<p>Virat Kohli loves playing in and against Australia. Over the years, he has scored tons of runs Down Under, including several match-winning hundreds. Even though he has been a thorn in the flesh of the Aussies, the crowd loves him dearly, and so does the media. Meanwhile, known for engaging with the opposition players and fans with his antics, Kohli teased the SCG crowd with the infamous &lsquo;sandpaper&rsquo; gesture on day three.</p>
<p>India got all out on 157 early on the third day, giving Australia a target of 162. With Jasprit Bumrah out with a back spasm, Kohli put on the captain&rsquo;s hat, trying to help India defend a modest total on a spicy SCG track.&nbsp;</p>
<p><strong>Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/bgt-we-dont-know-cricket-we-just-speak-sunil-gavaskar-livid-with-indias-performance-down-under-8592966" rel="dofollow">&lsquo;We don&rsquo;t know cricket...,&rsquo; Gavaskar livid with India&rsquo;s poor BGT show</a></strong></p>
<p>Midway through Australia&rsquo;s run chase, Kohli, standing in the slip cordon alongside keeper Rishabh Pant, teased the loud Australian crowd by putting his hands in his pockets, showing it's empty.&nbsp;</p>
<p>For those unaware of what this gesture meant, Cameron Bancroft, an out-of-favour Australian opener, did the same when he was found guilty of carrying and using a sandpaper to change the ball's condition during the infamous Newlands Test against South Africa in 2018. Though that incident involving now-retired David Warner and Test veteran Steve Smith led to a controversy, with all three facing severe punishments, Kohli imitated the same actions during the day.</p>
<h3>Watch Video &ndash;&nbsp;</h3>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet publive-iframes-block publive-Twitter-block" contenteditable="false" width="600" height="400" id="PL_blockquote_block-m5ji0ncv-dphonlxf-5o2mhvpl">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">"What is that about?"<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AUSvIND?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AUSvIND</a> <a href="https://t.co/HwNZXhKW1S">pic.twitter.com/HwNZXhKW1S</a></p>
&mdash; cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) <a href="https://twitter.com/cricketcomau/status/1875718379253706767?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 5, 2025</a></blockquote>
<h2>Kohli&rsquo;s poor run with the bat</h2>
<p>Virat scored his first Test hundred since June 2023 during the second innings of the Perth Test, hitting an unbeaten 100, but failed to contribute enough in any of the eight innings he batted in, scoring just 90 in those. Even at the venues he averages the most, Kohli looked like a pale shadow of himself.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Besides, what worried the Indian fans throughout was Kohli&rsquo;s manner of dismissals across innings&mdash;identical, to say the least. His knack for flirting with the fifth and sixth stump line cost him and India in this five-match series, with Virat getting out caught behind on almost all occasions.</p>
<p>Even in the just concluded SCG Test, which Australia won by six wickets, Virat surrendered to pacer Scott Boland, getting out caught in the slips.</p>
<h2>Australia qualify for WTC Final 2025</h2>
<p>After beating India in the home Test series for the first time in a decade, Australia reclaimed the coveted BGT and sealed their direct qualification in the WTC Final 2025. Australia will face South Africa in the summit clash in June (11-15) at Lord&rsquo;s.&nbsp;</p>

Sports, cricket: Known for engaging with the opposition players and fans with his antics, Kohli teased the SCG crowd with the infamous ‘sandpaper’ gesture on day three.

Virat Kohli loves playing in and against Australia. Over the years, he has scored tons of runs Down Under, including several match-winning hundreds. Even though he has been a thorn in the flesh of the Aussies, the crowd loves him dearly, and so does the media. Meanwhile, known for engaging with the opposition players and fans with his antics, Kohli teased the SCG crowd with the infamous ‘sandpaper’ gesture on day three. India got all out on 157 early on the third day, giving Australia a target of 162. With Jasprit Bumrah out with a back spasm, Kohli put on the captain’s hat, trying to help India defend a modest total on a spicy SCG track. Also read | ‘We don’t know cricket...,’ Gavaskar livid with India’s poor BGT show Midway through Australia’s run chase, Kohli, standing in the slip cordon alongside keeper Rishabh Pant, teased the loud Australian crowd by putting his hands in his pockets, showing it's empty. For those unaware of what this gesture meant, Cameron Bancroft, an out-of-favour Australian opener, did the same when he was found guilty of carrying and using a sandpaper to change the ball's condition during the infamous Newlands Test against South Africa in 2018. Though that incident involving now-retired David Warner and Test veteran Steve Smith led to a controversy, with all three facing severe punishments, Kohli imitated the same actions during the day. Watch Video – "What is that about?"#AUSvIND pic.twitter.com/HwNZXhKW1S — cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) January 5, 2025 Kohli’s poor run with the bat Virat scored his first Test hundred since June 2023 during the second innings of the Perth Test, hitting an unbeaten 100, but failed to contribute enough in any of the eight innings he batted in, scoring just 90 in those. Even at the venues he averages the most, Kohli looked like a pale shadow of himself. Besides, what worried the Indian fans throughout was Kohli’s manner of dismissals across innings—identical, to say the least. His knack for flirting with the fifth and sixth stump line cost him and India in this five-match series, with Virat getting out caught behind on almost all occasions. Even in the just concluded SCG Test, which Australia won by six wickets, Virat surrendered to pacer Scott Boland, getting out caught in the slips. Australia qualify for WTC Final 2025 After beating India in the home Test series for the first time in a decade, Australia reclaimed the coveted BGT and sealed their direct qualification in the WTC Final 2025. Australia will face South Africa in the summit clash in June (11-15) at Lord’s.

BGT: Kohli teases Australian crowd with ‘sandpaper’ gesture during SCG Test - Watch

Virat Kohli’s Least Productive Australia Tour (Test)

Virat Kohli got out for 6 in his last innings of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 series

Here is a look at Virat’s performance in all of his previous tours Down Under in Test format

5. 692 Runs in 8 Innings

4. 300 Runs in 8 Innings

3. 282 Runs in 7 Innings

2. 190 Runs in 9 Innings

1. 78 Runs in 2 Innings

Sports, Cricket Web Stories: Virat Kohli got out for 6 in his last innings of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 series with India sitting 141/6 in second innings. 

Last 7 Indian Test Captains and Their Tenure

7. Sachin Tendulkar 

6. Sourav Ganguly

5. Rahul Dravid

4. Anil Kumble

3. MS Dhoni 

2. Virat Kohli 

1. Rohit Sharma 

Sports, Cricket Web Stories: Last 7 Indian Test Captains and Their Tenure ft Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Sourav Ganguly as Jasprit Bumrah looks set for a new role.

Most Top Scores In SENA Tests Where India Got All-Out For Below 200

Sachin Tendulkar

Virat Kohli

Rishabh Pant

MS Dhoni

R Ashwin

Rahul Dravid

Cricket, Sports | Most Top Scores In SENA Tests Where India Got All-Out For Below 200 Tendulkar MS Dhoni R Ashwin Virat Kohli Rishabh Pant Rahul Dravid

<p>Things seem to have gotten ugly following Rohit Sharma&rsquo;s exclusion from the playing XI for the ongoing SCG Test. The latest reports have emerged suggesting that should Rohit decide against leading the team in One-Dayers, with the Champions Trophy 2025 looming, the BCCI has a backup option ready.</p>
<p>Rohit&rsquo;s omission from the BGT decider shocked the cricket world, with everyone wondering what led to him opting out from playing the decisive Test. At the coin toss, the stand-in Indian captain, Jasprit Bumrah, revealed Rohit showed leadership skills by resting himself, knowing his form hadn&rsquo;t helped India in the three matches he played in the series.</p>
<p><strong>Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/steve-smith-to-captain-australia-for-sri-lanka-tests-in-pat-cummins-absence-report-8587859" rel="dofollow">Steve Smith to captain Australia for Sri Lanka Tests &ndash; Report</a></strong></p>
<p>&lsquo;Our captain [Rohit Sharma] has shown his leadership as well. He's opted to rest in this game. "So, that shows that there's a lot of unity in our team. There's no selfishness. Whatever is in the team's best interest, we're looking to do that," Bumrah said at the toss.</p>
<p>However, his absence from the playing XI, and more so from the team sheet of 16 players, including the reserves and backups, fuelled speculations of his potential Test retirement following the conclusion of this Test.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Though neither Rohit, the board, nor anyone close to the dressing room has spilt beans on this, should Rohit decide to hang his boots across formats, the Men in Blue must have a new captain ready at the helm for the eight-team tournament.</p>
<h2>Who replaces Rohit as new ODI captain?</h2>
<p>Rohit announced his retirement from T20Is following winning the tournament in the Americas last year. Considering India&rsquo;s home season and the action-packed schedule that awaits, including the away BGT and the Champions Trophy, Rohit decided to hold the top spot in the side in two formats.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Meanwhile, considering how quickly things changed overnight, with a dip in Rohit&rsquo;s form, reflexes and leadership abilities, he remains far from being his best version, something which worries the new management.</p>
<p>An unnamed BCCI source has revealed that all-rounder Hardik Pandya emerges as the top yet best option to lead India in the Champions Trophy should Rohit announce his international retirement.</p>
<p>&ldquo;Hardik has the knack for leading in high-pressure situations, and his experience as an all-rounder and leader makes him an ideal choice for an ICC tournament like the Champions Trophy," an unnamed BCCI source said, as quoted by MyKhel.</p>
<p>Though the source revealed that BCCI had zeroed in on two other options, Pandya&rsquo;s credential keeps him ahead in the race.&nbsp;</p>
<p>&ldquo;Gill needs more grooming to mature into a leader, and SKY&rsquo;s ODI performances haven&rsquo;t been convincing enough. Hardik remains the most balanced option to lead India in ODIs if Rohit is unavailable," the source added.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Pakistan and the UAE will co-host the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. While Pakistan will play all its matches in their country, India&rsquo;s games will take place in Dubai, including the knockouts, should they qualify.&nbsp;</p>
<p>The eight-team tournament will get underway on February 19 and ends on March 9.&nbsp;</p>
<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

Cricket, Sports: Rohit Sharma's omission from the BGT decider shocked the cricket world, with everyone wondering what led to him opting out from playing the decisive Test.

Things seem to have gotten ugly following Rohit Sharma’s exclusion from the playing XI for the ongoing SCG Test. The latest reports have emerged suggesting that should Rohit decide against leading the team in One-Dayers, with the Champions Trophy 2025 looming, the BCCI has a backup option ready. Rohit’s omission from the BGT decider shocked the cricket world, with everyone wondering what led to him opting out from playing the decisive Test. At the coin toss, the stand-in Indian captain, Jasprit Bumrah, revealed Rohit showed leadership skills by resting himself, knowing his form hadn’t helped India in the three matches he played in the series. Also read | Steve Smith to captain Australia for Sri Lanka Tests – Report ‘Our captain [Rohit Sharma] has shown his leadership as well. He's opted to rest in this game. "So, that shows that there's a lot of unity in our team. There's no selfishness. Whatever is in the team's best interest, we're looking to do that," Bumrah said at the toss. However, his absence from the playing XI, and more so from the team sheet of 16 players, including the reserves and backups, fuelled speculations of his potential Test retirement following the conclusion of this Test. Though neither Rohit, the board, nor anyone close to the dressing room has spilt beans on this, should Rohit decide to hang his boots across formats, the Men in Blue must have a new captain ready at the helm for the eight-team tournament. Who replaces Rohit as new ODI captain? Rohit announced his retirement from T20Is following winning the tournament in the Americas last year. Considering India’s home season and the action-packed schedule that awaits, including the away BGT and the Champions Trophy, Rohit decided to hold the top spot in the side in two formats. Meanwhile, considering how quickly things changed overnight, with a dip in Rohit’s form, reflexes and leadership abilities, he remains far from being his best version, something which worries the new management. An unnamed BCCI source has revealed that all-rounder Hardik Pandya emerges as the top yet best option to lead India in the Champions Trophy should Rohit announce his international retirement. “Hardik has the knack for leading in high-pressure situations, and his experience as an all-rounder and leader makes him an ideal choice for an ICC tournament like the Champions Trophy," an unnamed BCCI source said, as quoted by MyKhel. Though the source revealed that BCCI had zeroed in on two other options, Pandya’s credential keeps him ahead in the race. “Gill needs more grooming to mature into a leader, and SKY’s ODI performances haven’t been convincing enough. Hardik remains the most balanced option to lead India in ODIs if Rohit is unavailable," the source added. Meanwhile, Pakistan and the UAE will co-host the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. While Pakistan will play all its matches in their country, India’s games will take place in Dubai, including the knockouts, should they qualify. The eight-team tournament will get underway on February 19 and ends on March 9. (With inputs from agencies)

India likely to have a new captain for Champions Trophy 2025 – Report

<p>Rohit Sharma opted out of the Sydney Test as ace seamer Jasprit Bumrah captained India in the BGT finale, deciding to bat first after winning the toss. Bumrah walking down for the toss cleared the air on Rohit&rsquo;s absence from the last match of the series following days of drama surrounding dressing room leaks. However, the story remained the same in 2025, as India&rsquo;s top order struggled, with four players back in the hut, including star batter Virat Kohli, caught in the second slip.</p>
<p>Shubman Gill returned to the side replacing Rohit but failed to leave any mark, getting out on the last ball before lunch on day one to Nathan Lyon.</p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet publive-iframes-block publive-Twitter-block" contenteditable="false" width="600" height="400" id="PL_blockquote_block-m5g8gya9-8g2lmupw-1rhqtb0d">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Nathan Lyon gets a wicket on the last ball before lunch 👀<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AUSvIND?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AUSvIND</a> <a href="https://t.co/B5nfTtBvem">pic.twitter.com/B5nfTtBvem</a></p>
&mdash; cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) <a href="https://twitter.com/cricketcomau/status/1874993122607788258?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 3, 2025</a></blockquote>
<p>Earlier, KL Rahul and Yashasvi Jaiswal &ndash; the two openers made mediocre starts, with Mitchell Starc accounting for Rahul, caught at the square leg for just four. Seamer Scott Boland removed in-form Jaiswal a couple of overs later on 10. India&rsquo;s scorecard read 17 for two at that stage.</p>
<p><strong>Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/border-gavaskar-trophy-bgt-gautam-gambhir-reacts-to-reports-of-indian-dressing-room-leaks-ahead-of-scg-test-says-this-8584659" rel="dofollow">BGT: Gautam Gambhir reacts to reports of Indian dressing room leaks, says THIS</a></strong></p>
<p>That, however, could have been 17 for three the next ball had the third umpire overturned the on-field decision on Virat Kohli.&nbsp;</p>
<p>The Indian batter edged one to Steve Smith in the second slip (on his first ball), only for him to try to grab it by putting his hands underneath and later scooping it in the air for the gully to jump in and complete the catch. Though it looked out with the naked eye, the decision was referred to the third umpire, Joel Wilson, who, with less evidence going against Kohli, adjudged it not out.</p>
<p>Smith stood his ground, admitting to claim the catch cleanly and showing no dissent against the umpire&rsquo;s decision.&nbsp;</p>
<h3>Watch Video &ndash;</h3>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet publive-iframes-block publive-Twitter-block" contenteditable="false" width="600" height="400" id="PL_blockquote_block-m5g8gosx-v0kbzpc6-uer95y5w">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">"100%. No denying it whatsoever."<br><br>Steve Smith weighs in on whether he got his hand underneath the ball in the biggest moment of the morning. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AUSvIND?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AUSvIND</a> <a href="https://t.co/bqIy8iGIRm">pic.twitter.com/bqIy8iGIRm</a></p>
&mdash; cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) <a href="https://twitter.com/cricketcomau/status/1874994592967176496?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 3, 2025</a></blockquote>
<h2>Kohli out in the slips</h2>
<p>Kohli has been a pale shadow of himself since his Perth hundred in the BGT opener, more so for getting out similarly across almost all innings. Even in the final Test of the series, where the onus was on him in Rohit&rsquo;s absence, Kohli edged one to the second slip off Boland for the debutant Beau Webster to collect a sensational catch.</p>
<p>The left-handed pair of Rishabh Pant and Ravindra Jadeja copped a few blows, with the Australian attack continuing to pile pressure. All bowlers, including spinner Lyon, looked effective early on day one.</p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet publive-iframes-block publive-Twitter-block" contenteditable="false" width="600" height="400" id="PL_blockquote_block-m5g8hcsn-o1m65x74-wtny5ulh">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Rishabh Pant took a number of heavy hits to the body.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AUSvIND?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AUSvIND</a> <a href="https://t.co/TdyJ1qhm9C">pic.twitter.com/TdyJ1qhm9C</a></p>
&mdash; cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) <a href="https://twitter.com/cricketcomau/status/1875019635822559412?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 3, 2025</a></blockquote>
<p>India is 107/4 at tea on day one.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>
<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

BGT test series at SCG: The story remained the same in 2025, as India's top-order struggled early on day one of the SCG Test, including star batter Virat Kohli, who got out on 17. 

Rohit Sharma opted out of the Sydney Test as ace seamer Jasprit Bumrah captained India in the BGT finale, deciding to bat first after winning the toss. Bumrah walking down for the toss cleared the air on Rohit’s absence from the last match of the series following days of drama surrounding dressing room leaks. However, the story remained the same in 2025, as India’s top order struggled, with four players back in the hut, including star batter Virat Kohli, caught in the second slip. Shubman Gill returned to the side replacing Rohit but failed to leave any mark, getting out on the last ball before lunch on day one to Nathan Lyon. Nathan Lyon gets a wicket on the last ball before lunch 👀#AUSvIND pic.twitter.com/B5nfTtBvem — cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) January 3, 2025 Earlier, KL Rahul and Yashasvi Jaiswal – the two openers made mediocre starts, with Mitchell Starc accounting for Rahul, caught at the square leg for just four. Seamer Scott Boland removed in-form Jaiswal a couple of overs later on 10. India’s scorecard read 17 for two at that stage. Also read | BGT: Gautam Gambhir reacts to reports of Indian dressing room leaks, says THIS That, however, could have been 17 for three the next ball had the third umpire overturned the on-field decision on Virat Kohli. The Indian batter edged one to Steve Smith in the second slip (on his first ball), only for him to try to grab it by putting his hands underneath and later scooping it in the air for the gully to jump in and complete the catch. Though it looked out with the naked eye, the decision was referred to the third umpire, Joel Wilson, who, with less evidence going against Kohli, adjudged it not out. Smith stood his ground, admitting to claim the catch cleanly and showing no dissent against the umpire’s decision. Watch Video – "100%. No denying it whatsoever." Steve Smith weighs in on whether he got his hand underneath the ball in the biggest moment of the morning. #AUSvIND pic.twitter.com/bqIy8iGIRm — cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) January 3, 2025 Kohli out in the slips Kohli has been a pale shadow of himself since his Perth hundred in the BGT opener, more so for getting out similarly across almost all innings. Even in the final Test of the series, where the onus was on him in Rohit’s absence, Kohli edged one to the second slip off Boland for the debutant Beau Webster to collect a sensational catch. The left-handed pair of Rishabh Pant and Ravindra Jadeja copped a few blows, with the Australian attack continuing to pile pressure. All bowlers, including spinner Lyon, looked effective early on day one. Rishabh Pant took a number of heavy hits to the body.#AUSvIND pic.twitter.com/TdyJ1qhm9C — cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) January 3, 2025 India is 107/4 at tea on day one. (With inputs from agencies)

BGT: Rohit-less India struggle at SCG; lose 4 wickets early on day 1

BGT: India's Predicted Playing XI for SCG Test vs Australia

Yashasvi Jaiswal

KL Rahul

Shubman Gill

Rishabh Pant (wk)

Nitish Reddy

Ravindra Jadeja

Washington Sundar

Harshit Rana

Mohammed Siraj

Jasprit Bumrah (c)

BGT: India's Predicted Playing XI for SCG Test versus Australia Rohit Sharma Jasprit Bumrah Kohli Pant Jurel Sundar Jadeja Rahul Jaiswal Gill 

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">India&rsquo;s Jasprit Bumrah has cemented his place at the top of the ICC Test bowler&rsquo;s rankings after a dazzling show in the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy series against Australia. In the latest rankings released on Wednesday (Jan 1), Bumrah is at the top of the charts with ranking points of 907. On the other hand, Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli have taken a massive hit and dropped to the 40th and 24th spots respectively.</p>
<h2 class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><strong>Bumrah leads the way in rankings</strong></h2>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">Having enjoyed a superb last couple of months, Bumrah has made the most of the BGT, leading the way with 30 wickets with still a match to go in Sydney. He was named Player of the Match in the Perth contest as Australia were beaten by a record margin of 295 runs. He played a key role in the match by scalping eight wickets.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">Excluding the second innings in the Adelaide Test, Bumrah has minimum bagged three wickets in each Australian innings. His numbers are more impressive when we compare him to captain Rohit Sharma, who has scored just 31 runs in the series. On three occasions, Bumrah has bagged a five-for, highlighting his importance in the side.&nbsp;</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">The next successful Indian bowler on the list is Mohammed Siraj with 16 wickets, while Akash Deep is third with five wickets.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><strong>ALSO READ | <a class="gh-archive-page-post-title-link" href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/former-india-coach-ravi-shastri-calls-for-two-tier-structure-in-test-cricket-with-relegation-and-promotion-8582488" aria-label="Former India coach Ravi Shastri calls for two-tier structure in Test cricket with relegation and promotion" rel="dofollow noopener" target="_blank">Former India coach Ravi Shastri calls for two-tier structure in Test cricket with relegation and promotion</a></strong></p>
<h2 class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><strong>Virat, Rohit take massive hit</strong></h2>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">Having scored only 31 runs in the Test series, Rohit was certain to take a hit in ranking as his form has become a major concern for the Indian team management. Rohit has been facing huge criticism after having scored in double figures only once in five innings. So far he has mustered scores of 3, 6, 10, 3 and 9, making him a weak link in the Indian side.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">Virat, on the other hand, has also suffered a dip in form despite having scored a hundred in Perth in the opening contest. Excluding that innings, he has been far from his best with just 67 runs in the remaining innings.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">&nbsp;</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">&nbsp;</p>

Sports, Cricket:  In the latest rankings released on Wednesday (Jan 1), Bumrah is at the top of the charts with ranking points of 907 ,while VIrat Kohli and Rohit Sharma took a hit. 

India’s Jasprit Bumrah has cemented his place at the top of the ICC Test bowler’s rankings after a dazzling show in the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy series against Australia. In the latest rankings released on Wednesday (Jan 1), Bumrah is at the top of the charts with ranking points of 907. On the other hand, Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli have taken a massive hit and dropped to the 40th and 24th spots respectively. Bumrah leads the way in rankings Having enjoyed a superb last couple of months, Bumrah has made the most of the BGT, leading the way with 30 wickets with still a match to go in Sydney. He was named Player of the Match in the Perth contest as Australia were beaten by a record margin of 295 runs. He played a key role in the match by scalping eight wickets. Excluding the second innings in the Adelaide Test, Bumrah has minimum bagged three wickets in each Australian innings. His numbers are more impressive when we compare him to captain Rohit Sharma, who has scored just 31 runs in the series. On three occasions, Bumrah has bagged a five-for, highlighting his importance in the side. The next successful Indian bowler on the list is Mohammed Siraj with 16 wickets, while Akash Deep is third with five wickets. ALSO READ | Former India coach Ravi Shastri calls for two-tier structure in Test cricket with relegation and promotion Virat, Rohit take massive hit Having scored only 31 runs in the Test series, Rohit was certain to take a hit in ranking as his form has become a major concern for the Indian team management. Rohit has been facing huge criticism after having scored in double figures only once in five innings. So far he has mustered scores of 3, 6, 10, 3 and 9, making him a weak link in the Indian side. Virat, on the other hand, has also suffered a dip in form despite having scored a hundred in Perth in the opening contest. Excluding that innings, he has been far from his best with just 67 runs in the remaining innings.

ICC rankings: Jasprit Bumrah cements top spot after dazzling BGT show

7 Indian Cricketers Likely to Retire in 2025

1. Ravindra Jadeja (All Formats)

2. Virat Kohli (All Formats)

3. Ajinkya Rahane (All Formats)

4. Cheteshwar Pujara (All Formats)

5. Hardik Pandya (Test)

6. Mohammed Shami (Test)

7. Rohit Sharma (All Formats)

Sports, Cricket: Indian Cricketers Likely to Retire in 2025 ft Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, Ravindra Jadeja as players look to cement their legacy

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">India&rsquo;s star trio of Virat Kohli, Jasprit Bumrah and Rohit Sharma are likely to be rested for the upcoming white-ball series against England. According to media reports, Kohli, Rohit and Bumrah will be part of the workload management system which will see them rested for the England series which starts in January. While Rohit missed the Perth Test against Australia in the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy, the rest have played in all matches.</p>
<h2 class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><strong>Star trio to be rested?</strong></h2>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">According to India Today&rsquo;s Sports Tak, Bumrah and Virat have been overworked and will be rested for the series to keep them fresh for the Champions Trophy 2025. The Indian team is one of the favourites to win the Champions Trophy which will be played in the hybrid model in Pakistan and the UAE in February and March. To avoid any injury issues with any of those players, the team management has suggested to the chief selectors to avoid picking them for the ODI series which starts on January 21 in Kolkata.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">Rohit and Virat have already announced their T20I retirements, meaning they won&rsquo;t be available for the series while Bumrah is still an integral part of the team. However, he has not played in a T20I match since the World Cup final in June 2024.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><strong>ALSO READ | <a class="gh-archive-page-post-title-link" href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/paris-olympians-claim-medal-condition-deteriorating-after-months-after-quadrennial-event-8580340" aria-label="Paris Olympians claim medal condition deteriorating months after quadrennial event">Paris Olympians claim medal condition deteriorating months after quadrennial event</a></strong></p>
<h2 class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><strong>India eye Champions Trophy</strong></h2>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">Having previously won the Champions Trophy in 2002 and 2013; the Indian team will search for their third title in 2025 under Rohit Sharma&rsquo;s captaincy. Rohit, Virat and Bumrah are expected to be the first names on the team sheet considering their huge experience. The series is likely to be the last ODI quest for Rohit Sharma, with his retirement rumours getting fueled up in recent weeks.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">The Indian captain has endured a horror form Down Under against Australia in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy and has been under huge criticism. According to a few media reports, he is likely to announce his Test retirement after the Australia series followed by the ODI retirement after the Champions Trophy.</p>

Sports, Cricket:  According to media reports, Kohli, Rohit and Bumrah will be rested for the England series which starts in January as part of the workload management. 

India’s star trio of Virat Kohli, Jasprit Bumrah and Rohit Sharma are likely to be rested for the upcoming white-ball series against England. According to media reports, Kohli, Rohit and Bumrah will be part of the workload management system which will see them rested for the England series which starts in January. While Rohit missed the Perth Test against Australia in the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy, the rest have played in all matches. Star trio to be rested? According to India Today’s Sports Tak, Bumrah and Virat have been overworked and will be rested for the series to keep them fresh for the Champions Trophy 2025. The Indian team is one of the favourites to win the Champions Trophy which will be played in the hybrid model in Pakistan and the UAE in February and March. To avoid any injury issues with any of those players, the team management has suggested to the chief selectors to avoid picking them for the ODI series which starts on January 21 in Kolkata. Rohit and Virat have already announced their T20I retirements, meaning they won’t be available for the series while Bumrah is still an integral part of the team. However, he has not played in a T20I match since the World Cup final in June 2024. ALSO READ | Paris Olympians claim medal condition deteriorating months after quadrennial event India eye Champions Trophy Having previously won the Champions Trophy in 2002 and 2013; the Indian team will search for their third title in 2025 under Rohit Sharma’s captaincy. Rohit, Virat and Bumrah are expected to be the first names on the team sheet considering their huge experience. The series is likely to be the last ODI quest for Rohit Sharma, with his retirement rumours getting fueled up in recent weeks. The Indian captain has endured a horror form Down Under against Australia in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy and has been under huge criticism. According to a few media reports, he is likely to announce his Test retirement after the Australia series followed by the ODI retirement after the Champions Trophy.

IND vs ENG: Bumrah, Kohli to be rested for ODI series; to return for Champions Trophy 2025 - Report

Most International Runs For India In 2024

Yashasvi Jaiswal 

Rohit Sharma

Cricket, Sports | Most International Runs For India In 2024 KL Rahul Yashasvi Jaiswal Shubman Gill Rishabh Pant Virat Kohli Rohit Sharma Ravindra Jadeja 

<p>Former Indian opener Sunil Gavaskar shared his take on Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli's Test future after India's MCG Test defeat versus Australia, on Monday (Dec 30), in the 2024-25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT). India lost the fourth and penultimate Test by 184 runs, in pursuit of 340 on Day 5, as Rohit and Kohli's poor run continued.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Both Rohit and Kohli have struggled for runs in the ongoing India-Australia series. While Kohli scored a hundred in the series opener, the right-hander has four single-digit scores and not a single half-century. For Rohit, he has scores of 3, 6, 10, 3 and 9 in the series. Thus, Gavaskar opined on their red-ball future and feels it is the selectors' call whether they want Rohit-Kohli to carry on.</p>
<p>"It actually all depends on the selectors. I'm not a good reader of the crystal ball, because in Indian cricket, nobody can read a crystal ball. That is a fact. But the contributions which were expected have not come. I don't think it's a lower-order problem. It's the top order that has to contribute. So, I mean, the seniors have not really made the contribution that they should have and all that they had to do was to bat out today and live to fight another day in Sydney," Gavaskar said to India Today.</p>
<p><strong>Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/bgt-rohit-sharmas-retirement-rumours-catch-fire-after-langers-body-language-remark-8578916" rel="dofollow noopener" target="_blank">BGT - Rohit's retirement rumours catch fire after Langer&rsquo;s &lsquo;body language&rsquo; remark</a></strong></p>
<p>Talking about the Boxing Day Test at the MCG, in Melbourne, Rohit-led India opted to bowl first. Riding on Steve Smith's 140, the fifties from debutant Sam Konstas, Marnus Labuschagne, Usman Khawaja and valuable contributions from the lower-order, Australia posted 474. In reply, India were tottering at 221-7 before Nitish Reddy's 114 propelled the visitors to 369.</p>
<p>With a lead of 105, Australia got dismissed for 234 in their second innings, despite being reduced to 91-6 at one stage. Setting a target of 340 on the final day, Australia dismissed India for 155.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Aussie skipper Pat Cummins was adjudged the Player-of-the-Match for a six-wicket match haul and 49 and 41 runs with the bat.</p>
<p>Australia lead the 2024-25 BGT 2-1 with the final Test commencing in Sydney on Jan 3 (Friday).&nbsp;</p>

Cricket, Sports | Border-Gavaskar Trophy: 'Nobody can read a crystal ball,' Sunil Gavaskar shares his take on Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli's Test future

Former Indian opener Sunil Gavaskar shared his take on Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli's Test future after India's MCG Test defeat versus Australia, on Monday (Dec 30), in the 2024-25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT). India lost the fourth and penultimate Test by 184 runs, in pursuit of 340 on Day 5, as Rohit and Kohli's poor run continued. Both Rohit and Kohli have struggled for runs in the ongoing India-Australia series. While Kohli scored a hundred in the series opener, the right-hander has four single-digit scores and not a single half-century. For Rohit, he has scores of 3, 6, 10, 3 and 9 in the series. Thus, Gavaskar opined on their red-ball future and feels it is the selectors' call whether they want Rohit-Kohli to carry on. "It actually all depends on the selectors. I'm not a good reader of the crystal ball, because in Indian cricket, nobody can read a crystal ball. That is a fact. But the contributions which were expected have not come. I don't think it's a lower-order problem. It's the top order that has to contribute. So, I mean, the seniors have not really made the contribution that they should have and all that they had to do was to bat out today and live to fight another day in Sydney," Gavaskar said to India Today. Also read: BGT - Rohit's retirement rumours catch fire after Langer’s ‘body language’ remark Talking about the Boxing Day Test at the MCG, in Melbourne, Rohit-led India opted to bowl first. Riding on Steve Smith's 140, the fifties from debutant Sam Konstas, Marnus Labuschagne, Usman Khawaja and valuable contributions from the lower-order, Australia posted 474. In reply, India were tottering at 221-7 before Nitish Reddy's 114 propelled the visitors to 369. With a lead of 105, Australia got dismissed for 234 in their second innings, despite being reduced to 91-6 at one stage. Setting a target of 340 on the final day, Australia dismissed India for 155. Aussie skipper Pat Cummins was adjudged the Player-of-the-Match for a six-wicket match haul and 49 and 41 runs with the bat. Australia lead the 2024-25 BGT 2-1 with the final Test commencing in Sydney on Jan 3 (Friday).

BGT: 'Nobody can....', Sunil Gavaskar shares his take on Rohit and Kohli's Test future

Rewind 2024: Top 7 Indian Batters with Most Runs in Tests

Sports, Cricket: As we wrap up 2024, it's time we take a look at India's top seven run-getters in Tests this year. From the veterans, an all-rounder also made the cut. 

<p>Australia beat India by 184 runs on Day 5 of the MCG Test, Melbourne on Monday (Dec 30) to take an unassailable 2-1 lead in the 2024-25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT). Chasing 340, in the fourth and penultimate tie, India managed 155 with only Yashasvi Jaiswal (84) showing resistance in the middle before a controversial call adjudged him out. India's top-order struggle continued as their hopes of playing the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) final, in June 2025, keeps fading away. For Pat Cummins-led Australia, the win marked their first versus India at the G and keeps them on course to meet South Africa in the WTC finale.</p>
<p>Day 5 of the MCG Test kicked off with Australia adding six more runs to their score bundling out for 234, setting a 340-run target. The last-wicket stand between Nathan Lyon and Scott Boland added 61 to frustrate India before Bumrah cleaned up Lyon. Bumrah claimed his third five-fer of the series. He now has 30 wickets in 2024-25 BGT; most by miles. In addition, Bumrah became the first pacer to claim 30 wickets in a BGT (second overall after Harbhajan Singh's 32 in 2001).</p>
<p>Moreover, Bumrah became the first visiting bowler to take 30 wickets in a Test series in Australia since West Indies great Curtly Ambrose (in 1992-93). Also, he is only the second Indian to touch the 30-wicket mark after spin legend Bishan Singh Bedi. Bedi achieved the feat during India's 1967-68 tour of Australia.</p>
<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/bgt-kohli-can-play-3-to-4-more-years-for-rohit-shastri-on-indian-duos-test-future-after-flop-show-in-mcg-test-8576550" rel="dofollow noopener" target="_blank">BGT: 'Kohli can play 3 to 4 more years, for Rohit....' - Shastri on Indian duo's Test future after flop show in MCG Test</a></strong></p>
<h2><strong>Top order struggles and fielding lapses cost India</strong></h2>
<p>Talking about the MCG Test, India opted to bowl first but Steve Smith's 140, fifties from debutant Sam Konstas, Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne and lower-order's vital contributions, headed by skipper Pat Cummins (49), took the hosts to 474. In reply, India's famed batters -- Rohit, Virat Kohli, KL Rahul, Rishabh Pant, etc. -- fell flat but Nitish Reddy's 114 and Washington Sundar's 50 took India to 369.</p>
<p>Buoyed by Reddy and Sundar's fightback, India reduced Australia to 91-6, with their overall lead being 196. Bumrah once again led the charge with the ball but also found rare support from the other end, with Mohammed Siraj looking in good rhythm. However, Marnus Labuschagne's 70, Cummins and Lyon's 41 apiece took Australia to 234, also courtesy of India giving plenty of lifelines with several fielding errors.</p>
<p>India had a chance to save the Test match but the likes of Rohit and Kohli failed once again. Jaiswal led the charge but fell short of partners before eventually losing his wicket. The left-hander pulled a delivery off Cummins and was given out, caught-behind. While there was no spike on the Real Time Snickometer (RTS), the side-on replays showed it hit the gloves. Eventually,<span> visual evidence was enough to overturn the decision. Jaiswal, thus, ended the year with the most Test runs by an Indian, second overall -- 1,478.</span></p>
<p><span>The MCG Test also scripted history, with 350,700 spectators (a record attendance) flocking to the iconic venue during the course of the game.</span></p>
<p>The ongoing BGT series is in Australia's favour (with a 2-1 lead), however, India will be desperate to end at 2-2 with a win in the series finale, at the SCG, Sydney. If India succeeds, they will manage to retain the BGT once again, since 2016-17. For the Aussies, they are eager to regain the elusive trophy, having last won in 2014-15.</p>
<p>The final Test of the five-match series commences on Jan 3 (Friday) in Sydney.</p>

Cricket, Sports | Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25: Australia beat India by 184 runs in the Melbourne Test to take an unassailable 2-1 lead in the series

Australia beat India by 184 runs on Day 5 of the MCG Test, Melbourne on Monday (Dec 30) to take an unassailable 2-1 lead in the 2024-25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT). Chasing 340, in the fourth and penultimate tie, India managed 155 with only Yashasvi Jaiswal (84) showing resistance in the middle before a controversial call adjudged him out. India's top-order struggle continued as their hopes of playing the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) final, in June 2025, keeps fading away. For Pat Cummins-led Australia, the win marked their first versus India at the G and keeps them on course to meet South Africa in the WTC finale. Day 5 of the MCG Test kicked off with Australia adding six more runs to their score bundling out for 234, setting a 340-run target. The last-wicket stand between Nathan Lyon and Scott Boland added 61 to frustrate India before Bumrah cleaned up Lyon. Bumrah claimed his third five-fer of the series. He now has 30 wickets in 2024-25 BGT; most by miles. In addition, Bumrah became the first pacer to claim 30 wickets in a BGT (second overall after Harbhajan Singh's 32 in 2001). Moreover, Bumrah became the first visiting bowler to take 30 wickets in a Test series in Australia since West Indies great Curtly Ambrose (in 1992-93). Also, he is only the second Indian to touch the 30-wicket mark after spin legend Bishan Singh Bedi. Bedi achieved the feat during India's 1967-68 tour of Australia. Also read: BGT: 'Kohli can play 3 to 4 more years, for Rohit....' - Shastri on Indian duo's Test future after flop show in MCG Test Top order struggles and fielding lapses cost India Talking about the MCG Test, India opted to bowl first but Steve Smith's 140, fifties from debutant Sam Konstas, Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne and lower-order's vital contributions, headed by skipper Pat Cummins (49), took the hosts to 474. In reply, India's famed batters -- Rohit, Virat Kohli, KL Rahul, Rishabh Pant, etc. -- fell flat but Nitish Reddy's 114 and Washington Sundar's 50 took India to 369. Buoyed by Reddy and Sundar's fightback, India reduced Australia to 91-6, with their overall lead being 196. Bumrah once again led the charge with the ball but also found rare support from the other end, with Mohammed Siraj looking in good rhythm. However, Marnus Labuschagne's 70, Cummins and Lyon's 41 apiece took Australia to 234, also courtesy of India giving plenty of lifelines with several fielding errors. India had a chance to save the Test match but the likes of Rohit and Kohli failed once again. Jaiswal led the charge but fell short of partners before eventually losing his wicket. The left-hander pulled a delivery off Cummins and was given out, caught-behind. While there was no spike on the Real Time Snickometer (RTS), the side-on replays showed it hit the gloves. Eventually, visual evidence was enough to overturn the decision. Jaiswal, thus, ended the year with the most Test runs by an Indian, second overall -- 1,478. The MCG Test also scripted history, with 350,700 spectators (a record attendance) flocking to the iconic venue during the course of the game. The ongoing BGT series is in Australia's favour (with a 2-1 lead), however, India will be desperate to end at 2-2 with a win in the series finale, at the SCG, Sydney. If India succeeds, they will manage to retain the BGT once again, since 2016-17. For the Aussies, they are eager to regain the elusive trophy, having last won in 2014-15. The final Test of the five-match series commences on Jan 3 (Friday) in Sydney.

BGT: Australia beat India by 184 runs in MCG Test to take unassailable 2-1 lead

<p>Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli departed for cheap in India's 340-run chase versus Australia on Day 5 of the fourth and penultimate Test, of the 2024/25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT), at the MCG, Melbourne on Monday (Dec 30). Apart from a hundred, Kohli has struggled in the five-match series whereas captain Rohit has had a torrid run in Tests in 2024. Hence, former India coach Ravi Shastri opined on the duo's red-ball future.</p>
<h2><strong>'Virat will play 3-4 more years, it's a call for Rohit'</strong></h2>
<p>Shastri told the broadcaster Star Sports during Day 5's proceedings, at the MCG, Melbourne, "No, I think Virat Kohli will play. Virat will play for some time, forget the way he got out today. I think he will play for 3 or 4 more years."</p>
<p><strong>Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/india-chances-for-wtc-final-2025-qualification-scenarios-for-india-wtc-scenario-chances-8575746" rel="dofollow noopener" target="_blank">WTC Final 2025: India's qualification chances and scenarios | Read</a></strong></p>
<p>"As far as Rohit is concerned, it&rsquo;s a call. At the top of the order, his footwork isn&rsquo;t the same. He is probably, at times, a little late in meeting the ball. So it&rsquo;s his call at the end of the series," Shastri added.</p>
<p>Rohit has had scores of 3, 6, 10, 3 and 9 in the ongoing BGT in Australia. Kohli, meanwhile, has scores of 5, 7, 11, 3, 36 and 5 apart from a 100*. Both have struggled in whites in 2024. While Rohit ended the calendar year with 619 runs at an average of 24.76, Kohli fared poorly as well -- 417 runs in 10 Tests, averaging 24.52 in 2024.</p>
<p>Rohit and Kohli fell for 9 and 5, respectively, in India's tall run-chase of 340 in the MCG Test on Day 5. At the time of publishing this report, India are 99-3 in 48 overs with Yashasvi Jaiswal and Rishabh Pant batting well in the middle.</p>
<p>The 2024/25 BGT is currently tied at 1-1 with one more Test to play.</p>

Border-Gavaskar Trophy: 'Virat Kohli can play 3 to 4 more years, for Rohit Sharma....' - Ravi Shastri on Indian duo's Test future after flop show in MCG Test

Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli departed for cheap in India's 340-run chase versus Australia on Day 5 of the fourth and penultimate Test, of the 2024/25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT), at the MCG, Melbourne on Monday (Dec 30). Apart from a hundred, Kohli has struggled in the five-match series whereas captain Rohit has had a torrid run in Tests in 2024. Hence, former India coach Ravi Shastri opined on the duo's red-ball future. 'Virat will play 3-4 more years, it's a call for Rohit' Shastri told the broadcaster Star Sports during Day 5's proceedings, at the MCG, Melbourne, "No, I think Virat Kohli will play. Virat will play for some time, forget the way he got out today. I think he will play for 3 or 4 more years." Also read: WTC Final 2025: India's qualification chances and scenarios | Read "As far as Rohit is concerned, it’s a call. At the top of the order, his footwork isn’t the same. He is probably, at times, a little late in meeting the ball. So it’s his call at the end of the series," Shastri added. Rohit has had scores of 3, 6, 10, 3 and 9 in the ongoing BGT in Australia. Kohli, meanwhile, has scores of 5, 7, 11, 3, 36 and 5 apart from a 100*. Both have struggled in whites in 2024. While Rohit ended the calendar year with 619 runs at an average of 24.76, Kohli fared poorly as well -- 417 runs in 10 Tests, averaging 24.52 in 2024. Rohit and Kohli fell for 9 and 5, respectively, in India's tall run-chase of 340 in the MCG Test on Day 5. At the time of publishing this report, India are 99-3 in 48 overs with Yashasvi Jaiswal and Rishabh Pant batting well in the middle. The 2024/25 BGT is currently tied at 1-1 with one more Test to play.

BGT: 'Kohli can play 3 to 4 more years, for Rohit....' - Shastri on Indian duo's Test future after flop show in MCG Test

<p>Australia debutant Sam Konstas is certainly enjoying his first Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) both with the bat and on the field. After scoring a quick-fire 60 in his maiden Test innings Konstas, while fielding, mimicked Virat Kohli's shoulder push on the field.</p>
<p>The batter had his face towards the fans and moved his right shoulder, recreating the same one he got from Kohli on day 1 while batting. Have a look at the video below:</p>
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<p>After the altercation on day 1, the match referee also fined Kohli 20 percent of his match fees.</p>
<h2><strong>Nitish Reddy saves India on day 3</strong></h2>
<p>As for the match, the visitors still trail by 116 runs in the first innings but with rain predicted for next two days - India may have done enough to escape with a draw at the MCG. India were 358/9 before rain forced an early end of the day with Reddy unbeaten on 105 and Siraj on the other end.&nbsp;</p>
<p><strong>Also Read:</strong> <a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/bgt-nitish-kumar-reddy-news-hundred-record-third-youngest-in-australia-india-vs-australia-boxing-day-test-8573009">BGT 2024-25: Nitish Reddy achieves historic feat with maiden Test ton</a></p>
<p>After starting the day from the overnight score of 164/5, India were in a pickle at 221/7 before Nitish Kumar Reddy took the charge with fellow all-rounder Washington Sundar. The duo added 127 runs for the eighth wicket - the second highest ever for India in Australia and third joint-highest overall between two countries for the last three wickets.</p>
<p>The partnership was broken when Nathan Lyon got Sundar caught at slips after the all-rounder reached his 50. Reddy, who was batting at 97 at the time, had a scare of not reaching his ton as Jasprit Bumrah was also taken out with only one wicket remaining in the innings.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Mohammed Siraj, however, stood his ground which gave Reddy opportunity to reach his maiden Test ton. The youngster has 275 runs in the series as of now - highest for India and second highest overall behind Travis Head's 409.</p>
<p>The five-Test series currently stands equal at 1-1 with one more Test to go after the ongoing Boxing Day Test.</p>

Cricket Sports News Kohli vs Konstas: The Aussie had his face towards the fans and moved his right shoulder, recreating the same one he got from Kohli on day 1 while batting.

Australia debutant Sam Konstas is certainly enjoying his first Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) both with the bat and on the field. After scoring a quick-fire 60 in his maiden Test innings Konstas, while fielding, mimicked Virat Kohli's shoulder push on the field. The batter had his face towards the fans and moved his right shoulder, recreating the same one he got from Kohli on day 1 while batting. Have a look at the video below: View this post on Instagram A post shared by The 28 Year Old Male (@the28yearoldmale) After the altercation on day 1, the match referee also fined Kohli 20 percent of his match fees. Nitish Reddy saves India on day 3 As for the match, the visitors still trail by 116 runs in the first innings but with rain predicted for next two days - India may have done enough to escape with a draw at the MCG. India were 358/9 before rain forced an early end of the day with Reddy unbeaten on 105 and Siraj on the other end. Also Read: BGT 2024-25: Nitish Reddy achieves historic feat with maiden Test ton After starting the day from the overnight score of 164/5, India were in a pickle at 221/7 before Nitish Kumar Reddy took the charge with fellow all-rounder Washington Sundar. The duo added 127 runs for the eighth wicket - the second highest ever for India in Australia and third joint-highest overall between two countries for the last three wickets. The partnership was broken when Nathan Lyon got Sundar caught at slips after the all-rounder reached his 50. Reddy, who was batting at 97 at the time, had a scare of not reaching his ton as Jasprit Bumrah was also taken out with only one wicket remaining in the innings. Mohammed Siraj, however, stood his ground which gave Reddy opportunity to reach his maiden Test ton. The youngster has 275 runs in the series as of now - highest for India and second highest overall behind Travis Head's 409. The five-Test series currently stands equal at 1-1 with one more Test to go after the ongoing Boxing Day Test.

BGT 2024-25: WATCH | Sam Konstas mimics Virat Kohli in Boxing Day Test

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-IN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-IN;">It was yet another dramatic day in the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy series between India and Australia on Friday (Dec 27) as Virat Kohli was seen confronting a fan. Playing on Day 2 of the Boxing Day Test match at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG), Virat was seen angry on his way back to the pavilion and confronting one fan. The incident happened when India was facing another batting collapse as it lost three wickets in a matter of four overs - ending day 2 at 164/5&nbsp;</span></p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet publive-iframes-block publive-Twitter-block" contenteditable="false" width="600" height="400" id="PL_blockquote_block-m56jwe99-9k3u7c5c-ddxh5dmr">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Virat Kohli almost recreated that incident with a CSK fan at Wankhede 😭😭 <a href="https://t.co/35qDBKxuv3">pic.twitter.com/35qDBKxuv3</a></p>
&mdash; Pari (@BluntIndianGal) <a href="https://twitter.com/BluntIndianGal/status/1872537246798336197?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 27, 2024</a></blockquote>
<h2 class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-IN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-IN;"><strong>Virat Kohli confronts fan</strong><o:p></o:p></span></h2>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-IN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-IN;">After being dismissed on the first ball of the 43rd over, Virat was miffed with himself while returning to the pavilion. While he was about to enter the staircase of the MCG pavilion, one of the fans took a sly dig at the former India skipper, a reaction that left him angry. Virat was then seen turning back and trying to confront the fan before security personnel came to cool the matter and asked the fan in the stand to be silent. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-IN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-IN;">Virat at the same time, kept his cool and returned to the pavilion and avoided further controversy for his reactions. On Thursday, he was fined 20 percent match fees for brushing his shoulders with Aussie debutant Sam Konstas after the end of the 10th over, the reaction was met with huge criticism by the cricket fraternity. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-IN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-IN;">A few former cricketers voiced their opinion on the Konstas situation, stating Virat was fortunate to avoid a ban for such a situation.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><strong><span lang="EN-IN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-IN;">ALSO READ | </span><a class="gh-archive-page-post-title-link" href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/mcg-test-day-2-report-india-hurt-by-late-setbacks-in-response-to-australias-474-border-gavaskar-trophy-boxing-day-test-8569799" aria-label="MCG Test, Day 2 report: India hurt by late setbacks in response to Australia's 474">MCG Test, Day 2 report: India hurt by late setbacks in response to Australia's 474</a></strong></p>
<h2 class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-IN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-IN;"><strong>India face late collapse</strong><o:p></o:p></span></h2>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-IN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-IN;">After bowling Australia out for 474 in the opening session of Day 2, India did not have the best of starts with skipper Rohit Sharma falling to Pat Cummins in the second over. KL Rahul added 24 runs to his tally before being scalped by Pat Cummins. Virat (36) and Yashasvi Jaiswal (82) added a 102-run stand for the third wicket before the latter was the victim of poor running between the wickets. India closed the day at 164/5 with Rishabh Pant (6) and Ravindra Jadeja (4) in the middle.<o:p></o:p></span></p>

Sports Cricket: After being dismissed in the 43rd over, Virat Kohli was seen angry with himself while returning to the pavilion. He confronted a fan on his way back to pavilion. 

It was yet another dramatic day in the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy series between India and Australia on Friday (Dec 27) as Virat Kohli was seen confronting a fan. Playing on Day 2 of the Boxing Day Test match at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG), Virat was seen angry on his way back to the pavilion and confronting one fan. The incident happened when India was facing another batting collapse as it lost three wickets in a matter of four overs - ending day 2 at 164/5 Virat Kohli almost recreated that incident with a CSK fan at Wankhede 😭😭 pic.twitter.com/35qDBKxuv3 — Pari (@BluntIndianGal) December 27, 2024 Virat Kohli confronts fan After being dismissed on the first ball of the 43rd over, Virat was miffed with himself while returning to the pavilion. While he was about to enter the staircase of the MCG pavilion, one of the fans took a sly dig at the former India skipper, a reaction that left him angry. Virat was then seen turning back and trying to confront the fan before security personnel came to cool the matter and asked the fan in the stand to be silent. Virat at the same time, kept his cool and returned to the pavilion and avoided further controversy for his reactions. On Thursday, he was fined 20 percent match fees for brushing his shoulders with Aussie debutant Sam Konstas after the end of the 10th over, the reaction was met with huge criticism by the cricket fraternity. A few former cricketers voiced their opinion on the Konstas situation, stating Virat was fortunate to avoid a ban for such a situation. ALSO READ | MCG Test, Day 2 report: India hurt by late setbacks in response to Australia's 474 India face late collapse After bowling Australia out for 474 in the opening session of Day 2, India did not have the best of starts with skipper Rohit Sharma falling to Pat Cummins in the second over. KL Rahul added 24 runs to his tally before being scalped by Pat Cummins. Virat (36) and Yashasvi Jaiswal (82) added a 102-run stand for the third wicket before the latter was the victim of poor running between the wickets. India closed the day at 164/5 with Rishabh Pant (6) and Ravindra Jadeja (4) in the middle.

BGT: Virat Kohli confronts fan on the way back to MCG pavilion - WATCH

<p>Plenty happened on day two of the fourth BGT Test between Australia and India at the iconic MCG. While Steve Smith put Australia ahead with his record 34th Test hundred, second in two Tests and 11th against India in this format, what unfolded in the last 20 minutes of play further dent India&rsquo;s chances of taking a lead in this five-match series.</p>
<p>A horrific mix-up between Virat Kohli and Yashasvi Jaiswal, leading to the latter&rsquo;s dismissal on 82, Virat edging one to the keeper off Scott Boland and Mitchell Starc sending nightwatchman Akash Deep back on zero, all happened in the space of four overs, reducing India from 153 for two to 159 for five.</p>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">A massive mix-up between Virat Kohli and Yashasvi Jaiswal sees Jaiswal run out for 82! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AUSvIND?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AUSvIND</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/PlayOfTheDay?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#PlayOfTheDay</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/nrmainsurance?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@nrmainsurance</a> <a href="https://t.co/a9G4uZwYIk">pic.twitter.com/a9G4uZwYIk</a></p>
&mdash; cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) <a href="https://twitter.com/cricketcomau/status/1872533433701806530?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 27, 2024</a></blockquote>
<p>That passage of play, however, blew Team India&rsquo;s momentum, which they gained with the 102-run stand between Kohli and Jaiswal earlier.</p>
<h2>Kohli-Jaiswal mix up</h2>
<p>On the last ball of the 41st over, Jaiswal played one towards the mid-on off Boland and ran immediately. Instead of trusting his partner&rsquo;s call and going for the single, Kohli, upon looking back, realised Jaiswal had taken a risk by going for it; Kohli held his ground, leaving Jaiswal nowhere to go after he almost reached the non-striker&rsquo;s end.&nbsp;</p>
<p><strong>ALSO READ: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/bgt-its-a-bit-of-desperation-ravi-shastri-slams-australian-media-for-targeting-virat-kohli-8569734" rel="dofollow">BGT: &lsquo;It&rsquo;s a bit of desperation,&rsquo; Shastri slams Australian media for targeting Kohli</a></strong></p>
<p>That led to a massive mix-up with Pat Cummins and Alex Carey accounting for Jaiswal's run-out, which later triggered a mini-collapse.</p>
<h3>Blame game continues</h3>
<p>Stunned by Kohli&rsquo;s decision not to complete the run, the commentators, mainly Sanjay Manjrekar, came down hard on the Indian veteran for his mistake before he got into a heated argument with his fellow broadcaster and ex-India star Irfan Pathan in the Star Sports&rsquo; post-match show.</p>
<p>While Manjrekar stuck to his point of Kohli being the culprit in this situation, Pathan jumped onto defending the former India captain, saying Kohli was at risk of getting run out at the striker&rsquo;s end, leaving Manjrekar furious over the whole argument.</p>
<p>"Ball was going slow, I don't think Kohli would've been run out. It was Jaiswal's call. Maybe a risky run, but he was at the danger end, not Kohli. It was a schoolboy error from Virat that he looked back and decided it wasn't a run. If it was a bad call from Jaiswal, he would've gotten out at the non-striker's end," Manjrekar said on the Star Sports show.</p>
<p>After Pathan defended his point on how Jaiswal was wrong in calling it in the first go, Sanjay said, "If you don't want to let me talk, it's alright".</p>
<p>Manjrekar further lost his cool after Pathan continued to press his opinion, replying, "Irfan Pathan's new interpretation of whether it is a run or not, should be added to the coaching manual."</p>
<p>The former Mumbai batter didn&rsquo;t stop there, continuing to talk about how the &lsquo;guilt&rsquo; of Jaiswal&rsquo;s run out led to Kohli&rsquo;s dismissal.</p>
<p>"Kohli's dismissal probably also down to the guilt he had inside his heart over Jaiswal's run-out. He was leaving outside-off deliveries until then but lost his concentration after the run-out incident," he noted.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, in reply to Australia&rsquo;s 474 in the first innings, India scored 164 for five at stumps on day two, trailing behind by 310 runs.&nbsp;</p>
<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

A horrific mix-up between Virat Kohli and Yashasvi Jaiswal, Virat edging one to the keeper off Boland and Starc sending Akash Deep back on zero, all happened within four overs.

Plenty happened on day two of the fourth BGT Test between Australia and India at the iconic MCG. While Steve Smith put Australia ahead with his record 34th Test hundred, second in two Tests and 11th against India in this format, what unfolded in the last 20 minutes of play further dent India’s chances of taking a lead in this five-match series. A horrific mix-up between Virat Kohli and Yashasvi Jaiswal, leading to the latter’s dismissal on 82, Virat edging one to the keeper off Scott Boland and Mitchell Starc sending nightwatchman Akash Deep back on zero, all happened in the space of four overs, reducing India from 153 for two to 159 for five. A massive mix-up between Virat Kohli and Yashasvi Jaiswal sees Jaiswal run out for 82! #AUSvIND | #PlayOfTheDay | @nrmainsurance pic.twitter.com/a9G4uZwYIk — cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) December 27, 2024 That passage of play, however, blew Team India’s momentum, which they gained with the 102-run stand between Kohli and Jaiswal earlier. Kohli-Jaiswal mix up On the last ball of the 41st over, Jaiswal played one towards the mid-on off Boland and ran immediately. Instead of trusting his partner’s call and going for the single, Kohli, upon looking back, realised Jaiswal had taken a risk by going for it; Kohli held his ground, leaving Jaiswal nowhere to go after he almost reached the non-striker’s end. ALSO READ: BGT: ‘It’s a bit of desperation,’ Shastri slams Australian media for targeting Kohli That led to a massive mix-up with Pat Cummins and Alex Carey accounting for Jaiswal's run-out, which later triggered a mini-collapse. Blame game continues Stunned by Kohli’s decision not to complete the run, the commentators, mainly Sanjay Manjrekar, came down hard on the Indian veteran for his mistake before he got into a heated argument with his fellow broadcaster and ex-India star Irfan Pathan in the Star Sports’ post-match show. While Manjrekar stuck to his point of Kohli being the culprit in this situation, Pathan jumped onto defending the former India captain, saying Kohli was at risk of getting run out at the striker’s end, leaving Manjrekar furious over the whole argument. "Ball was going slow, I don't think Kohli would've been run out. It was Jaiswal's call. Maybe a risky run, but he was at the danger end, not Kohli. It was a schoolboy error from Virat that he looked back and decided it wasn't a run. If it was a bad call from Jaiswal, he would've gotten out at the non-striker's end," Manjrekar said on the Star Sports show. After Pathan defended his point on how Jaiswal was wrong in calling it in the first go, Sanjay said, "If you don't want to let me talk, it's alright". Manjrekar further lost his cool after Pathan continued to press his opinion, replying, "Irfan Pathan's new interpretation of whether it is a run or not, should be added to the coaching manual." The former Mumbai batter didn’t stop there, continuing to talk about how the ‘guilt’ of Jaiswal’s run out led to Kohli’s dismissal. "Kohli's dismissal probably also down to the guilt he had inside his heart over Jaiswal's run-out. He was leaving outside-off deliveries until then but lost his concentration after the run-out incident," he noted. Meanwhile, in reply to Australia’s 474 in the first innings, India scored 164 for five at stumps on day two, trailing behind by 310 runs. (With inputs from agencies)

BGT: Manjrekar, Pathan argue over Jaiswal’s run out on day 2 at MCG

<p>India are reeling at 164-5 in response to Australia's 474 after the end of Day 2 of the MCG Test, in Melbourne, on Friday (Dec 27). The day resumed with Australia at 311-6 as the hosts aimed to get past the 400-run mark. Steve Smith, unbeaten on 68, slammed his 34th Test ton -- second-most by an Australian -- and was well supported by skipper Pat Cummins (49) to take Australia to 474. In reply, India lost two quick wickets but Yashasvi Jaiswal and Virat Kohli stitched a vital 102-run stand before the visitors lost three quick wickets to fall behind in the fourth and penultimate Test of the 2024/25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy.</p>
<p>The day commenced with Smith and Cummins stitching a match-changing 112-run seventh-wicket stand. Indian bowlers lacked penetration and the hosts made the most of it. While Cummins fell for 49, trying to hit Jadeja, Smith registered his 34th ton, also smashing his 11th century in the history of BGT (most by any batter). Mitchell Starc and Nathan Lyon also got starts to push the team total near 500.&nbsp;</p>
<p>In reply, India opened with captain Rohit Sharma and Jaiswal coming out in the middle. Rohit departed soon as his torrid tour continued. Jaiswal and Rahul looked good and aimed to take India to the tea break without any further hiccups before Cummins cleaned up Rahul with a peach of a delivery.&nbsp;</p>
<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/bgt-pat-cummins-removes-kl-rahul-with-an-absolute-jaffa-on-day-2-of-mcg-test-watch-8569713" rel="dofollow noopener" target="_blank">BGT: Pat Cummins removes KL Rahul with an absolute jaffa on Day 2 of MCG Test - Watch</a></strong></p>
<p>The third and final session began on a promising note for India. Jaiswal and Kohli looked comfortable in the middle and kept the scoreboard ticking. Kohli was more watchful towards the balls outside off-stump whereas Jaiswal looked solid in defence and cut and drove with aplomb. Against the run of play, the swashbuckling left-hander was run-out for 82; trying the tides in Australia's favour.</p>
<p>Jaiswal's run-out affected Kohli as well. The former Indian captain edged one outside off-stump, off Scott Boland, as India lost two key wickets close to stumps. Pacer Akash Deep, promoted as a nightwatchman, was the last wicket to fall as Jadeja-Rishabh Pant took India to 164-5 at stumps, with hosts trailing by 310 runs.</p>

MCG Test, Day 2 report: India hurt by late setbacks in response to Australia's 474

India are reeling at 164-5 in response to Australia's 474 after the end of Day 2 of the MCG Test, in Melbourne, on Friday (Dec 27). The day resumed with Australia at 311-6 as the hosts aimed to get past the 400-run mark. Steve Smith, unbeaten on 68, slammed his 34th Test ton -- second-most by an Australian -- and was well supported by skipper Pat Cummins (49) to take Australia to 474. In reply, India lost two quick wickets but Yashasvi Jaiswal and Virat Kohli stitched a vital 102-run stand before the visitors lost three quick wickets to fall behind in the fourth and penultimate Test of the 2024/25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy. The day commenced with Smith and Cummins stitching a match-changing 112-run seventh-wicket stand. Indian bowlers lacked penetration and the hosts made the most of it. While Cummins fell for 49, trying to hit Jadeja, Smith registered his 34th ton, also smashing his 11th century in the history of BGT (most by any batter). Mitchell Starc and Nathan Lyon also got starts to push the team total near 500. In reply, India opened with captain Rohit Sharma and Jaiswal coming out in the middle. Rohit departed soon as his torrid tour continued. Jaiswal and Rahul looked good and aimed to take India to the tea break without any further hiccups before Cummins cleaned up Rahul with a peach of a delivery. Also read: BGT: Pat Cummins removes KL Rahul with an absolute jaffa on Day 2 of MCG Test - Watch The third and final session began on a promising note for India. Jaiswal and Kohli looked comfortable in the middle and kept the scoreboard ticking. Kohli was more watchful towards the balls outside off-stump whereas Jaiswal looked solid in defence and cut and drove with aplomb. Against the run of play, the swashbuckling left-hander was run-out for 82; trying the tides in Australia's favour. Jaiswal's run-out affected Kohli as well. The former Indian captain edged one outside off-stump, off Scott Boland, as India lost two key wickets close to stumps. Pacer Akash Deep, promoted as a nightwatchman, was the last wicket to fall as Jadeja-Rishabh Pant took India to 164-5 at stumps, with hosts trailing by 310 runs.

<p>Former India coach Ravi Shastri has thrown his weight behind star batter Virat Kohli, who has been coping with severe criticism over his 'shoulder bump' to Aussie teenager Sam Konstas on day one of the MCG Test. Though the ICC fined him 20 per cent of his match fees as punishment, with a few former cricketers calling it an escape, Shastri slammed the Australian media for being desperate to target Kohli.</p>
<p>At a time when debutant Konstas made the right noises with his impressive stroke play early on day one, Kohli jammed his shoulder into the youngster&rsquo;s while crossing paths, leading to an altercation.</p>
<p>The umpires and even Usman Khawaja intervened and separated them.</p>
<p>The ICC noted Kohli&rsquo;s action, later punishing him for breaching its code of conduct.</p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet publive-iframes-block publive-Twitter-block" contenteditable="false" width="600" height="400" id="PL_blockquote_block-m56dwuh2-xarb4fmn-oto57c4o">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Virat Kohli and Sam Konstas exchanged a heated moment on the MCG. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AUSvIND?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AUSvIND</a> <a href="https://t.co/QL13nZ9IGI">pic.twitter.com/QL13nZ9IGI</a></p>
&mdash; cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) <a href="https://twitter.com/cricketcomau/status/1872076770788212737?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 26, 2024</a></blockquote>
<p>Speaking on the issue, Shastri came down hevaliy on the Australian media for acting too desperate to target Kohli, adding the current situation has forced them to do so. <br><br>Had they been leading 2-0 or even 3-0 leading into the MCG Test, the headlines would have been different, Shastri pointed out.&nbsp;</p>
<p><strong>ALSO READ: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/bgt-the-scale-of-punishment-is-different-for-some-people-ponting-on-kohlis-fine-for-shouldering-konstas-8569390" rel="dofollow">BGT: Ponting reckons Kohli's fine for shouldering Konstas wasn't 'harsh enough'</a></strong></p>
<p>&ldquo;It's a little bit of desperation. You are three Test matches into the series, the scoreline is 1-1. The Border-Gavaskar trophy is still not yours. You want to win in Melbourne. I've been to Australia many times; the whole country comes behind the team. Not just the crowd, the media&hellip; everyone,&rdquo; Shastri said while commentating on Star Sports on day two of the Boxing Day Test.</p>
<p>&ldquo;I'm not surprised. That's why I said it's a sense of desperation. If Australia had already been 3-0 or 2-0 up, the headlines might have been different,&rdquo; he continued.&nbsp;</p>
<h2>&lsquo;Someone had to be the target&rsquo;</h2>
<p>Considering Australia has more to look forward to than just winning this BGT as they haven&rsquo;t beaten India at home in the past two outings, they&rsquo;d go out of their way to turn the tables around and end their losing streak, Shastri reckons.</p>
<p>The Australian media, he said, needed to target someone, and when this incident unfolded, they found their target and got after him.</p>
<p>"When you want to win badly&hellip; it not so often a country comes to Australia and win a series for 7-8 years. I know where it's coming from, it has been there for a period of time, someone had to be the target, and they got the opportunity with the physical incident yesterday.</p>
<p>&ldquo;When the physical contact happened, they were like, &lsquo;this is our chance to get the fangs out, get the paintbrush out&rsquo; and start doing all sort of things,&rdquo; Shastri&nbsp; said.</p>
<p>Ahead of the Boxing Day Test, Kohli had a confrontation with a local journalist over her breaching Kohli and his family&rsquo;s privacy by clicking photos without their consent.</p>
<p>The Aussie media made quite a noise about it.&nbsp;</p>
<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

Even as the ICC fined him 20 per cent of his match fees as punishment, Ravi Shastri slammed the Australian media for being desperate to target Kohli.

Former India coach Ravi Shastri has thrown his weight behind star batter Virat Kohli, who has been coping with severe criticism over his 'shoulder bump' to Aussie teenager Sam Konstas on day one of the MCG Test. Though the ICC fined him 20 per cent of his match fees as punishment, with a few former cricketers calling it an escape, Shastri slammed the Australian media for being desperate to target Kohli. At a time when debutant Konstas made the right noises with his impressive stroke play early on day one, Kohli jammed his shoulder into the youngster’s while crossing paths, leading to an altercation. The umpires and even Usman Khawaja intervened and separated them. The ICC noted Kohli’s action, later punishing him for breaching its code of conduct. Virat Kohli and Sam Konstas exchanged a heated moment on the MCG. #AUSvIND pic.twitter.com/QL13nZ9IGI — cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) December 26, 2024 Speaking on the issue, Shastri came down hevaliy on the Australian media for acting too desperate to target Kohli, adding the current situation has forced them to do so. Had they been leading 2-0 or even 3-0 leading into the MCG Test, the headlines would have been different, Shastri pointed out. ALSO READ: BGT: Ponting reckons Kohli's fine for shouldering Konstas wasn't 'harsh enough' “It's a little bit of desperation. You are three Test matches into the series, the scoreline is 1-1. The Border-Gavaskar trophy is still not yours. You want to win in Melbourne. I've been to Australia many times; the whole country comes behind the team. Not just the crowd, the media… everyone,” Shastri said while commentating on Star Sports on day two of the Boxing Day Test. “I'm not surprised. That's why I said it's a sense of desperation. If Australia had already been 3-0 or 2-0 up, the headlines might have been different,” he continued. ‘Someone had to be the target’ Considering Australia has more to look forward to than just winning this BGT as they haven’t beaten India at home in the past two outings, they’d go out of their way to turn the tables around and end their losing streak, Shastri reckons. The Australian media, he said, needed to target someone, and when this incident unfolded, they found their target and got after him. "When you want to win badly… it not so often a country comes to Australia and win a series for 7-8 years. I know where it's coming from, it has been there for a period of time, someone had to be the target, and they got the opportunity with the physical incident yesterday. “When the physical contact happened, they were like, ‘this is our chance to get the fangs out, get the paintbrush out’ and start doing all sort of things,” Shastri said. Ahead of the Boxing Day Test, Kohli had a confrontation with a local journalist over her breaching Kohli and his family’s privacy by clicking photos without their consent. The Aussie media made quite a noise about it. (With inputs from agencies)

BGT: ‘It’s a bit of desperation,’ Shastri slams Australian media for targeting Kohli

<p>Melbourne: The ICC fined Virat Kohli 20 per cent of his match fees for deliberately shouldering Australian teenager Sam Konstas on day one of the Boxing Day Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, but former Aussie skipper Ricky Ponting feels it was not harsh enough. Calling out the instance from the commentary box, Ponting expressed disappointment ahead of day two with how Kohli got away with a minute punishment, claiming 'it's different for some people'.</p>
<p>"Personally, I do not think it [the punishment] was harsh enough. I know there are precedents [where similar infringements have incurred similar-sized penalties] - they have generally been between a 15 and 25 per cent fine, but let us have a think about the enormity of yesterday,&rdquo; Ponting said while speaking on 7 Cricket ahead of day two.</p>
<p>After Australia elected to bat first at the MCG, Konstas, who had replaced McSweeney and was making his Test debut, smoked Indian ace seamer Jasprit Bumrah for 18 runs in his fourth over, including hitting him a six off a reverse scoop.</p>
<p>His stroke play impressed everyone except Virat, who bumped into Konstas after the end of the 10th over, leading to a confrontation.</p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet publive-iframes-block publive-Twitter-block" contenteditable="false" width="600" height="400" id="PL_blockquote_block-m569tq1f-v5emyo6q-9f5kt5d6">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Virat Kohli and Sam Konstas exchanged a heated moment on the MCG. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AUSvIND?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AUSvIND</a> <a href="https://t.co/QL13nZ9IGI">pic.twitter.com/QL13nZ9IGI</a></p>
&mdash; cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) <a href="https://twitter.com/cricketcomau/status/1872076770788212737?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 26, 2024</a></blockquote>
<p>Usman Khawaja and the on-field umpires had to intervene to separate them, with the crowd and social media buzzing over the incident.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Cricket Australia reported first that the ICC would look into the matter following the day&rsquo;s play, and they did, finding Kohli guilty of breaching their code of conduct and punishing him for the same.</p>
<p><strong>ALSO READ: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/bgt-mcg-test-australia-all-out-on-474-in-first-innings-after-steve-smiths-record-34th-test-ton-8569119" rel="dofollow">BGT, MCG Test: Australia all out on 474 after Smith&rsquo;s record Test ton</a></strong></p>
<p>Kohli accepted the fine.</p>
<p>However, Ponting talked about its larger implications.</p>
<p>&ldquo;It is probably the most-watched day of cricket all year all around the world. Imagine if that happens in a grade game on the weekend now, what is going to happen there? I think people are going to think that that is almost acceptable now,&rdquo; Ponting noted.</p>
<h2>'Punishments are different for different people'</h2>
<p>The former Aussie captain, who during his time was also a fierce competitor, didn&rsquo;t mince his words in implying that Kohli perhaps escaped a ban, adding there are different punishments for different people.</p>
<p>"And, unfortunately, for someone like Virat, as we got told as players and as senior players, sometimes it is [the scale of punishment] just different for some people. He is a role model; he is somebody the cricketing world looks up to, so I, personally, do not think that the fine was harsh enough,&rdquo; he noted.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Australia scored 474 in the first innings, thanks to a brilliant 140 from Steve Smith &ndash; his record 34th Test ton, second of this series, fifth at the MCG and 18th overall in Australia.&nbsp;</p>
<p>In reply, India lost their captain Rohit Sharma (3) and KL Rahul (24) before tea on day two.&nbsp;</p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet publive-iframes-block publive-Twitter-block" contenteditable="false" width="600" height="400" id="PL_blockquote_block-m569vxg4-g5hljeip-64kq9nv1">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">ABSOLUTE SEED FROM CUMMINS! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AUSvIND?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AUSvIND</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/DeliveredWithSpeed?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#DeliveredWithSpeed</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/NBN_Australia?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@nbn_australia</a> <a href="https://t.co/zvzvkDyAnb">pic.twitter.com/zvzvkDyAnb</a></p>
&mdash; cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) <a href="https://twitter.com/cricketcomau/status/1872497414206009414?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 27, 2024</a></blockquote>
<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

Calling out the instance from the commentary box earlier, Ponting expressed disappointment with how Kohli got away with a small fine

Melbourne: The ICC fined Virat Kohli 20 per cent of his match fees for deliberately shouldering Australian teenager Sam Konstas on day one of the Boxing Day Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, but former Aussie skipper Ricky Ponting feels it was not harsh enough. Calling out the instance from the commentary box, Ponting expressed disappointment ahead of day two with how Kohli got away with a minute punishment, claiming 'it's different for some people'. "Personally, I do not think it [the punishment] was harsh enough. I know there are precedents [where similar infringements have incurred similar-sized penalties] - they have generally been between a 15 and 25 per cent fine, but let us have a think about the enormity of yesterday,” Ponting said while speaking on 7 Cricket ahead of day two. After Australia elected to bat first at the MCG, Konstas, who had replaced McSweeney and was making his Test debut, smoked Indian ace seamer Jasprit Bumrah for 18 runs in his fourth over, including hitting him a six off a reverse scoop. His stroke play impressed everyone except Virat, who bumped into Konstas after the end of the 10th over, leading to a confrontation. Virat Kohli and Sam Konstas exchanged a heated moment on the MCG. #AUSvIND pic.twitter.com/QL13nZ9IGI — cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) December 26, 2024 Usman Khawaja and the on-field umpires had to intervene to separate them, with the crowd and social media buzzing over the incident. Cricket Australia reported first that the ICC would look into the matter following the day’s play, and they did, finding Kohli guilty of breaching their code of conduct and punishing him for the same. ALSO READ: BGT, MCG Test: Australia all out on 474 after Smith’s record Test ton Kohli accepted the fine. However, Ponting talked about its larger implications. “It is probably the most-watched day of cricket all year all around the world. Imagine if that happens in a grade game on the weekend now, what is going to happen there? I think people are going to think that that is almost acceptable now,” Ponting noted. 'Punishments are different for different people' The former Aussie captain, who during his time was also a fierce competitor, didn’t mince his words in implying that Kohli perhaps escaped a ban, adding there are different punishments for different people. "And, unfortunately, for someone like Virat, as we got told as players and as senior players, sometimes it is [the scale of punishment] just different for some people. He is a role model; he is somebody the cricketing world looks up to, so I, personally, do not think that the fine was harsh enough,” he noted. Meanwhile, Australia scored 474 in the first innings, thanks to a brilliant 140 from Steve Smith – his record 34th Test ton, second of this series, fifth at the MCG and 18th overall in Australia. In reply, India lost their captain Rohit Sharma (3) and KL Rahul (24) before tea on day two. ABSOLUTE SEED FROM CUMMINS! #AUSvIND | #DeliveredWithSpeed | @nbn_australia pic.twitter.com/zvzvkDyAnb — cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) December 27, 2024 (With inputs from agencies)

BGT: Ponting reckons Kohli's fine for shouldering Konstas wasn't 'harsh enough'

1. Shikhar Dhawan (All Formats)

2. Ravindra Jadeja (From T20Is)

3. Ravichandran Ashwin (All Formats)

4. Rohit Sharma (From T20Is)

5. Virat Kohli (From T20Is)

6. Dinesh Karthik

7. Kedar Jadhav

8. Wriddhiman Saha

Web Stories: Players who retired in 2024 featuring Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, Ravichandran Ashwin, Shikhar Dhawan as Indian cricket bid farewell to some of the greats of the game

Indian Players Retired in 2024

<p>India and Australia played out a memorable Day 1 of the Boxing Day Test at the MCG, Melbourne, on Thursday (Dec 26). Asked to bat first, Australia rode on fifties from the top four, including debutant Sam Konstas' 65-ball 60, to end the day at 311-6. During Konstas' blazing knock, he attracted a lot of eyeballs for taking on Jasprit Bumrah and striking at close to a 100. In the first session, he even had an altercation with Virat Kohli, who came in his way between overs and shouldered the debutant.</p>
<p>After his fiery knock, Konstas reacted to his altercation with Kohli. "I was just doing my gloves. I think he accidentally bumped me. I think that's just cricket, just the tension," the dashing opener told the press. Talking about the altercation, words were exchanged between the two players after Kohli shouldered the debutant. As a result, Kohli was fined 20 per cent of his match fees by the International Cricket Council (ICC) and handed one demerit point.</p>
<section class="cb-nws-dtl-itms" itemprop="articleBody">
<p class="cb-nws-para">Article 2.02 of the ICC's Code of Conduct states, "Any form of inappropriate physical contact is prohibited in cricket. Without limitation, players will breach this regulation if they deliberately, recklessly and/or negligently walk or run into or shoulder another player or umpire."</p>
</section>
<div class="cb-nws-dtl-itms">
<div ad-loaded="true" class="cb-ad-unit cb-nws-para ng-isolate-scope" id="native_mid_article"></div>
</div>
<section class="cb-nws-dtl-itms" itemprop="articleBody">
<p class="cb-nws-para">"When assessing the seriousness of the breach, the following factors (without limitation) shall be taken into account: (i) the context of the particular situation, including, without limitation, whether the contact was deliberate (i.e. intentional), reckless, negligent, and/or avoidable; (ii) the force of the contact; (iii) any resulting injury to the person with whom contact was made; and (iv) the person with whom contact was made."</p>
<p class="cb-nws-para"><strong>Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/bgt-virat-kohli-fined-20-per-cent-of-match-fee-handed-1-demerit-point-for-sam-konstas-altercation-on-day-1-of-boxing-day-test-in-melbourne-8567061" rel="dofollow">BGT: Virat Kohli fined 20 per cent of match fee, handed 1 demerit point for Sam Konstas altercation</a></strong></p>
<p class="cb-nws-para">Kohli and Konstas' altercation made maximum noise during Day 1 of the fourth and penultimate Test between India and Australia. Former Australia captain Ricky Ponting slammed Kohli for his actions and was quoted on Channel 7 as saying , "<span>Virat walked one whole pitch over to his right and instigated that confrontation. No doubt in my mind whatsoever. I have no doubt that the umpires and the referee will have a good look at that. Fielders should be nowhere near the batsman at that stage. Every fieldsman on the ground knows where the batsmen will congregate and get together. It looked to me that Konstas looked up really late, and wouldn't even know anyone was in front of him. That man on-screen there (Kohli) might have a few questions to answer."</span></p>
</section>

BGT 2024-25 | Virat Kohli accidentally bumped into me, stated debutant Sam Konstas after a huge drama unfolded on Day 1 of the MCG Test in Melbourne.

India and Australia played out a memorable Day 1 of the Boxing Day Test at the MCG, Melbourne, on Thursday (Dec 26). Asked to bat first, Australia rode on fifties from the top four, including debutant Sam Konstas' 65-ball 60, to end the day at 311-6. During Konstas' blazing knock, he attracted a lot of eyeballs for taking on Jasprit Bumrah and striking at close to a 100. In the first session, he even had an altercation with Virat Kohli, who came in his way between overs and shouldered the debutant. After his fiery knock, Konstas reacted to his altercation with Kohli. "I was just doing my gloves. I think he accidentally bumped me. I think that's just cricket, just the tension," the dashing opener told the press. Talking about the altercation, words were exchanged between the two players after Kohli shouldered the debutant. As a result, Kohli was fined 20 per cent of his match fees by the International Cricket Council (ICC) and handed one demerit point. Article 2.02 of the ICC's Code of Conduct states, "Any form of inappropriate physical contact is prohibited in cricket. Without limitation, players will breach this regulation if they deliberately, recklessly and/or negligently walk or run into or shoulder another player or umpire." "When assessing the seriousness of the breach, the following factors (without limitation) shall be taken into account: (i) the context of the particular situation, including, without limitation, whether the contact was deliberate (i.e. intentional), reckless, negligent, and/or avoidable; (ii) the force of the contact; (iii) any resulting injury to the person with whom contact was made; and (iv) the person with whom contact was made." Also read: BGT: Virat Kohli fined 20 per cent of match fee, handed 1 demerit point for Sam Konstas altercation Kohli and Konstas' altercation made maximum noise during Day 1 of the fourth and penultimate Test between India and Australia. Former Australia captain Ricky Ponting slammed Kohli for his actions and was quoted on Channel 7 as saying , "Virat walked one whole pitch over to his right and instigated that confrontation. No doubt in my mind whatsoever. I have no doubt that the umpires and the referee will have a good look at that. Fielders should be nowhere near the batsman at that stage. Every fieldsman on the ground knows where the batsmen will congregate and get together. It looked to me that Konstas looked up really late, and wouldn't even know anyone was in front of him. That man on-screen there (Kohli) might have a few questions to answer."

Virat Kohli accidentally bumped into me: Sam Konstas after drama on Day 1 of MCG Test

<p>India's in-form pacer Jasprit Bumrah continued to be among wickets on Day 1 of the Boxing Day Test versus Australia, on Thursday (Dec 26). After Rohit Sharma-led visitors opted to bowl first, Australia's debutant Sam Konstas took his side to a positive start with an impressive 65-ball 60. While Marnus Labuschagne and Marnus Labuschagne's fifties took the side ahead, they were 237-2 before being reduced to 246-5 courtesy of Bumrah's quick breakthroughs. Bumrah got rid of in-form Head for a seven-ball duck to light up the MCG crowd.</p>
<p><strong>Here is the video of Head's dismissal:</strong></p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet publive-iframes-block publive-Twitter-block" contenteditable="false" width="600" height="400" id="PL_blockquote_block-m54yffvn-7dvpbvrk-cv0xjdp4">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">&ldquo;Game-changer player is only one guy JASPRIT BUMRAH!" 💪😎<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TravisHead?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TravisHead</a> "leaves" without troubling the scorers! 🫢<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AUSvINDOnStar?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AUSvINDOnStar</a> 👉 4th Test, Day 1 | LIVE NOW! | <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ToughestRivalry?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ToughestRivalry</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BorderGavaskarTrophy?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BorderGavaskarTrophy</a> <a href="https://t.co/p6a0gzc3BB">pic.twitter.com/p6a0gzc3BB</a></p>
&mdash; Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) <a href="https://twitter.com/StarSportsIndia/status/1872157300842226055?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 26, 2024</a></blockquote>
<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/bgt-sam-konstas-hits-jasprit-bumrah-for-a-reverse-sweep-six-on-test-debut-at-mcg-watch-8566648" rel="dofollow">BGT&ndash; Konstas hits Bumrah for a six off reverse-sweep on debut &ndash; WATCH</a></strong></p>
<p>Head has been in roaring form in the ongoing five-match Test series between India and Australia. He has scored two centuries and a fifty under his belt. He has been India's Achilles' heel, however, Bumrah removed him with a peach off a delivery to stage India's comeback.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Post his dismissal, Australia have been going strongly in the middle. Steve Smith has stormed past the 50-run mark whereas wicketkeeper-batter Alex Carey was looking good before departing for 31. At the time of publishing this report, the hosts are 299-6 and will look to end the opening day of the Boxing Day Test match without losing any further wickets.</p>
<p>The five-match series, i.e. the 2024/25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy, is currently tied at 1-1. India won the series opener, in Perth, before Australia thrashed them in the day-night Test in Adelaide whereas the Brisbane Test ended in a draw.</p>

MCG Test: India's golden arm Jasprit Bumah dismissed in-form Travis Head for duck during the opening day of the Boxing Day tie. Here is the video - 

India's in-form pacer Jasprit Bumrah continued to be among wickets on Day 1 of the Boxing Day Test versus Australia, on Thursday (Dec 26). After Rohit Sharma-led visitors opted to bowl first, Australia's debutant Sam Konstas took his side to a positive start with an impressive 65-ball 60. While Marnus Labuschagne and Marnus Labuschagne's fifties took the side ahead, they were 237-2 before being reduced to 246-5 courtesy of Bumrah's quick breakthroughs. Bumrah got rid of in-form Head for a seven-ball duck to light up the MCG crowd. Here is the video of Head's dismissal: “Game-changer player is only one guy JASPRIT BUMRAH!" 💪😎#TravisHead "leaves" without troubling the scorers! 🫢#AUSvINDOnStar 👉 4th Test, Day 1 | LIVE NOW! | #ToughestRivalry #BorderGavaskarTrophy pic.twitter.com/p6a0gzc3BB — Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) December 26, 2024 Also read: BGT– Konstas hits Bumrah for a six off reverse-sweep on debut – WATCH Head has been in roaring form in the ongoing five-match Test series between India and Australia. He has scored two centuries and a fifty under his belt. He has been India's Achilles' heel, however, Bumrah removed him with a peach off a delivery to stage India's comeback. Post his dismissal, Australia have been going strongly in the middle. Steve Smith has stormed past the 50-run mark whereas wicketkeeper-batter Alex Carey was looking good before departing for 31. At the time of publishing this report, the hosts are 299-6 and will look to end the opening day of the Boxing Day Test match without losing any further wickets. The five-match series, i.e. the 2024/25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy, is currently tied at 1-1. India won the series opener, in Perth, before Australia thrashed them in the day-night Test in Adelaide whereas the Brisbane Test ended in a draw.

India's golden arm Jasprit Bumah dismisses Travis Head for duck in MCG Test - Watch

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