test has belonged to the Aussies 💪 Follow the #WTC23 Final 👉 https://t.co/wJHUyVnX0r pic.twitter.com/3RRJJJh0Jo — ICC (@ICC) June 8, 2023 × India's collapse with bat After bowling out Australia, the Indian team needed a good start to stay in the hunt of the Aussies, but things did not go according to plan for Rohit Sharma’s team. India lost the skipper on 15 on the final ball of the sixth over. Soon India lost Shubman Gill as he missed judged the flight of the delivery and was scalped by Scott Boland on 13 in the very next over. At tea, India were 37/2 with Virat Kohli and Cheteshwar Pujara in the middle and trying to steer the team to a safe position. However, in the post-lunch session, India lost both Pujara (14) and Kohli (14) as the situation went from bad to worse at 71/4. Jadeja and Rahane hold firm for India With wickets following at regular intervals new batters Ajinkya Rahane (unbeaten 29) and Ravindra Jadeja (48) steered India to the 100-run mark. Jadeja was aggressive of the two and scored 48 off just 51 deliveries, while Rahane held one end for the Indian side. Jadeja’s innings consisted of a six and seven fours. Both Rahane and Jadeja put in a 71-run stand for the fifth wicket before Nathan Lyon got the better of him. ALSO READ | 'If it had been a question of money, I would have gone to Saudi Arabia' - Lionel Messi on joining Inter Miami Smith scores 31st Test ton Earlier in the day, Smith reached his 31st hundred for the Aussies in the Test format. The New South Wales batter leapfrogged Matthew Hayden for most Test hundreds while also bringing up his 43rd international ton. Only Steve Waugh (32) and Ricky Ponting (41) have reached the triple-figure mark on more occasions. Australia would later end their innings at 469 after they were bowled out by Indian bowlers. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

WTC Final: Aussies stamp authority at Oval as India's top order fails to deliver

<p>Rohit Sharma’s woes in the International Cricket Council (ICC) finals continued after he was dismissed for 15 by opposite number Pat Cummins for 15 runs. Rohit, leading the Indian team in the final of the World Test Championship (WTC) final on Thursday,&nbsp;June 8, he had yet another disappointing outing in the final against the Aussies, while team India struggled in the second session of Day 2. The Indian team&nbsp;lost four wickets before the end of the second session.</p>

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<h2><strong>Rohit Sharma’s woes continue</strong></h2>

<p>Playing in his sixth ICC trophy final, history was not on the side of the 35-year-old with him scoring just 132 runs in six innings. Things only got worse for Rohit on Thursday as he was dismissed for 15 by Cummins on the final ball of the sixth over of the Indian innings. This now means that Rohit now has scored 147 runs in the ICC final with a best of 34 runs in the first innings of the 2021 WTC final. He averages 24.5 in that period, another poor return for the out-of-form man.</p>

<h2><strong>Rohit Sharma’s Performance in ICC Finals</strong></h2>

<p>2007 T20 World Cup Final – 30* Runs</p>

<p>2013 Champions Trophy Final – 9 Runs</p>

<p>2014 T20 World Cup Final – 29 Runs</p>

<p>2017 Champions Trophy Final – 0 Runs</p>

<p>2021 WTC Final – 34 Runs (First Innings)</p>

<p>2021 WTC Final – 30 Runs (Second Innings)</p>

<p>2023 WTC Final – 15 Runs (First Innings)</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/if-it-had-been-a-question-of-money-i-would-have-gone-to-saudi-arabia-lionel-messi-on-joining-inter-miami-601947">'If it had been a question of money, I would have gone to Saudi Arabia' - Lionel Messi on joining Inter Miami</a></p>

<h2><strong>India make poor start to innings</strong></h2>

<p>After bowling out Australia at 469, India did not have the best start as they lost skipper Rohit, Shubman Gill (13), Virat Kohli (14), and Cheteshwar Pujara (14) early. India were 37/2 at the lunch break before the situation got even worse at 71/4. Australia’s all top bowlers, Mitchell Starc, Cummins, Scott Boland, and Cameron Green scalped wicket a piece.&nbsp; India at the time of writing were 120/4 and were trailing by 349 runs.</p>

<h2><strong>Smith scores 31st Test ton</strong></h2>

<p>Earlier in the day, Smith reached his 31st hundred for the Aussies in the Test format. The New South Wales batter leapfrogged Matthew Hayden for most Test hundreds while also bringing up his 43rd international ton. Only Steve Waugh (32) and Ricky Ponting (41) have reached the triple-figure mark on more occasions. Australia would later end their innings at 469 after they were bowled out by Indian bowlers.</p>

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Rohit Sharma’s woes in the International Cricket Council (ICC) finals continued after he was dismissed for 15 by opposite number Pat Cummins for 15 runs. Rohit, leading the Indian team in the final of the World Test Championship (WTC) final on Thursday, June 8, he had yet another disappointing outing in the final against the Aussies, while team India struggled in the second session of Day 2.

Rohit Sharma’s woes in the International Cricket Council (ICC) finals continued after he was dismissed for 15 by opposite number Pat Cummins for 15 runs. Rohit, leading the Indian team in the final of the World Test Championship (WTC) final on Thursday, June 8, he had yet another disappointing outing in the final against the Aussies, while team India struggled in the second session of Day 2. The Indian team lost four wickets before the end of the second session. View this post on Instagram A post shared by ICC (@icc) Rohit Sharma’s woes continue Playing in his sixth ICC trophy final, history was not on the side of the 35-year-old with him scoring just 132 runs in six innings. Things only got worse for Rohit on Thursday as he was dismissed for 15 by Cummins on the final ball of the sixth over of the Indian innings. This now means that Rohit now has scored 147 runs in the ICC final with a best of 34 runs in the first innings of the 2021 WTC final. He averages 24.5 in that period, another poor return for the out-of-form man. Rohit Sharma’s Performance in ICC Finals 2007 T20 World Cup Final – 30* Runs 2013 Champions Trophy Final – 9 Runs 2014 T20 World Cup Final – 29 Runs 2017 Champions Trophy Final – 0 Runs 2021 WTC Final – 34 Runs (First Innings) 2021 WTC Final – 30 Runs (Second Innings) 2023 WTC Final – 15 Runs (First Innings) ALSO READ | 'If it had been a question of money, I would have gone to Saudi Arabia' - Lionel Messi on joining Inter Miami India make poor start to innings After bowling out Australia at 469, India did not have the best start as they lost skipper Rohit, Shubman Gill (13), Virat Kohli (14), and Cheteshwar Pujara (14) early. India were 37/2 at the lunch break before the situation got even worse at 71/4. Australia’s all top bowlers, Mitchell Starc, Cummins, Scott Boland, and Cameron Green scalped wicket a piece. India at the time of writing were 120/4 and were trailing by 349 runs. Smith scores 31st Test ton Earlier in the day, Smith reached his 31st hundred for the Aussies in the Test format. The New South Wales batter leapfrogged Matthew Hayden for most Test hundreds while also bringing up his 43rd international ton. Only Steve Waugh (32) and Ricky Ponting (41) have reached the triple-figure mark on more occasions. Australia would later end their innings at 469 after they were bowled out by Indian bowlers. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

WTC Final: Pat Cummins scalps Rohit Sharma as woes continue in ICC finals for Indian skipper

<p>India missed the trick after electing to bowl first against Australia in the World Test Championship Final. Although looking at the overhead conditions and a green, bouncy turf on offer, the call looked bang-on in the first hour, not realising the threat of chasing in the fourth innings after what transpired after the end of day one must have made them question their decision.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Plus, bearing the brunt of benching the ranked number one Test bowler and third-best all-rounder in the world, Ravi Ashwin, added salt to the injury. This call, questioned by many, was backed by the captain Rohit Sharma at the toss, who admitted it wasn't easy to drop Ashwin.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/wtc-final-head-smith-dominate-with-bat-as-aussies-take-control-at-oval-on-day-1-601895">WTC Final: Head, Smith dominate with bat as Aussies take control at Oval on Day 1</a></p>

<p>The team named an extra seam-bowling all-rounder Shardul Thakur in the XI instead. Though he picked David Warner's prize wicket, the right-hand bowler went for runs, conceding 75 from 18 overs. Umesh Yadav, the third seamer for this one-off Test, looked out of rhythm, remaining wicketless after the day's play.</p>

<p>Travis Head and Steve Smith made light work of Indian bowlers, who looked clueless about their plans after the sun decided to keep the usual clouds away. With the pair closing in on completing a 300-run stand, things look gloomy for Team India heading into day two.</p>

<h2>What can India do to get back into the game?</h2>

<p>India still has a lot to play for, with four days remaining in the game. The way Mohammed Shami opened proceedings after lunch on day one by dismissing well-settled Marnus Labuschagne clean bowled off a peach, India require such a start to put brakes on the Aussies' innings.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Getting rid of this pair must be India's priority, as wrapping Australia's first innings with anything under 400 or 420 would be a bonus. Then in their first innings, with the wicket playing in the batter's favour, India must make the most of this chance and try and build a few partnerships. Not to forget, they need to give respect to the new ball to avoid facing the old fates of getting out early in a crunch situation.&nbsp;</p>

<p>India's top four need to weather the storm with two of them, Shubman Gill and Chesteshwar Pujara, in stellar form. Besides, the onus will again fall on veterans Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, who need to put on runs to keep India stay alive in the match.</p>

<p>With India batting deep this time in the presence of Thakur at number eight, taking some risks after settling down will not be a bad idea either.</p>

<p>As things stand, Australia is 327 for three after stumps on day one.</p>

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India missed the trick after electing to bowl first against Australia in the World Test Championship Final. Although looking at the overhead conditions and a green, bouncy turf on offer, the call looked bang-on in the first hour, not realising the threat of chasing in the fourth innings after what transpired after the end of day one must have made them question their decision.

India missed the trick after electing to bowl first against Australia in the World Test Championship Final. Although looking at the overhead conditions and a green, bouncy turf on offer, the call looked bang-on in the first hour, not realising the threat of chasing in the fourth innings after what transpired after the end of day one must have made them question their decision. Plus, bearing the brunt of benching the ranked number one Test bowler and third-best all-rounder in the world, Ravi Ashwin, added salt to the injury. This call, questioned by many, was backed by the captain Rohit Sharma at the toss, who admitted it wasn't easy to drop Ashwin. ALSO READ: WTC Final: Head, Smith dominate with bat as Aussies take control at Oval on Day 1 The team named an extra seam-bowling all-rounder Shardul Thakur in the XI instead. Though he picked David Warner's prize wicket, the right-hand bowler went for runs, conceding 75 from 18 overs. Umesh Yadav, the third seamer for this one-off Test, looked out of rhythm, remaining wicketless after the day's play. Travis Head and Steve Smith made light work of Indian bowlers, who looked clueless about their plans after the sun decided to keep the usual clouds away. With the pair closing in on completing a 300-run stand, things look gloomy for Team India heading into day two. What can India do to get back into the game? India still has a lot to play for, with four days remaining in the game. The way Mohammed Shami opened proceedings after lunch on day one by dismissing well-settled Marnus Labuschagne clean bowled off a peach, India require such a start to put brakes on the Aussies' innings. Getting rid of this pair must be India's priority, as wrapping Australia's first innings with anything under 400 or 420 would be a bonus. Then in their first innings, with the wicket playing in the batter's favour, India must make the most of this chance and try and build a few partnerships. Not to forget, they need to give respect to the new ball to avoid facing the old fates of getting out early in a crunch situation. India's top four need to weather the storm with two of them, Shubman Gill and Chesteshwar Pujara, in stellar form. Besides, the onus will again fall on veterans Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, who need to put on runs to keep India stay alive in the match. With India batting deep this time in the presence of Thakur at number eight, taking some risks after settling down will not be a bad idea either. As things stand, Australia is 327 for three after stumps on day one. WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

WTC Final, Day 2 - Preview: Following troubled start, clueless Indian team to aim for comeback

<p>India and Australia are set to face off each other in the second edition of the World Test Championship (WTC) Final from Wednesday in England and the conditions in London are playing on the mind of both teams' skippers to decided their best XI.</p>

<p>While Australia skipper Pat Cummins all but confirmed Australia's XI with 'no surprises,' India skipper Rohit Sharma, along with the team management, is going to wait till the toss and pick their best XI depending on the conditions prevalent at the time .</p>

<p>With KL Rahul and Rishabh Pant out with injury and fast-bowling all-rounder Hardik Pandya not in the squad, India's batting looks a bit thin which means Ravindra Jadeja might be a surety in the squad. Ravi Ashwin, in that case, may or may not play, given the weather conditions in England do not require more than one spinner in the playing XI often.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read:</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/wtc-final-icc-prepares-back-up-pitch-at-oval-amid-fear-of-protest-from-climate-activist-group-just-stop-oil-601502">WTC Final: ICC prepares back-up pitch at Oval amid fear of protest from climate activist group Just Stop Oil</a></p>

<p>India skipper Rohit Sharma, however, said on the eve of the Test that he's going to wait till the final day to take a call on the XI.</p>

<p>"Yeah, see, I've not said that Ashwin is not going to play. We'll wait until tomorrow - because one thing I have seen here - the pitch actually changes quite a bit from day to day. Today it's looking the way it is. Tomorrow it might be slightly different, who knows. So the message to the boys has been very clear, all 15 must be ready to play at any point in time. And we'll see the conditions tomorrow as well and make that decision as to who gets into that playing 11," Rohit said on Tuesday.</p>

<p>Rohit also added that the he'll go and have a look at the pitch and consider all the factors like slowness, wear and tear, reverse and others before taking the final call.</p>

<p>"I'll go and have a look at the pitch. But yeah, it looks a bit of help for the seamers definitely. With the overhead conditions as well, it's going to assist seamers a fair bit. I don't know how drastically the pitch changes quite a bit in this part of the world. Like, when we played the last test match here in Oval, it looked very similar to this. And then as the game went on, as the day went on, it got better and better, slower and slower. And the reverse swing came into play as well on day 5th. So, yeah, we're going to consider all of those factors and see what will be the right combination for us to go," added the skipper.</p>

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India and Australia are set to face off each other in the second edition of the World Test Championship (WTC) Final from Wednesday in England and the conditions in London are playing on the mind of both teams' skippers to decided their best XI.

India and Australia are set to face off each other in the second edition of the World Test Championship (WTC) Final from Wednesday in England and the conditions in London are playing on the mind of both teams' skippers to decided their best XI. While Australia skipper Pat Cummins all but confirmed Australia's XI with 'no surprises,' India skipper Rohit Sharma, along with the team management, is going to wait till the toss and pick their best XI depending on the conditions prevalent at the time . With KL Rahul and Rishabh Pant out with injury and fast-bowling all-rounder Hardik Pandya not in the squad, India's batting looks a bit thin which means Ravindra Jadeja might be a surety in the squad. Ravi Ashwin, in that case, may or may not play, given the weather conditions in England do not require more than one spinner in the playing XI often. Also Read: WTC Final: ICC prepares back-up pitch at Oval amid fear of protest from climate activist group Just Stop Oil India skipper Rohit Sharma, however, said on the eve of the Test that he's going to wait till the final day to take a call on the XI. "Yeah, see, I've not said that Ashwin is not going to play. We'll wait until tomorrow - because one thing I have seen here - the pitch actually changes quite a bit from day to day. Today it's looking the way it is. Tomorrow it might be slightly different, who knows. So the message to the boys has been very clear, all 15 must be ready to play at any point in time. And we'll see the conditions tomorrow as well and make that decision as to who gets into that playing 11," Rohit said on Tuesday. Rohit also added that the he'll go and have a look at the pitch and consider all the factors like slowness, wear and tear, reverse and others before taking the final call. "I'll go and have a look at the pitch. But yeah, it looks a bit of help for the seamers definitely. With the overhead conditions as well, it's going to assist seamers a fair bit. I don't know how drastically the pitch changes quite a bit in this part of the world. Like, when we played the last test match here in Oval, it looked very similar to this. And then as the game went on, as the day went on, it got better and better, slower and slower. And the reverse swing came into play as well on day 5th. So, yeah, we're going to consider all of those factors and see what will be the right combination for us to go," added the skipper. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

WTC Final: 'Ashwin is not going to play...:' Skipper Rohit Sharma opens up on India's Playing XI vs Australia

<p>The World Test Championship (WTC) Final got underway between India and England at the Oval in London on Wednesday and India, not to much surprise, decided to go with Ravindra Jadeja as the only spinner in the squad.</p>

<p>Skipper Rohit Sharma, who decided to field first after winning the toss, was asked by Nasser Hussain how difficult it was to drop Ravi Ashwin from the squad. Notably, Ashwin is currently the number one bowler in the ICC Test ranking, with 869 points to his name.</p>

<p>“It's always tough. He's been a match-winner for us, over the course of many years. So, leaving him out was tough. But you got to do the things that are needed for the team. So, eventually we came up with that decision,” Rohit replied to Hussain's question.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read:</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/wtc-final-why-india-and-australia-players-are-wearing-black-bands-601678">WTC Final: Why India and Australia players are wearing black bands?</a></p>

<p>“The conditions and also the weather being overcast. The pitch won't change too much. Four seamers and one spinner. The spinner is Jadeja,” he further added.</p>

<p>Sharma had told the reporters on the eve of the Test that he, along with the team management, is going to wait till the toss and pick their best XI depending on the conditions prevalent at the time.</p>

<p>"Yeah, see, I've not said that Ashwin is not going to play. We'll wait until tomorrow - because one thing I have seen here - the pitch actually changes quite a bit from day to day. Today it's looking the way it is. Tomorrow it might be slightly different, who knows. So the message to the boys has been very clear, all 15 must be ready to play at any point in time. And we'll see the conditions tomorrow as well and make that decision as to who gets into that playing 11," Rohit said on Tuesday.</p>

<p>"I'll go and have a look at the pitch. But yeah, it looks a bit of help for the seamers definitely. With the overhead conditions as well, it's going to assist seamers a fair bit," the skipper added.</p>

<p>India's Playing XI included four seamers in Umesh Yadav, Mohammed Shami, Mohammed Siraj and Shardul Thakur alongside Ravindra Jadeja as the only spinner.</p>

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The World Test Championship (WTC) Final got underway between India and England at the Oval in London on Wednesday and India, not to much surprise, decided to go with Ravindra Jadeja as the only spinner in the squad.

The World Test Championship (WTC) Final got underway between India and England at the Oval in London on Wednesday and India, not to much surprise, decided to go with Ravindra Jadeja as the only spinner in the squad. Skipper Rohit Sharma, who decided to field first after winning the toss, was asked by Nasser Hussain how difficult it was to drop Ravi Ashwin from the squad. Notably, Ashwin is currently the number one bowler in the ICC Test ranking, with 869 points to his name. “It's always tough. He's been a match-winner for us, over the course of many years. So, leaving him out was tough. But you got to do the things that are needed for the team. So, eventually we came up with that decision,” Rohit replied to Hussain's question. Also Read: WTC Final: Why India and Australia players are wearing black bands? “The conditions and also the weather being overcast. The pitch won't change too much. Four seamers and one spinner. The spinner is Jadeja,” he further added. Sharma had told the reporters on the eve of the Test that he, along with the team management, is going to wait till the toss and pick their best XI depending on the conditions prevalent at the time. "Yeah, see, I've not said that Ashwin is not going to play. We'll wait until tomorrow - because one thing I have seen here - the pitch actually changes quite a bit from day to day. Today it's looking the way it is. Tomorrow it might be slightly different, who knows. So the message to the boys has been very clear, all 15 must be ready to play at any point in time. And we'll see the conditions tomorrow as well and make that decision as to who gets into that playing 11," Rohit said on Tuesday. "I'll go and have a look at the pitch. But yeah, it looks a bit of help for the seamers definitely. With the overhead conditions as well, it's going to assist seamers a fair bit," the skipper added. India's Playing XI included four seamers in Umesh Yadav, Mohammed Shami, Mohammed Siraj and Shardul Thakur alongside Ravindra Jadeja as the only spinner. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

WTC Final: 'For the team...:' India skipper Rohit Sharma on why Ravi Ashwin was dropped from XI

<p>Rohit Sharma is all set to lead India in the second edition of the World Test Championship (WTC) Final and Virat Kohli has given his skipper a huge thumbs up to have done a wonderful job for the country in Test matches over last three-four years.</p>

<p>"The way he has performed in Test cricket in last three-four years is a testimony to his temperament towards playing Test cricket &nbsp;and having belief in himself that he can do it in Test cricket as well at the highest level and opening is not an easy job and he's done a wonderful job. opening the innings for us in last three for years so he's really done amazingly well in all formats of the game for us," said Kohli in a video shared by the International Cricket Council (ICC) on its Instagram handle.</p>

<p>Kohli also appreciated Rohit's batting style and said that he enjoyed a lot from the other hand while batting with Rohit.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read:</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/wtc-final-ashwin-is-not-going-to-play-skipper-rohit-sharma-opens-up-on-indias-playing-xi-vs-australia-601541">'Ashwin is not going to play...:' Skipper Rohit Sharma opens up on India's Playing XI vs Australia</a></p>

<p>"He's someone that when you watch him play you enjoy watching him play so I have had amazing partnerships with him and I have thoroughly enjoyed it from the other end when he's going great guns," said the former India skipper.</p>

<p>Speaking about Sharma's talent, Kohli said that the Mumbai batsman always had more time than anyone else.</p>

<p>"Rohit I have always said that he's got more than anyone else on the ball and that's his special ability he had from day one. When I saw him the first time I understood what the hype was all about and why he was rated so highly and what he's done for India in white-ball cricket over the long period of time we all knew," said Kohli.</p>

<p>As for the WTC Final, Rohit had scored a century last time India played at the Oval in England and Kohli hoped for the same this time around as well.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"As I said he's performed really well in these conditions and las time around got a hundred in the oval hopefully he can repeat the same in this final as well," concluded Kohli.</p>

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Rohit Sharma is all set to lead India in the second edition of the World Test Championship (WTC) Final and Virat Kohli has given his skipper a huge thumbs up to have done a wonderful job for the country in Test matches over last three-four years.

Rohit Sharma is all set to lead India in the second edition of the World Test Championship (WTC) Final and Virat Kohli has given his skipper a huge thumbs up to have done a wonderful job for the country in Test matches over last three-four years. "The way he has performed in Test cricket in last three-four years is a testimony to his temperament towards playing Test cricket and having belief in himself that he can do it in Test cricket as well at the highest level and opening is not an easy job and he's done a wonderful job. opening the innings for us in last three for years so he's really done amazingly well in all formats of the game for us," said Kohli in a video shared by the International Cricket Council (ICC) on its Instagram handle. Kohli also appreciated Rohit's batting style and said that he enjoyed a lot from the other hand while batting with Rohit. Also Read: 'Ashwin is not going to play...:' Skipper Rohit Sharma opens up on India's Playing XI vs Australia "He's someone that when you watch him play you enjoy watching him play so I have had amazing partnerships with him and I have thoroughly enjoyed it from the other end when he's going great guns," said the former India skipper. Speaking about Sharma's talent, Kohli said that the Mumbai batsman always had more time than anyone else. "Rohit I have always said that he's got more than anyone else on the ball and that's his special ability he had from day one. When I saw him the first time I understood what the hype was all about and why he was rated so highly and what he's done for India in white-ball cricket over the long period of time we all knew," said Kohli. As for the WTC Final, Rohit had scored a century last time India played at the Oval in England and Kohli hoped for the same this time around as well. "As I said he's performed really well in these conditions and las time around got a hundred in the oval hopefully he can repeat the same in this final as well," concluded Kohli. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

WTC Final: Virat Kohli hopes for another Rohit Sharma century at the Oval

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<p><strong>WTC 2023 Final: </strong>Rohit Sharma, the captain of the Indian cricket team, had an injury scare just one day ahead of the World Test Championship (WTC) Final against Australia at The Oval, London. On Tuesday, the Indian skipper injured his left thumb during the practice session. Rohit Sharma did not take part in the practice drills after the injury. Several key players, including Virat Kohli, Ravindra Jadeja and Shubman Gill, attended the practice session. Rohit Sharma's injury scare adds a level of concern for Team India as they seek to win the World Test Championship against Australia, especially after their defeat in the WTC 2021 Final against Kane Williamson-led New Zealand.</p>

<p>Rohit Sharma has expressed his desire to win the ICC WTC 2023 trophy for India. The Men in Blue have not been able to win an ICC title since 2013, despite several chances. The right-handed batsman assumed the captaincy across the formats after Virat Kohli stepped down after India's Test series loss in South Africa in 2022.&nbsp;</p>

<p>When asked about the legacy he would leave as a captain, Rohit said, "Whether it's me or someone else, even the guys before, their role was to take Indian cricket forward&nbsp;and win as many games, as many championships as possible. For me also, it will be the same. I want to win championships. That is what you play for."</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;</strong><a href="www.wionews.com/sports/ind-vs-aus-wtc-final-how-where-to-watch-world-test-championship-final-2023-live-on-tv-mobile-laptop-601235">IND vs AUS WTC Final: How &amp; where to watch World Test Championship Final 2023 LIVE on TV, mobile &amp; laptop</a></p>

<h2><strong>WTC Final: Rohit Sharma's injury scare</strong></h2>

<p>Rohit Sharma's injury scare a day ahead of the WTC Final against Australia has raised concerns. The Indian captain is crucial to the team because he's a great leader and an exceptional player. He was among the most consistent players during the World Test Championship 2023 cycle. The Indian opener scored 242 runs from six innings, including a hundred, against the Aussies in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy in March 2023. His absence from the field can change things at the last minute and impact Team India's overall performance. Rohit Sharma and Australia's captain Pat Cummins posed with the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) mace ahead of the WTC Final starting June 7, 2023.&nbsp;</p>

<p>According to reports, Team India's management said that Rohit Sharma is completely fine and&nbsp;fit to play in the WTC 2023 Final starting Wednesday, June 7, at 3 PM IST. The match will be telecast live on all Star Sports TV channels and Disney+ Hotstar.</p>

<h2>WTC Final: Rohit Sharma's Squad</h2>

<p><strong>India Squad for WTC Final:</strong>&nbsp;Rohit Sharma (c), Ravichandran Ashwin, KS Bharat (wk), Shubman Gill, Ravindra Jadeja, Virat Kohli, Ishan Kishan (wk), Cheteshwar Pujara, Axar Patel, Ajinkya Rahane, Mohammad Shami, Mohammad Siraj, Shardul Thakur, Jaydev Unadkat, Umesh Yadav</p>

<p><strong>Reserves:</strong>&nbsp;Yashasvi Jaiswal, Mukesh Kumar, Suryakumar Yadav</p>

<p><strong>India's Predicted Playing XI:&nbsp;</strong>Rohit Sharma (c), Shubman Gill, Cheteshwar Pujara, Virat Kohli, Ajinkya Rahane, Ravindra Jadeja, KS Bharat (wk), Shardul Thakur, Mohammad Shami, Mohammed Siraj, Umesh Yadav</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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WTC 2023 Final: Rohit Sharma, the captain of the Indian cricket team, had an injury scare just one day ahead of the World Test Championship (WTC) Final against Australia at The Oval, London.

WTC 2023 Final: Rohit Sharma, the captain of the Indian cricket team, had an injury scare just one day ahead of the World Test Championship (WTC) Final against Australia at The Oval, London. On Tuesday, the Indian skipper injured his left thumb during the practice session. Rohit Sharma did not take part in the practice drills after the injury. Several key players, including Virat Kohli, Ravindra Jadeja and Shubman Gill, attended the practice session. Rohit Sharma's injury scare adds a level of concern for Team India as they seek to win the World Test Championship against Australia, especially after their defeat in the WTC 2021 Final against Kane Williamson-led New Zealand. Rohit Sharma has expressed his desire to win the ICC WTC 2023 trophy for India. The Men in Blue have not been able to win an ICC title since 2013, despite several chances. The right-handed batsman assumed the captaincy across the formats after Virat Kohli stepped down after India's Test series loss in South Africa in 2022. When asked about the legacy he would leave as a captain, Rohit said, "Whether it's me or someone else, even the guys before, their role was to take Indian cricket forward and win as many games, as many championships as possible. For me also, it will be the same. I want to win championships. That is what you play for." ALSO READ | IND vs AUS WTC Final: How & where to watch World Test Championship Final 2023 LIVE on TV, mobile & laptop WTC Final: Rohit Sharma's injury scare Rohit Sharma's injury scare a day ahead of the WTC Final against Australia has raised concerns. The Indian captain is crucial to the team because he's a great leader and an exceptional player. He was among the most consistent players during the World Test Championship 2023 cycle. The Indian opener scored 242 runs from six innings, including a hundred, against the Aussies in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy in March 2023. His absence from the field can change things at the last minute and impact Team India's overall performance. Rohit Sharma and Australia's captain Pat Cummins posed with the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) mace ahead of the WTC Final starting June 7, 2023. According to reports, Team India's management said that Rohit Sharma is completely fine and fit to play in the WTC 2023 Final starting Wednesday, June 7, at 3 PM IST. The match will be telecast live on all Star Sports TV channels and Disney+ Hotstar. WTC Final: Rohit Sharma's Squad India Squad for WTC Final: Rohit Sharma (c), Ravichandran Ashwin, KS Bharat (wk), Shubman Gill, Ravindra Jadeja, Virat Kohli, Ishan Kishan (wk), Cheteshwar Pujara, Axar Patel, Ajinkya Rahane, Mohammad Shami, Mohammad Siraj, Shardul Thakur, Jaydev Unadkat, Umesh Yadav Reserves: Yashasvi Jaiswal, Mukesh Kumar, Suryakumar Yadav India's Predicted Playing XI: Rohit Sharma (c), Shubman Gill, Cheteshwar Pujara, Virat Kohli, Ajinkya Rahane, Ravindra Jadeja, KS Bharat (wk), Shardul Thakur, Mohammad Shami, Mohammed Siraj, Umesh Yadav (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Injury scare for Rohit Sharma a day before WTC Final 2023; Check updates here

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