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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The New Zealand-Sri Lanka first Test, at Christchurch, was on a knife-edge at stumps on Day 4 on Sunday (March 12). The Tim Southee-led hosts were 28 for 1 in pursuit of 285 after Angelo Mathews' stunning ton propelled the Lankans to set up a challenging target. On Day 5, on Monday (March 13), New Zealand rode on former skipper Kane Williamson's 121* and Darly Mitchell's blitz (81 off 86 balls) to end Sri Lanka's hopes of qualifying for the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) final. The Islanders had to whitewash the Kiwis in the two-match Test series but with defeat in the series opener, they are out of WTC final race with Team India joining Australia in the finale.&nbsp;

Day 5 started with a rain delay. After the weather was clear, the Black Caps were set to face a minimum of 53 overs, requiring another 257 for a stunning win. NZ lost opener Tom Latham. Henry Nicholls played with positive intent but departed for a 24-ball 20. It gave a sneak peek into the hosts' mindset as they were going after the target. After Nicholls' fall, Mitchell -- whose century propelled the Black Caps to a slender 18-run lead -- came out all guns blazing. He upped the ante and brought some urgency to the chase while Williamson held his end as well. Although the former captain looked rusty, he didn't get bogged down to concede his wicket.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/4th-test-day-4-virat-kohlis-best-test-score-against-australia-puts-india-on-brink-of-sealing-wtc-final-spot-571155">4th Test, day 4: Virat Kohli's best Test score against Australia puts India on brink of sealing WTC final</a>

Williamson-Mitchell were proactive in their 142-run stand as they found the boundaries and ran hard&nbsp;to keep the scoreboard ticking. Mitchell fell for an impressive 86-ball 81, laced with 3 fours and 4 sixes. Amid regular fall of wickets and some tight bowling, Williamson's 27th Test ton still managed to guide the home side to a famous two-wicket win on the last ball of the contest.&nbsp;

With one needed off the final delivery,&nbsp;Asitha Fernando bowled on the middle and leg stump as Williamson tried to hook but could not connect. Williamson and Neil Wagner ran to steal a run as the wicketkeeper Niroshan Dickwella missed hitting the stumps at the striker's end. Fernando collected the ball and hit the timber at the non-striker's end but Williamson's timely dived sealed a famous win for the Black Caps. Here's the video:

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A thriller in Christchurch. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NZvSL?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#NZvSL</a> <a href="https://t.co/7hv2j4bEjJ">pic.twitter.com/7hv2j4bEjJ</a>
— BLACKCAPS (@BLACKCAPS) <a href="https://twitter.com/BLACKCAPS/status/1635171478164602880?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 13, 2023</a></blockquote>
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Dimuth Karunaratne-led Sri Lanka fought hard from the first day. After being invited to bat first, they scored at a rapid pace and made 355. In addition, they had NZ reeling at 151 for 5 but couldn't get rid of their&nbsp;middle and lower order in a flash. As a result of Mitchell's 102 and Matt Henry's 72, the hosts gained a vital lead and managed 373. Later, Mathews' 115 took SL to 302 all-out; setting up a tricky 285-run target. Nonetheless, NZ's attacking display shut the game for SL as they are out of the reckoning to play the WTC final.

Sri Lanka came to NZ with a herculean task ahead, to whitewash the hosts 2-0 and hope for India to not win their ongoing Ahmedabad Test versus Australia. However, with this loss, they are out of contention to play the WTC final. Meanwhile, India -- irrespective of the outcome of the Ahmedabad Test -- have qualified and will meet Australia in the WTC summit clash at The Oval on June 7.

The New Zealand-Sri Lanka first Test, at Christchurch, was on a knife-edge at stumps on Day 4 on Sunday (March 12). The Tim Southee-led hosts were 28 for 1 in pursuit of 285 after Angelo Mathews' stunning ton propelled the Lankans to set up a challenging target.

The New Zealand-Sri Lanka first Test, at Christchurch, was on a knife-edge at stumps on Day 4 on Sunday (March 12). The Tim Southee-led hosts were 28 for 1 in pursuit of 285 after Angelo Mathews' stunning ton propelled the Lankans to set up a challenging target. On Day 5, on Monday (March 13), New Zealand rode on former skipper Kane Williamson's 121* and Darly Mitchell's blitz (81 off 86 balls) to end Sri Lanka's hopes of qualifying for the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) final. The Islanders had to whitewash the Kiwis in the two-match Test series but with defeat in the series opener, they are out of WTC final race with Team India joining Australia in the finale. Day 5 started with a rain delay. After the weather was clear, the Black Caps were set to face a minimum of 53 overs, requiring another 257 for a stunning win. NZ lost opener Tom Latham. Henry Nicholls played with positive intent but departed for a 24-ball 20. It gave a sneak peek into the hosts' mindset as they were going after the target. After Nicholls' fall, Mitchell -- whose century propelled the Black Caps to a slender 18-run lead -- came out all guns blazing. He upped the ante and brought some urgency to the chase while Williamson held his end as well. Although the former captain looked rusty, he didn't get bogged down to concede his wicket. Also read: 4th Test, day 4: Virat Kohli's best Test score against Australia puts India on brink of sealing WTC final Williamson-Mitchell were proactive in their 142-run stand as they found the boundaries and ran hard to keep the scoreboard ticking. Mitchell fell for an impressive 86-ball 81, laced with 3 fours and 4 sixes. Amid regular fall of wickets and some tight bowling, Williamson's 27th Test ton still managed to guide the home side to a famous two-wicket win on the last ball of the contest. With one needed off the final delivery, Asitha Fernando bowled on the middle and leg stump as Williamson tried to hook but could not connect. Williamson and Neil Wagner ran to steal a run as the wicketkeeper Niroshan Dickwella missed hitting the stumps at the striker's end. Fernando collected the ball and hit the timber at the non-striker's end but Williamson's timely dived sealed a famous win for the Black Caps. Here's the video: A thriller in Christchurch. #NZvSL pic.twitter.com/7hv2j4bEjJ — BLACKCAPS (@BLACKCAPS) March 13, 2023 × Dimuth Karunaratne-led Sri Lanka fought hard from the first day. After being invited to bat first, they scored at a rapid pace and made 355. In addition, they had NZ reeling at 151 for 5 but couldn't get rid of their middle and lower order in a flash. As a result of Mitchell's 102 and Matt Henry's 72, the hosts gained a vital lead and managed 373. Later, Mathews' 115 took SL to 302 all-out; setting up a tricky 285-run target. Nonetheless, NZ's attacking display shut the game for SL as they are out of the reckoning to play the WTC final. Sri Lanka came to NZ with a herculean task ahead, to whitewash the hosts 2-0 and hope for India to not win their ongoing Ahmedabad Test versus Australia. However, with this loss, they are out of contention to play the WTC final. Meanwhile, India -- irrespective of the outcome of the Ahmedabad Test -- have qualified and will meet Australia in the WTC summit clash at The Oval on June 7.

NZ vs SL, 1st Test: Williamson, Mitchell take Kiwis to thrilling two-wicket win as India qualify for WTC final

On March 03, Australia defeated India on&nbsp;Day 3 of the third and penultimate Test, in Indore, to keep&nbsp;the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2022/23&nbsp;series alive. With this win, Pat Cummins-led Aussies have qualified for the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) final, which will be held in early June at The Oval, London.&nbsp;

Talking about the Indore Test, nothing clicked for Rohit Sharma-led India. Opting to bat first, they only managed a paltry 109 (with Matthew Kuhnemann taking 5 for 16) before Australia was dismissed for 197, taking a vital 88-run lead. In their second essay, India fell flat once again -- with Player-of-the-Match Nathan Lyon ending with 8 for 64 (match figures of 11 for 99) -- and gave a 76-run target. Eventually, Travis Head's 49* and Marnus Labuschagne's 28 not out led Steve Smith &amp; Co. to a nine-wicket win in regular captain Cummins' absence.

At the post-match presentation, Smith said, "I really enjoyed it and like captaining in this part of the world as I understand the conditions really well. There's an event every ball and a lot different to the other parts of the world, and I did a reasonable job this week. Much the same, we will wait and see what the conditions are like (in Ahmedabad), but we are really proud to clinch a spot in the WTC final. Hopefully, we can put a similar performance and draw the series."

Despite their WTC final qualification, Cummins-less Australia will be eager to not rest on their recent laurels and go for a 2-2 series-levelling win over Rohit's Team India. For India, the home side have an unassailable 2-1 lead going into the fourth and final Test -- to kick off in Ahmedabad on Thursday (March 09) -- but will surely aim for a famous home series win and qualify for the WTC final. At present, India are favourites to meet their arch-rivals Australia in the summit clash, in June, but Dimuth Karunaratne-led Sri Lanka also remain in the race. Thus, they can certainly&nbsp;dent Rohit &amp; Co.'s chances. Here's how:

How can Sri Lanka topple India and reach WTC final?

Australia are set to face either India or Sri Lanka in the final of the second cycle of the WTC. Fourth-placed South Africa are very much out of contention even though they are likely to whitewash West Indies in the ongoing two-match Test series at home. For SL, India remains&nbsp;their biggest threat.&nbsp;

Karunaratne &amp; Co. are set to lock horns with Tim Southee's New Zealand in a two-match Test series, which kicks off&nbsp;on March 09 at the Hagley Oval, Christchurch. They would&nbsp;hope India lose the Ahmedabad Test to remain in contention. After that, they will aim to&nbsp;win&nbsp;their remaining two games. But if they lose or draw even one game, they will stand eliminated.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, India&nbsp;need to win the Ahmedabad Test to end Sri Lanka's hopes. However, if they fail, they will depend on the inaugural edition's winners New Zealand to prevent the Sri Lankans from pulling off a stunning 2-0 whitewash.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ipl-2023-not-ms-dhoni-csk-wanted-to-buy-this-marquee-indian-player-in-inaugural-auction-569422">IPL 2023: Not MS Dhoni! CSK wanted to buy THIS marquee Indian player in inaugural auction</a>

Updated WTC points table:

<img alt="ICC WTC Points Table " data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="f5f5689b-e8c3-4fb1-b97e-d5d772339e4a" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/WTC%20ponts%20.png" />

India remain favourites to meet Aus:

India have won ten and lost five games in the ongoing cycle in six series (including Australia Tests at home). They played the inaugural edition's final, where they lost to the Kiwis and will be desperate to have another go at winning the title.

After the Indore Test loss, Rohit said at the post-match presentation, "We haven't thought about it yet (WCT final), we have sometime to think about what we need to do there (Ahmedabad Test). We need to regroup and try and understand what we did right in the first 2 games. We need to understand, no matter what the pitches are, you gotta come out and do the job. We need to keep it simple and follow the plan."

While SL just have to win their next two games, if India lose the Ahmedabad Test, it surely won't be easy for them. The Black Caps have not lost a home Test series since early 2017.

Ahead of the two-match series opener, NZ captain Southee said, "It has been great to have the amount of people who have been talking about Test cricket, to see the Basin Reserve filled for five days was great to be a part of."

"I think, just in general, the guys are pleased to see people talking about Test cricket. And Test cricket being exciting. England have played their part in that, over the last year or so. The guys still see Test cricket as the pinnacle of the game. It is a match that will be talked about for a long time, but they are a very humble group. Now our focus will shift to Sri Lanka."

"We are obviously out of the Test Championship, and they have got plenty to play for over the next two weeks," the pacer added.

Who will meet the Aussies in the finale? India or SL? Only time will tell...

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&nbsp;

On March 03, Australia defeated India on Day 3 of the third and penultimate Test, in Indore, to keep the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2022/23 series alive. With this win, Pat Cummins-led Aussies have qualified for the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) final, which will be held in early June at The Oval, London.

On March 03, Australia defeated India on Day 3 of the third and penultimate Test, in Indore, to keep the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2022/23 series alive. With this win, Pat Cummins-led Aussies have qualified for the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) final, which will be held in early June at The Oval, London. Talking about the Indore Test, nothing clicked for Rohit Sharma-led India. Opting to bat first, they only managed a paltry 109 (with Matthew Kuhnemann taking 5 for 16) before Australia was dismissed for 197, taking a vital 88-run lead. In their second essay, India fell flat once again -- with Player-of-the-Match Nathan Lyon ending with 8 for 64 (match figures of 11 for 99) -- and gave a 76-run target. Eventually, Travis Head's 49* and Marnus Labuschagne's 28 not out led Steve Smith & Co. to a nine-wicket win in regular captain Cummins' absence. At the post-match presentation, Smith said, "I really enjoyed it and like captaining in this part of the world as I understand the conditions really well. There's an event every ball and a lot different to the other parts of the world, and I did a reasonable job this week. Much the same, we will wait and see what the conditions are like (in Ahmedabad), but we are really proud to clinch a spot in the WTC final. Hopefully, we can put a similar performance and draw the series." Despite their WTC final qualification, Cummins-less Australia will be eager to not rest on their recent laurels and go for a 2-2 series-levelling win over Rohit's Team India. For India, the home side have an unassailable 2-1 lead going into the fourth and final Test -- to kick off in Ahmedabad on Thursday (March 09) -- but will surely aim for a famous home series win and qualify for the WTC final. At present, India are favourites to meet their arch-rivals Australia in the summit clash, in June, but Dimuth Karunaratne-led Sri Lanka also remain in the race. Thus, they can certainly dent Rohit & Co.'s chances. Here's how: How can Sri Lanka topple India and reach WTC final? Australia are set to face either India or Sri Lanka in the final of the second cycle of the WTC. Fourth-placed South Africa are very much out of contention even though they are likely to whitewash West Indies in the ongoing two-match Test series at home. For SL, India remains their biggest threat. Karunaratne & Co. are set to lock horns with Tim Southee's New Zealand in a two-match Test series, which kicks off on March 09 at the Hagley Oval, Christchurch. They would hope India lose the Ahmedabad Test to remain in contention. After that, they will aim to win their remaining two games. But if they lose or draw even one game, they will stand eliminated. Meanwhile, India need to win the Ahmedabad Test to end Sri Lanka's hopes. However, if they fail, they will depend on the inaugural edition's winners New Zealand to prevent the Sri Lankans from pulling off a stunning 2-0 whitewash. Also read: IPL 2023: Not MS Dhoni! CSK wanted to buy THIS marquee Indian player in inaugural auction Updated WTC points table: India remain favourites to meet Aus: India have won ten and lost five games in the ongoing cycle in six series (including Australia Tests at home). They played the inaugural edition's final, where they lost to the Kiwis and will be desperate to have another go at winning the title. After the Indore Test loss, Rohit said at the post-match presentation, "We haven't thought about it yet (WCT final), we have sometime to think about what we need to do there (Ahmedabad Test). We need to regroup and try and understand what we did right in the first 2 games. We need to understand, no matter what the pitches are, you gotta come out and do the job. We need to keep it simple and follow the plan." While SL just have to win their next two games, if India lose the Ahmedabad Test, it surely won't be easy for them. The Black Caps have not lost a home Test series since early 2017. Ahead of the two-match series opener, NZ captain Southee said, "It has been great to have the amount of people who have been talking about Test cricket, to see the Basin Reserve filled for five days was great to be a part of." "I think, just in general, the guys are pleased to see people talking about Test cricket. And Test cricket being exciting. England have played their part in that, over the last year or so. The guys still see Test cricket as the pinnacle of the game. It is a match that will be talked about for a long time, but they are a very humble group. Now our focus will shift to Sri Lanka." "We are obviously out of the Test Championship, and they have got plenty to play for over the next two weeks," the pacer added. Who will meet the Aussies in the finale? India or SL? Only time will tell... ×

NZ vs SL: EXPLAINED! How Sri Lanka can play spoilsport to India's WTC final chances

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

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

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

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

India’s WTC final qualification scenario: The Border-Gavaskar Trophy, one of the most prestigious cricketing events, has witnessed some dramatic twists and turns in its ongoing edition. India, who won the first two games of the series, were expected to sweep the series with ease. However, the visitors made a remarkable comeback in the third Test, beating the hosts by chasing a small target of 76 runs in the final innings

Now, Australia takes the top spot in the WTC points table with a PCT of 69+. India has dropped to a PCT of 60, however, they still take the 2nd spot in the WTC points table. Sri Lanka is placed in the 3rd spot with a PCT of 53.0

<h2>India WTC Final Qualification Scenario:</h2>

After India vs Australia 3rd Test After a victory against India in the 3rd Test, Australia attains the top spot in WTC rankings with a PCT of 69.0. Australia has confirmed their place in the WTC final. Even if Australia lose the 4th Test and faces a 3-1 defeat in the series, they will have a PCT of 65.0 and reserve their peak spot in the points table.

<h2>If India wins the series 3-1</h2>

India will get a PCT of 63.0 and will be placed second in the points standings if they can defeat Australia 3-1 in the Border-Gavaskar series by winning the last Test. Australia's PCT would therefore fall to 65.0, but they would still go to the WTC final against India by topping the WTC points standings. So, by winning the 4th test, India will qualify for the WTC final.

<h2>If India wins the series 2-1 or draws at 2-2</h2>

What if the last Test match between India and Australia ends in a draw? India will therefore need to pray that Sri Lanka does not defeat New Zealand in the Test series by a score of 2-0. In such a scenario, Sri Lanka will overtake India in the WTC points table and move up to the second place with a PCT of 61.0. So, India might not qualify for the WTC final in that scenario.

Make no mistake, Sri Lanka must pull off a series whitewash against New Zealand to surpass India in the points table. A 1-1 tie or 1-0 win might not get the work done!

<h2>World Test Championship points table</h2>

With a PCT of 69+, Australia now holds the first slot in the WTC points rankings. India now holds the second position in the WTC points table after a PCT decline to 60. Sri Lanka, which has a PCT of 53.0, is ranked third.
<img alt="WTC updated points table" data-align="center" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="5a847e9a-af79-45a0-821a-3c550bcd8f43" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/wtc%20pt.PNG" />
As of now, two more test series are yet to be played to decide the two finalists of the ongoing cycle of the ICC World Test Championship.&nbsp; The first Test series will be played between New Zealand and Sri Lanka, while the second and last Test series will be played between South Africa and West Indies.

<h2>How can India qualify for the WTC Final?</h2>

Team India has to win at least 3 matches out of 4 to meet Australia in the WTC final match. However, if team India manages to win less than 3 matches in the IND vs AUS series, then India’s qualification will depend on the performance of Sri Lanka and South Africa in the last remaining two test series.

<h2>How can team India grab the number 1 spot in test rankings?</h2>

Under the following scenarios, team India will be able to overtake Australia to become the number 1 team in the world test rankings.

If team India wins the series 2-0 (India wins 2 matches and 2 matches are drawn) 
If team India wins the series 3-1 (India wins 3 matches and Australia 1) 
If team India pulls off a series whitewash 4-0 (India wins all 4 matches) 
If team India wins the series 3-0 (India wins 3 matches and 1 is drawn)

India’s WTC final qualification scenario: The Border-Gavaskar Trophy, one of the most prestigious cricketing events, has witnessed some dramatic twists and turns in its ongoing edition.

India’s WTC final qualification scenario: The Border-Gavaskar Trophy, one of the most prestigious cricketing events, has witnessed some dramatic twists and turns in its ongoing edition. India, who won the first two games of the series, were expected to sweep the series with ease. However, the visitors made a remarkable comeback in the third Test, beating the hosts by chasing a small target of 76 runs in the final innings Now, Australia takes the top spot in the WTC points table with a PCT of 69+. India has dropped to a PCT of 60, however, they still take the 2nd spot in the WTC points table. Sri Lanka is placed in the 3rd spot with a PCT of 53.0 India WTC Final Qualification Scenario: After India vs Australia 3rd Test After a victory against India in the 3rd Test, Australia attains the top spot in WTC rankings with a PCT of 69.0. Australia has confirmed their place in the WTC final. Even if Australia lose the 4th Test and faces a 3-1 defeat in the series, they will have a PCT of 65.0 and reserve their peak spot in the points table. If India wins the series 3-1 India will get a PCT of 63.0 and will be placed second in the points standings if they can defeat Australia 3-1 in the Border-Gavaskar series by winning the last Test. Australia's PCT would therefore fall to 65.0, but they would still go to the WTC final against India by topping the WTC points standings. So, by winning the 4th test, India will qualify for the WTC final. If India wins the series 2-1 or draws at 2-2 What if the last Test match between India and Australia ends in a draw? India will therefore need to pray that Sri Lanka does not defeat New Zealand in the Test series by a score of 2-0. In such a scenario, Sri Lanka will overtake India in the WTC points table and move up to the second place with a PCT of 61.0. So, India might not qualify for the WTC final in that scenario. Make no mistake, Sri Lanka must pull off a series whitewash against New Zealand to surpass India in the points table. A 1-1 tie or 1-0 win might not get the work done! World Test Championship points table With a PCT of 69+, Australia now holds the first slot in the WTC points rankings. India now holds the second position in the WTC points table after a PCT decline to 60. Sri Lanka, which has a PCT of 53.0, is ranked third. As of now, two more test series are yet to be played to decide the two finalists of the ongoing cycle of the ICC World Test Championship. The first Test series will be played between New Zealand and Sri Lanka, while the second and last Test series will be played between South Africa and West Indies. How can India qualify for the WTC Final? Team India has to win at least 3 matches out of 4 to meet Australia in the WTC final match. However, if team India manages to win less than 3 matches in the IND vs AUS series, then India’s qualification will depend on the performance of Sri Lanka and South Africa in the last remaining two test series. How can team India grab the number 1 spot in test rankings? Under the following scenarios, team India will be able to overtake Australia to become the number 1 team in the world test rankings. If team India wins the series 2-0 (India wins 2 matches and 2 matches are drawn) If team India wins the series 3-1 (India wins 3 matches and Australia 1) If team India pulls off a series whitewash 4-0 (India wins all 4 matches) If team India wins the series 3-0 (India wins 3 matches and 1 is drawn)

India loses 3rd Test match against Australia, Here's how India can still qualify for WTC final match

Jasprit Bumrah has been out of international cricket last September 2022 due to his back issues. He missed Asia Cup 2022 and didn't feature in all the games in the India-Australia home T20Is before eventually being ruled out of the home South Africa T20Is, T20 World Cup 2022 and the rest of 2022. Firstly, he was expected to return for the India-Sri Lanka white-ball home series (having been named in the ODI squad as well) but was not deemed fit. The Indian cricket fans expected him to be fit for the last two Tests versus Australia, after missing the first two, but he is well and truly out of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy.

As per reports, Bumrah is set to miss IPL 2023 and ICC World Test Championship (WTC) final if India qualifies. In addition, there are chances of him missing the Asia Cup 2023 and ICC ODI World Cup, to be held later this year in India.

As per a report in PTI, where they quoted a source from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), Bumrah is unlikely to make a comeback in the next six months. He is yet to fully recover from his back injury and now there is no clarity on his participation in the Asia Cup and ICC ODI World Cup. Thus, Bumrah might take another six months to make a comeback in the national side.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ind-vs-aus-indore-test-explained-how-rohit-sharma-co-can-confirm-a-slot-in-wtc-final-567025">IND vs AUS, Indore Test: EXPLAINED! How Rohit Sharma &amp; Co. can confirm a slot in WTC final</a>

"Bumrah has been ruled out of the IPL as he will take another six months to come back. Even then, he might or might not make a comeback. The 50-over World Cup is the target, but that is also not guaranteed," the BCCI source said.

Bumrah has not been a regular in Team India since the start of 2022. He has&nbsp;appeared in five Tests and an equal number of ODIs&nbsp;and T20Is&nbsp;apart from featuring in all 14 matches for his IPL franchise, the Mumbai Indians since 2022. With his prolonged absence, both Team India and MI fans will miss him on the 22-yard cricket strip.

Jasprit Bumrah has been out of international cricket last September 2022 due to his back issues. He missed Asia Cup 2022 and didn't feature in all the games in the India-Australia home T20Is before eventually being ruled out of the home South Africa T20Is, T20 World Cup 2022 and the rest of 2022.

Jasprit Bumrah has been out of international cricket last September 2022 due to his back issues. He missed Asia Cup 2022 and didn't feature in all the games in the India-Australia home T20Is before eventually being ruled out of the home South Africa T20Is, T20 World Cup 2022 and the rest of 2022. Firstly, he was expected to return for the India-Sri Lanka white-ball home series (having been named in the ODI squad as well) but was not deemed fit. The Indian cricket fans expected him to be fit for the last two Tests versus Australia, after missing the first two, but he is well and truly out of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. As per reports, Bumrah is set to miss IPL 2023 and ICC World Test Championship (WTC) final if India qualifies. In addition, there are chances of him missing the Asia Cup 2023 and ICC ODI World Cup, to be held later this year in India. As per a report in PTI, where they quoted a source from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), Bumrah is unlikely to make a comeback in the next six months. He is yet to fully recover from his back injury and now there is no clarity on his participation in the Asia Cup and ICC ODI World Cup. Thus, Bumrah might take another six months to make a comeback in the national side. Also Read: IND vs AUS, Indore Test: EXPLAINED! How Rohit Sharma & Co. can confirm a slot in WTC final "Bumrah has been ruled out of the IPL as he will take another six months to come back. Even then, he might or might not make a comeback. The 50-over World Cup is the target, but that is also not guaranteed," the BCCI source said. Bumrah has not been a regular in Team India since the start of 2022. He has appeared in five Tests and an equal number of ODIs and T20Is apart from featuring in all 14 matches for his IPL franchise, the Mumbai Indians since 2022. With his prolonged absence, both Team India and MI fans will miss him on the 22-yard cricket strip.

Indian fans, look away! After IPL & WTC final, Jasprit Bumrah also doubtful for Asia Cup and ODI WC: Report

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

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

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

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

Ace Indian seamer Jasprit Bumrah is set to remain on sidelines for an extended period as it doesn't look like he will recover in time&nbsp;from his back injury. Having missed the on-field action since September last year, Bumrah, who was expected to make a comeback in IPL 2023 for Mumbai Indians, is more than likely to miss the latest edition of the cash-rich league. More so, that it further remains doubtful if he can participate in the final of World Test Championship scheduled for June 7th at the Oval, should India qualify, as first reported by the Cricbuzz.

After missing the Asia Cup in Dubai due to the back injury, Bumrah returned to play in the home T20I series against Australia, where he unfortunately got injured again. As a result, he got ruled out of the upcoming T20 World Cup in Australia and missed a&nbsp;couple of series after that too. While he was slated to make his much-anticipated comeback during the Sri Lanka ODIs early this year, stiffness in his back saw him missing that series too. Back to square one for the nth time, Bumrah then appeared to be on the right track in terms of recovering in time for the Border-Gavaskar series.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/womens-t20-world-cup-historic-australia-win-sixth-t20-wc-trophy-beating-south-africa-by-19-runs-566150">Women's T20 World Cup: HISTORIC! Australia win sixth T20 WC trophy beating South Africa by 19 runs</a>

However, as destiny had its way, Indian captain Rohit Sharma and head coach Rahul Dravid in discussion with the board then decided not to rush Bumrah into the team, and instead asked him to attain complete fitness as to remain in reckoning for the IPL comeback.

Meanwhile, in the latest development, the BCCI and&nbsp;NCA have learned that Bumrah is not feeling 100% and will now be out for a longer hiatus. As things stand, the board wants Bumrah to get fit for the 50-over World Cup in India later this year, if not necessarily for the 2023 Asia Cup, wherever it is held.

India, who is currently involved in the Border-Gavaskar series, will take on Australia for three ODIs after this, whereas, the 16th edition of the IPL will start on March 31st.

Ace Indian seamer Jasprit Bumrah is set to remain on sidelines for an extended period as it doesn't look like he will recover in time from his back injury. Having missed the on-field action since September last year, Bumrah, who was expected to make a comeback in IPL 2023 for Mumbai Indians, is more than likely to miss the latest edition of the cash-rich league.

Ace Indian seamer Jasprit Bumrah is set to remain on sidelines for an extended period as it doesn't look like he will recover in time from his back injury. Having missed the on-field action since September last year, Bumrah, who was expected to make a comeback in IPL 2023 for Mumbai Indians, is more than likely to miss the latest edition of the cash-rich league. More so, that it further remains doubtful if he can participate in the final of World Test Championship scheduled for June 7th at the Oval, should India qualify, as first reported by the Cricbuzz. After missing the Asia Cup in Dubai due to the back injury, Bumrah returned to play in the home T20I series against Australia, where he unfortunately got injured again. As a result, he got ruled out of the upcoming T20 World Cup in Australia and missed a couple of series after that too. While he was slated to make his much-anticipated comeback during the Sri Lanka ODIs early this year, stiffness in his back saw him missing that series too. Back to square one for the nth time, Bumrah then appeared to be on the right track in terms of recovering in time for the Border-Gavaskar series. ALSO READ: Women's T20 World Cup: HISTORIC! Australia win sixth T20 WC trophy beating South Africa by 19 runs However, as destiny had its way, Indian captain Rohit Sharma and head coach Rahul Dravid in discussion with the board then decided not to rush Bumrah into the team, and instead asked him to attain complete fitness as to remain in reckoning for the IPL comeback. Meanwhile, in the latest development, the BCCI and NCA have learned that Bumrah is not feeling 100% and will now be out for a longer hiatus. As things stand, the board wants Bumrah to get fit for the 50-over World Cup in India later this year, if not necessarily for the 2023 Asia Cup, wherever it is held. India, who is currently involved in the Border-Gavaskar series, will take on Australia for three ODIs after this, whereas, the 16th edition of the IPL will start on March 31st.

Injured Jasprit Bumrah unlikely to feature in IPL 2023, WTC final: Reports

IND vs AUS 3rd Test live streaming:&nbsp;After thrashing visiting the Australian cricket team in back-to-back two Test matches, the Indian side will look forward to continuing their winning streak in the third Test match of the 4-match Test series. The third meeting between India and Australia is due to take place in Indore next month. The match will be played from March 1 to 5. The match will go live at 9:30 AM IST. India prevailed in the first Test by an inning and 132 runs and won the second Test by 6 wickets. The fourth and last Test match between the two teams will be played from March 9 to 13 in Ahmedabad.

Meanwhile, Australia will play against India in the third Test match without captain Cummins. The Australian cricketer is on an urgent visit to his native Australia as his mother is ill. Earlier, it was anticipated that Cummins will come back to play the third match in Indore but now it has been confirmed that Steve Smith will take up the captaincy role.

<h2>How can team India qualify for World Test Championship final?</h2>

Team India will qualify for World Test Championship (WTC) 2023 final as soon as it wins three matches in the ongoing 4-match Test series against Australia. Team India now needs to win at least 1 match out of the upcoming two Test matches. However, if India happens to win less than 3 matches in the IND vs AUS Test series, then India’s qualification will depend on the performance of Sri Lanka and South Africa in the last remaining two test series before the WTC final.

<h2>How to watch IND vs AUS 3rd Test for free in your mobile &amp;&nbsp;laptop</h2>

IND vs AUS 3rd&nbsp;Test match live: Star Sports Network has purchased the rights to broadcast all the matches of the India vs Australia series live in India. The broadcast of the matches will be available across Star Sports Network. The live streaming of the IND vs AUS 3rd Test match will be available on the Disney+Hotstar app in India.

You can watch IND vs AUS 3rd Test match live for free in India using these three different ways:

JIO TV:&nbsp;All Jio customers will be able to watch IND vs AUS 3rd Test match for free on Jio TV. Download and install the JioTV app from the app store or the Google Play store on your phone. Log in to the JioTV app with your Jio account credentials. To find the Star Sports Network channels, use the app's search bar. Click the channel to enjoy the game for free.

Airtel TV:&nbsp;For Airtel subscribers, Airtel digital TV can prove to be a useful medium to access free Livestream of IND vs AUS 3rd Test match. Airtel subscribers can download the Airtel TV app from the app store and enjoy the Livestream with ease.

Watch free on Hotstar:&nbsp;Through subscription plans, telecom providers like Jio, Airtel and Vi also provide free access to Disney+Hotstar OTT app to their users.

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IND vs AUS 2nd Test match live streaming:&nbsp;

<h2>IND vs AUS 3rd Test match all details</h2>

IND vs AUS 3rd Test will be played from March 1 to 5 at Holkar Stadium in Indore. The match starts at 9:30 AM IST. The live stream of the match will be available on the Disney+Hotstar OTT app.

<h2>IND vs AUS 3rd Test match full squad</h2>

The following players will represent India in the 3rd and 4th Test match:

India full squad: Rohit Sharma (C), KL Rahul, S Gill, Cheteshwar Pujara, Virat Kohli, KS Bharat (wk), Ishan Kishan (wk), R Ashwin, Axar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav, R Jadeja, Mohd Shami, Mohd Siraj, Shreyas Iyer, Suryakumar Yadav, Umesh Yadav, Jaydev Unadkat.

Australia full squad:&nbsp;Australia Test Squad: Pat Cummins (Captain), Ashton Agar, Scott Boland, Alex Carey (wk), Cameron Green, Peter Handscomb, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Nathan Lyon, Lance Morris, Todd Murphy, Matthew Renshaw, Steve Smith, Mitchell Starc, Mitchell Swepson, David Warner

When will&nbsp;IND vs AUS 3rd Test match start?- Date

IND vs AUS 3rd Test match will start from March 1.

What time will&nbsp;IND vs AUS 3rd Test match start?

IND vs AUS 3rd Test match will go live at 9:30 AM IST.

Where will&nbsp;IND vs AUS 3rd Test match be played?

IND vs AUS 3rd Test match will be played at Holkar Stadium in Indore.

Where will&nbsp;IND vs AUS 3rd Test match be live-streamed?

IND vs AUS 3rd Test match will be live-streamed on Disney+Hotstar app.

IND vs AUS 3rd Test live streaming: After thrashing visiting the Australian cricket team in back-to-back two Test matches, the Indian side will look forward to continuing their winning streak in the third Test match of the 4-match Test series.

IND vs AUS 3rd Test live streaming: After thrashing visiting the Australian cricket team in back-to-back two Test matches, the Indian side will look forward to continuing their winning streak in the third Test match of the 4-match Test series. The third meeting between India and Australia is due to take place in Indore next month. The match will be played from March 1 to 5. The match will go live at 9:30 AM IST. India prevailed in the first Test by an inning and 132 runs and won the second Test by 6 wickets. The fourth and last Test match between the two teams will be played from March 9 to 13 in Ahmedabad. Meanwhile, Australia will play against India in the third Test match without captain Cummins. The Australian cricketer is on an urgent visit to his native Australia as his mother is ill. Earlier, it was anticipated that Cummins will come back to play the third match in Indore but now it has been confirmed that Steve Smith will take up the captaincy role. How can team India qualify for World Test Championship final? Team India will qualify for World Test Championship (WTC) 2023 final as soon as it wins three matches in the ongoing 4-match Test series against Australia. Team India now needs to win at least 1 match out of the upcoming two Test matches. However, if India happens to win less than 3 matches in the IND vs AUS Test series, then India’s qualification will depend on the performance of Sri Lanka and South Africa in the last remaining two test series before the WTC final. How to watch IND vs AUS 3rd Test for free in your mobile & laptop IND vs AUS 3rd Test match live: Star Sports Network has purchased the rights to broadcast all the matches of the India vs Australia series live in India. The broadcast of the matches will be available across Star Sports Network. The live streaming of the IND vs AUS 3rd Test match will be available on the Disney+Hotstar app in India. You can watch IND vs AUS 3rd Test match live for free in India using these three different ways: JIO TV: All Jio customers will be able to watch IND vs AUS 3rd Test match for free on Jio TV. Download and install the JioTV app from the app store or the Google Play store on your phone. Log in to the JioTV app with your Jio account credentials. To find the Star Sports Network channels, use the app's search bar. Click the channel to enjoy the game for free. Airtel TV: For Airtel subscribers, Airtel digital TV can prove to be a useful medium to access free Livestream of IND vs AUS 3rd Test match. Airtel subscribers can download the Airtel TV app from the app store and enjoy the Livestream with ease. Watch free on Hotstar: Through subscription plans, telecom providers like Jio, Airtel and Vi also provide free access to Disney+Hotstar OTT app to their users. Plans for Jio Prepaid Users Rs. 499- 3GB/day+6GB data and 28 days validity Rs. 505-55GB data and 55 days validity Rs. 601- 3GB data/day and 28 days validity Rs. 659- 1.5GB data/day and 56 days validity Rs. 799- 2GB data/day and 56 days validity Rs. 1066- 2GB data/day and 84 days validity Rs. 1499- 2GBdata/day and 84 days validity Rs. 3119-2GB data/day and 1 year validity Rs. 4119- 3GB data/day and 1 year validity For Airtel Users- Rs. 599- 3GB data/day and 28 days validity Rs. 838- 2GB per day and 56 days validity Rs. 2999- 2GB data/day and 365 days validity For Vi Users- Rs. 901- 3GB data/day and 70 days validity Rs. 601- 3GB data/day and 28 days validity IND vs AUS 2nd Test match live streaming: IND vs AUS 3rd Test match all details IND vs AUS 3rd Test will be played from March 1 to 5 at Holkar Stadium in Indore. The match starts at 9:30 AM IST. The live stream of the match will be available on the Disney+Hotstar OTT app. IND vs AUS 3rd Test match full squad The following players will represent India in the 3rd and 4th Test match: India full squad: Rohit Sharma (C), KL Rahul, S Gill, Cheteshwar Pujara, Virat Kohli, KS Bharat (wk), Ishan Kishan (wk), R Ashwin, Axar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav, R Jadeja, Mohd Shami, Mohd Siraj, Shreyas Iyer, Suryakumar Yadav, Umesh Yadav, Jaydev Unadkat. Australia full squad: Australia Test Squad: Pat Cummins (Captain), Ashton Agar, Scott Boland, Alex Carey (wk), Cameron Green, Peter Handscomb, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Nathan Lyon, Lance Morris, Todd Murphy, Matthew Renshaw, Steve Smith, Mitchell Starc, Mitchell Swepson, David Warner When will IND vs AUS 3rd Test match start?- Date IND vs AUS 3rd Test match will start from March 1. What time will IND vs AUS 3rd Test match start? IND vs AUS 3rd Test match will go live at 9:30 AM IST. Where will IND vs AUS 3rd Test match be played? IND vs AUS 3rd Test match will be played at Holkar Stadium in Indore. Where will IND vs AUS 3rd Test match be live-streamed? IND vs AUS 3rd Test match will be live-streamed on Disney+Hotstar app.

IND vs AUS 3rd Test live streaming: Watch India vs Australia 3rd Test for free in India on mobile & TV 

The International Cricket Council (ICC) on Wednesday, February 8th announced the date and venue for&nbsp;the 2023 World Test Championship (WTC) final. The second WTC final will take place from 7-11 June, 2023 with June 12th kept as a reserve day - and the match will take place at the Oval Cricket Ground in London. New Zealand had won the maiden edition of the WTC two years back, beating India in finals in Southampton by eight wickets. However, the finalists for this cycle are yet to be determined. As per the rankings, Australia is on the top of the chart with a PCT of 75.56 while India is second (58.93%), Sri Lanka is ranked third (53.33%) and&nbsp;South Africa with 48.72% is fourth on the list.

As Australia and India are favourites to qualify for the finals for&nbsp;the 2023 World Test Championship, ahead of their marquee Border-Gavaskar series that begins on February 9th in Nagpur, captains from both teams spoke about the impact and relevance of this newly-added ICC title.&nbsp;

As quoted by the ICC, Pat Cummins hailed the format saying it has been a big motivator to the team over the years, and that having missed out on playing it the last time, they are more keen on qualifying for it and playing at a neutral venue like the Oval.&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/battle-of-aces-marnus-labuschagne-ready-for-round-2-against-ravichandran-ashwin-559944">Battle of Aces - Marnus Labuschagne ready for round 2 against Ravichandran Ashwin</a>

“The prospect of playing in the World Test Championship Final has been a big motivator for us over the last couple of years, more so now having missed out on over rates last time,” Cummins said. “To play at a neutral venue like The Oval adds another element for both sides who make the Final. It’s exciting and has been a goal of ours for a while now. We are confident we can secure a place while here in India after a really strong 12 months. The Final would be a great reward for the players and staff who have done so well,” the Aussie captain added.

The Indian captain, Rohit Sharma also commented on the same saying it would be special for him to lead the team into the World Test Championship final. He added that for them to reach there they first have to overcome the Australian challenge.&nbsp;

“Leading Team India out onto the field of play at the World Test Championship Final would be special. We have grown and developed as a team during this competition and to be in with a chance of lifting the Mace at the Oval in June, we know we first need to overcome a tough Australia side," Rohit said.

He concluded by saying he's excited about the prospect of India reaching the finals and eventually creating history.&nbsp;

“There have been so many dramatic moments in Test cricket lately, and there are undoubtedly more to come. I am excited by the prospect of booking our place at the Final and hopefully creating history later in the year,” the Test skipper added.

The International Cricket Council (ICC) on Wednesday, February 8th announced the date and venue for the 2023 World Test Championship (WTC) final. The second WTC final will take place from 7-11 June, 2023 with June 12th kept as a reserve day - and the match will take place at the Oval Cricket Ground in London.

The International Cricket Council (ICC) on Wednesday, February 8th announced the date and venue for the 2023 World Test Championship (WTC) final. The second WTC final will take place from 7-11 June, 2023 with June 12th kept as a reserve day - and the match will take place at the Oval Cricket Ground in London. New Zealand had won the maiden edition of the WTC two years back, beating India in finals in Southampton by eight wickets. However, the finalists for this cycle are yet to be determined. As per the rankings, Australia is on the top of the chart with a PCT of 75.56 while India is second (58.93%), Sri Lanka is ranked third (53.33%) and South Africa with 48.72% is fourth on the list. As Australia and India are favourites to qualify for the finals for the 2023 World Test Championship, ahead of their marquee Border-Gavaskar series that begins on February 9th in Nagpur, captains from both teams spoke about the impact and relevance of this newly-added ICC title. As quoted by the ICC, Pat Cummins hailed the format saying it has been a big motivator to the team over the years, and that having missed out on playing it the last time, they are more keen on qualifying for it and playing at a neutral venue like the Oval. ALSO READ: Battle of Aces - Marnus Labuschagne ready for round 2 against Ravichandran Ashwin “The prospect of playing in the World Test Championship Final has been a big motivator for us over the last couple of years, more so now having missed out on over rates last time,” Cummins said. “To play at a neutral venue like The Oval adds another element for both sides who make the Final. It’s exciting and has been a goal of ours for a while now. We are confident we can secure a place while here in India after a really strong 12 months. The Final would be a great reward for the players and staff who have done so well,” the Aussie captain added. The Indian captain, Rohit Sharma also commented on the same saying it would be special for him to lead the team into the World Test Championship final. He added that for them to reach there they first have to overcome the Australian challenge. “Leading Team India out onto the field of play at the World Test Championship Final would be special. We have grown and developed as a team during this competition and to be in with a chance of lifting the Mace at the Oval in June, we know we first need to overcome a tough Australia side," Rohit said. He concluded by saying he's excited about the prospect of India reaching the finals and eventually creating history. “There have been so many dramatic moments in Test cricket lately, and there are undoubtedly more to come. I am excited by the prospect of booking our place at the Final and hopefully creating history later in the year,” the Test skipper added.

ICC announces date and venue for 2023 World Test Championship final, IND-AUS series to determine finalists

After Australia’s 2-0 series win over South Africa on Sunday in Sydney, they have more or less ensured their chances of playing the WTC final in June this year. Given India is placed second on the WTC points table&nbsp;and will be facing the Aussies at home in the upcoming Border-Gavaskar series, they could also seal the deal to qualify for the final without depending on results of others. Since only three series are left in the current WTC cycle – India vs Australia, New Zealand vs Sri Lanka and South Africa vs West Indies, all three of India, Australia and Sri Lanka have a chance to end up in the top two.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/hardik-pandya-credits-ashish-nehra-for-captaincy-success-says-we-have-similar-cricketing-thoughts-550449">Hardik Pandya credits Ashish Nehra for captaincy success, says 'we have similar cricketing thoughts'</a>

Here's how ranked-number 1 Australia can qualify for the WTC finals –

Sitting in the top spot with a PCT of 75.56%, Australia has one leg in the finals. The only scenario in which they will fail to play the summit clash is if they lose to India 0-4 and Sri Lanka win their two matches in New Zealand. If Australia surrender in the Border-Gavaskar series, their PCT will drop down to 59.65 while Sri Lanka’s 2-0 win in New Zealand will take their PCT to 61.11.

In a case where Australia manages to play a draw against India, losing the series 0-3, and don’t concede any penalty points, their PCT would still be 61.40%, which would be marginally enough for them to qualify for the finals. They just have to ensure they are not conceding any penalty points, else they would be relying on other team’s results for their qualification.

Here's how India can qualify for the finals of WTC –

India is currently placed second on the WTC points table with a PCT of 58.93 and if they beat Australia 3-1 or better, they will qualify for the finals regardless of the results from other series. Beating Australia 4-0 will take their PCT to 68.06%, in a 3-1-win scenario it will be 62.5% while if the series is drawn 2-2, India’s PCT will be 56.94%.

So in a case where India and Australia play a 2-2 draw, and Sri Lanka manages to beat New Zealand 2-0, India will be out of top two – meaning Australia and Sri Lanka could be the WTC finalists.

While the Border-Gavaskar series will begin on February 9th in Nagpur, New Zealand and Sri Lanka will commence their Test series on March 9th in Christchurch.

After Australia’s 2-0 series win over South Africa on Sunday in Sydney, they have more or less ensured their chances of playing the WTC final in June this year. Given India is placed second on the WTC points table and will be facing the Aussies at home in the upcoming Border-Gavaskar series, they could also seal the deal to qualify for the final without depending on results of others.

After Australia’s 2-0 series win over South Africa on Sunday in Sydney, they have more or less ensured their chances of playing the WTC final in June this year. Given India is placed second on the WTC points table and will be facing the Aussies at home in the upcoming Border-Gavaskar series, they could also seal the deal to qualify for the final without depending on results of others. Since only three series are left in the current WTC cycle – India vs Australia, New Zealand vs Sri Lanka and South Africa vs West Indies, all three of India, Australia and Sri Lanka have a chance to end up in the top two. ALSO READ: Hardik Pandya credits Ashish Nehra for captaincy success, says 'we have similar cricketing thoughts' Here's how ranked-number 1 Australia can qualify for the WTC finals – Sitting in the top spot with a PCT of 75.56%, Australia has one leg in the finals. The only scenario in which they will fail to play the summit clash is if they lose to India 0-4 and Sri Lanka win their two matches in New Zealand. If Australia surrender in the Border-Gavaskar series, their PCT will drop down to 59.65 while Sri Lanka’s 2-0 win in New Zealand will take their PCT to 61.11. In a case where Australia manages to play a draw against India, losing the series 0-3, and don’t concede any penalty points, their PCT would still be 61.40%, which would be marginally enough for them to qualify for the finals. They just have to ensure they are not conceding any penalty points, else they would be relying on other team’s results for their qualification. Here's how India can qualify for the finals of WTC – India is currently placed second on the WTC points table with a PCT of 58.93 and if they beat Australia 3-1 or better, they will qualify for the finals regardless of the results from other series. Beating Australia 4-0 will take their PCT to 68.06%, in a 3-1-win scenario it will be 62.5% while if the series is drawn 2-2, India’s PCT will be 56.94%. So in a case where India and Australia play a 2-2 draw, and Sri Lanka manages to beat New Zealand 2-0, India will be out of top two – meaning Australia and Sri Lanka could be the WTC finalists. While the Border-Gavaskar series will begin on February 9th in Nagpur, New Zealand and Sri Lanka will commence their Test series on March 9th in Christchurch.

How can India qualify for the finals of WTC following Australia's 2-0 win over South Africa

On Monday (December 12), England defeated Pakistan by 26 runs on the fourth and penultimate day of the second Test in Multan to take an unassailable 2-0 lead in the process. Resuming the action on Day 4, Pakistan were in search of 157 more runs, being 198/4 in pursuit of 355, with English bowlers requiring six more scalps for a Test series win.&nbsp;

After Pakistan were in a strong position, at 290-5, they went to the lunch break and 291-7. Needing another 64 with three wickets in hand, they tried their best but Mark Wood (4 for 65) rattled the hosts for 328 all-out to take his side to a memorable 26-run win and a 2-0 scoreline with a match to go. After this defeat, Pakistan are out of contention for a place in the final of the second cycle of the ICC World Test Championship. Here's the updated WTC points table after England beat Pakistan in Multan:

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/explained-how-can-india-still-qualify-for-the-finals-of-world-test-championship-next-year-542471">Explained – How can India still qualify for the finals of World Test Championship next year?</a>

<img alt="WTC points table after Multan Test" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="9e8fd70d-f751-47d5-b7bc-bb28f3ad7529" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/WTC%20points%20table%20after%20Multan%20Test.png" />

Talking about the match, England opted to bat first and made 281 with debutant Abrar Ahmed shining with a 7 for 114. In reply, Pakistan failed to take a sizeable lead and got dismissed for 202, conceding a vital 79-run lead to the visitors.&nbsp;Ben Stokes &amp; Co. then piled up 275 all-out in 64.5 overs with Harry Brooks' 108, setting a challenging 355-run target before eventually winning by a close margin.

At the post-match presentation, Stokes said, "We had a look at the wicket and it was tricky against slow bowling, but as the game progressed the cracks opened up and our seamers came into the game. The way in which Jimmy and Robbo bowled in the series and our spinners as well, they are going to deliver more often that not."

Meanwhile, Pakistan captain Babar Azam pointed out, "We were not up to the mark in the first innings. There were a couple of soft dismissals but were well short of the mark. We fought back with the ball and bat in the second innings but it was not enough. There were a couple of good partnerships but in the end we did not finish well as a batting unit. It was a dream start for Abrar and he used the conditions well. Looking forward to the Karachi Test and we will do our best."

On Monday (December 12), England defeated Pakistan by 26 runs on the fourth and penultimate day of the second Test in Multan to take an unassailable 2-0 lead in the process.

On Monday (December 12), England defeated Pakistan by 26 runs on the fourth and penultimate day of the second Test in Multan to take an unassailable 2-0 lead in the process. Resuming the action on Day 4, Pakistan were in search of 157 more runs, being 198/4 in pursuit of 355, with English bowlers requiring six more scalps for a Test series win. After Pakistan were in a strong position, at 290-5, they went to the lunch break and 291-7. Needing another 64 with three wickets in hand, they tried their best but Mark Wood (4 for 65) rattled the hosts for 328 all-out to take his side to a memorable 26-run win and a 2-0 scoreline with a match to go. After this defeat, Pakistan are out of contention for a place in the final of the second cycle of the ICC World Test Championship. Here's the updated WTC points table after England beat Pakistan in Multan: Also read: Explained – How can India still qualify for the finals of World Test Championship next year? Talking about the match, England opted to bat first and made 281 with debutant Abrar Ahmed shining with a 7 for 114. In reply, Pakistan failed to take a sizeable lead and got dismissed for 202, conceding a vital 79-run lead to the visitors. Ben Stokes & Co. then piled up 275 all-out in 64.5 overs with Harry Brooks' 108, setting a challenging 355-run target before eventually winning by a close margin. At the post-match presentation, Stokes said, "We had a look at the wicket and it was tricky against slow bowling, but as the game progressed the cracks opened up and our seamers came into the game. The way in which Jimmy and Robbo bowled in the series and our spinners as well, they are going to deliver more often that not." Meanwhile, Pakistan captain Babar Azam pointed out, "We were not up to the mark in the first innings. There were a couple of soft dismissals but were well short of the mark. We fought back with the ball and bat in the second innings but it was not enough. There were a couple of good partnerships but in the end we did not finish well as a batting unit. It was a dream start for Abrar and he used the conditions well. Looking forward to the Karachi Test and we will do our best."

Updated ICC World Test Championship points table after England edge past Pakistan in Multan

In a run-feast in Rawalpindi, England beat Pakistan by 74 runs to win the first Test and take a 1-0 lead in the three-match series. On Day 5, all three results were possible but Ben Stokes &amp; Co. were rewarded for their brave and attacking approach as they beat Babar Azam &amp; Co. in the&nbsp;riveting final&nbsp;moments of the contest.

Opting to bat first, England rode on centuries from Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, OIlie Pope and Harry Brooks to be dismissed for 657 (in 101 overs) in their first innings. In reply, Pakistan also made a mammoth 579, courtesy of hundreds from Imam-ul-Haq, Abdullah Shafique and Babar, but gave a vital 78-run lead to the visitors who smashed 264/7 in 35.5 overs and declared; setting up a challenging 343-run target.

On the final day, Pakistan were 259 for 5 are seemed like cruising towards the total before James Anderson-Ollie Robinson's four wickets each and Jack Leach chipped in with the last wicket to take their side home; dismissing Pakistan for 268. With this defeat, Pakistan have dented their chances of qualifying for the second&nbsp;ICC World Test Championship final.

Here's how Pakistan's loss is India's gain

Babar &amp; Co. aren't out of contention yet. They are placed&nbsp;fifth in the table, however,&nbsp;wins for Australia or India in their respective upcoming Test series will end Pakistan's chances of entering the final.&nbsp;

On the other hand, if Rohit Sharma's India&nbsp;clean sweep Bangladesh, they can now afford to lose at least one of their upcoming four Tests versus Pat Cummins-led Australia at home, early next year, in a bid to qualify. For Australia, if they whitewash West Indies on home soil and beat South Africa in two out of the upcoming three Tests, Down Under, they would also make it&nbsp;to the&nbsp;summit clash.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/updated-icc-world-test-championship-points-table-after-england-beat-pakistan-in-rawalpindi-540232">Updated ICC World Test Championship points table after England beat Pakistan in Rawalpindi</a>

After the loss, Babar said at the post-match presentation, "We were not upto the mark. Had a golden chance in the second innings, but session by session we lost wickets. Our bowling group is young. Unfortunately Haris injured himself in the first innings. All credit to the bowlers who bowled well and tried without Haris. We try to stick to our plans. Difficult when opponent goes at 7 an over. We had an opportunity in the second innings. But we didn't get partnerships in the end. Lot of positives. Our batting performed very well. Bowling also very well."

Pakistan will also host New Zealand after the England series. However, they have spoiled their chances of going ahead with a loss in the England series opener.

In a run-feast in Rawalpindi, England beat Pakistan by 74 runs to win the first Test and take a 1-0 lead in the three-match series. On Day 5, all three results were possible but Ben Stokes & Co.

In a run-feast in Rawalpindi, England beat Pakistan by 74 runs to win the first Test and take a 1-0 lead in the three-match series. On Day 5, all three results were possible but Ben Stokes & Co. were rewarded for their brave and attacking approach as they beat Babar Azam & Co. in the riveting final moments of the contest. Opting to bat first, England rode on centuries from Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, OIlie Pope and Harry Brooks to be dismissed for 657 (in 101 overs) in their first innings. In reply, Pakistan also made a mammoth 579, courtesy of hundreds from Imam-ul-Haq, Abdullah Shafique and Babar, but gave a vital 78-run lead to the visitors who smashed 264/7 in 35.5 overs and declared; setting up a challenging 343-run target. On the final day, Pakistan were 259 for 5 are seemed like cruising towards the total before James Anderson-Ollie Robinson's four wickets each and Jack Leach chipped in with the last wicket to take their side home; dismissing Pakistan for 268. With this defeat, Pakistan have dented their chances of qualifying for the second ICC World Test Championship final. Here's how Pakistan's loss is India's gain Babar & Co. aren't out of contention yet. They are placed fifth in the table, however, wins for Australia or India in their respective upcoming Test series will end Pakistan's chances of entering the final. On the other hand, if Rohit Sharma's India clean sweep Bangladesh, they can now afford to lose at least one of their upcoming four Tests versus Pat Cummins-led Australia at home, early next year, in a bid to qualify. For Australia, if they whitewash West Indies on home soil and beat South Africa in two out of the upcoming three Tests, Down Under, they would also make it to the summit clash. Also read: Updated ICC World Test Championship points table after England beat Pakistan in Rawalpindi After the loss, Babar said at the post-match presentation, "We were not upto the mark. Had a golden chance in the second innings, but session by session we lost wickets. Our bowling group is young. Unfortunately Haris injured himself in the first innings. All credit to the bowlers who bowled well and tried without Haris. We try to stick to our plans. Difficult when opponent goes at 7 an over. We had an opportunity in the second innings. But we didn't get partnerships in the end. Lot of positives. Our batting performed very well. Bowling also very well." Pakistan will also host New Zealand after the England series. However, they have spoiled their chances of going ahead with a loss in the England series opener.

EXPLAINED: How Pakistan's 74-run loss vs England is a gain for India with WTC final ticket at stake

England and Pakistan were involved in a high-scoring Rawalpindi Test, which made heads turn for its poor surface on offer. Ben Stokes &amp; Co., who had over a majority of players down with a stomach bug prior to the game's commencement, beat Babar Azam-led Pakistan by 74 runs to earn a memorable win in Asian conditions and go 1-0 up in the three-match series on Pakistani soil.

Opting to bat first, Stokes-led Three Lions didn't put a foot wrong as they rode on centuries from Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Ollie Pope and Harry Brooks to post a mammoth 657 all-out in their first essay. In reply, Pakistan also made merry of the placid pitch and rode on centuries from Imam-ul-Haq,&nbsp;Abdullah Shafique and captain Babar to be dismissed for 579; conceding a vital 78-run lead to the visitors.

England's bazball approach continued in their second innings as they scored at over 7 RPO to declare at 264-7; setting a challenging 343-run target for the hosts in the last four sessions. On Day 5, all three results were possible and it seemed like Pakistan's middle-order would take them towards the target before James Anderson and Ollie Robinson's four-fers each took their side to a fitting 74-run win. Here's the updated ICC World Test Championship points table after the Rawalpindi tie:

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/pak-vs-eng-2022-1st-test-all-hail-bazball-england-secure-famous-win-in-rawalpindi-by-75-runs-540200">PAK vs ENG 2022, 1st Test: All hail ‘Bazball! England secure famous win in Rawalpindi by 74 runs</a>

<img alt="WTC Points Table after Eng beat Pak" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="70e1e2d2-5cce-4446-8816-21c3d2370aa8" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/WTC%20points%20table_2.png" />

At the post-match presentation, Stokes said, "Some of the things we can't plan for is what happened to the squad before the Test. Seems a long time ago when we were running around to find players for the Test. Will Jacks getting the message three minutes before toss, and Pope getting the gloves. We've played 8-9 matches with myself and Brendon in charge. One thing we try to do is focus on ourselves and not the opposition. We know we're a very exciting team. Was a great batting surface, so it was an opportunity for our batting group. Having the lads truck in like they did today was amazing. Really special group of players. We wanted to come here to Pakistan and carry on with our mantra of exciting cricket. I've got no interest in trying to play for a draw, the dressing room has no interest in playing for a draw. Felt on this kind of wicket, almost had to entice the batsmen to play an attacking shot. Today we were fortunate to get the ball reverse-swinging. James Anderson and Ollie Robinson were fantastic today. We won probably about 8 minutes before we would've come off. This is probably up there as one of England's greatest away wins."

The second and penultimate Test begins on December 09 in Multan.

England and Pakistan were involved in a high-scoring Rawalpindi Test, which made heads turn for its poor surface on offer. Ben Stokes & Co., who had over a majority of players down with a stomach bug prior to the game's commencement, beat Babar Azam-led Pakistan by 74 runs to earn a memorable win in Asian conditions and go 1-0 up in the three-match series on Pakistani soil.

England and Pakistan were involved in a high-scoring Rawalpindi Test, which made heads turn for its poor surface on offer. Ben Stokes & Co., who had over a majority of players down with a stomach bug prior to the game's commencement, beat Babar Azam-led Pakistan by 74 runs to earn a memorable win in Asian conditions and go 1-0 up in the three-match series on Pakistani soil. Opting to bat first, Stokes-led Three Lions didn't put a foot wrong as they rode on centuries from Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Ollie Pope and Harry Brooks to post a mammoth 657 all-out in their first essay. In reply, Pakistan also made merry of the placid pitch and rode on centuries from Imam-ul-Haq, Abdullah Shafique and captain Babar to be dismissed for 579; conceding a vital 78-run lead to the visitors. England's bazball approach continued in their second innings as they scored at over 7 RPO to declare at 264-7; setting a challenging 343-run target for the hosts in the last four sessions. On Day 5, all three results were possible and it seemed like Pakistan's middle-order would take them towards the target before James Anderson and Ollie Robinson's four-fers each took their side to a fitting 74-run win. Here's the updated ICC World Test Championship points table after the Rawalpindi tie: Also read: PAK vs ENG 2022, 1st Test: All hail ‘Bazball! England secure famous win in Rawalpindi by 74 runs At the post-match presentation, Stokes said, "Some of the things we can't plan for is what happened to the squad before the Test. Seems a long time ago when we were running around to find players for the Test. Will Jacks getting the message three minutes before toss, and Pope getting the gloves. We've played 8-9 matches with myself and Brendon in charge. One thing we try to do is focus on ourselves and not the opposition. We know we're a very exciting team. Was a great batting surface, so it was an opportunity for our batting group. Having the lads truck in like they did today was amazing. Really special group of players. We wanted to come here to Pakistan and carry on with our mantra of exciting cricket. I've got no interest in trying to play for a draw, the dressing room has no interest in playing for a draw. Felt on this kind of wicket, almost had to entice the batsmen to play an attacking shot. Today we were fortunate to get the ball reverse-swinging. James Anderson and Ollie Robinson were fantastic today. We won probably about 8 minutes before we would've come off. This is probably up there as one of England's greatest away wins." The second and penultimate Test begins on December 09 in Multan.

Updated ICC World Test Championship points table after England beat Pakistan in Rawalpindi

Team India were favourites to win the fifth and final rescheduled Test in Edgbaston, Birmingham, before Ben Stokes-led England scripted a remarkable seven-wicket win by chasing a mammoth 378 on Day 5 on Tuesday (July 05). With this defeat, India lost a golden opportunity to win their first-ever Test series on English soil since 2007 as both sides settled for a 2-2 scoreline.

Jasprit Bumrah-led India were asked to bat first and posted 416, after being 98 for 5, riding on centuries from Rishabh Pant and Ravindra Jadeja. In reply, England folded for 284, giving a sizeable 132-run lead to the visitors. India only managed 245 in their second essay to lose the plot and couldn't remove final innings' centurions Jonny Bairstow and Joe Root as the duo's unbroken 269-run fourth-wicket stand took England to a historic seven-wicket win in Edgbaston.&nbsp;

With this defeat, India have complicated their journey enroute to the ICC World Test Championship final. While India still have quite a few games left in the ongoing second cycle, they find themselves at the fourth spot -- with a percentage of points (PCT) of 52.08%. Thus, they have their task cut-out to enter the finale for the second time on the trot. Here's how India can still make it to the final two:

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/eng-vs-ind-5th-test-barmy-army-posts-false-series-result-former-indian-spinner-amit-mishra-reacts-494861">ENG vs IND, 5th Test: Barmy Army posts false series result, former Indian spinner Amit Mishra reacts</a>

Can India still qualify?

Rohit Sharma &amp; Co. have two series remaining, including a two-match Test series versus hosts Bangladesh and a four-match series versus Australia in own backyard.&nbsp;A victory in all six matches will see India's tally rise to 68.06% and they can enter the summit clash. However, anything but that or at least five wins from the remaining six Tests&nbsp;will make it next to impossible for India to advance ahead.

<section>In the final of the inaugural WTC, held in Southampton, India had lost to Kane Williamson's New Zealand by eight wickets in 2021. Hence, they will be eager to go a step ahead and emerge victorious this time around. However, a drawn Test versus New Zealand, in Kanpur, last year, 2-1 series loss at the hands of hosts South Africa and a defeat against England in the just-concluded Edgbaston Test has made things tougher for India.</section>

Team India were favourites to win the fifth and final rescheduled Test in Edgbaston, Birmingham, before Ben Stokes-led England scripted a remarkable seven-wicket win by chasing a mammoth 378 on Day 5 on Tuesday (July 05).

Team India were favourites to win the fifth and final rescheduled Test in Edgbaston, Birmingham, before Ben Stokes-led England scripted a remarkable seven-wicket win by chasing a mammoth 378 on Day 5 on Tuesday (July 05). With this defeat, India lost a golden opportunity to win their first-ever Test series on English soil since 2007 as both sides settled for a 2-2 scoreline. Jasprit Bumrah-led India were asked to bat first and posted 416, after being 98 for 5, riding on centuries from Rishabh Pant and Ravindra Jadeja. In reply, England folded for 284, giving a sizeable 132-run lead to the visitors. India only managed 245 in their second essay to lose the plot and couldn't remove final innings' centurions Jonny Bairstow and Joe Root as the duo's unbroken 269-run fourth-wicket stand took England to a historic seven-wicket win in Edgbaston. With this defeat, India have complicated their journey enroute to the ICC World Test Championship final. While India still have quite a few games left in the ongoing second cycle, they find themselves at the fourth spot -- with a percentage of points (PCT) of 52.08%. Thus, they have their task cut-out to enter the finale for the second time on the trot. Here's how India can still make it to the final two: ALSO READ | ENG vs IND, 5th Test: Barmy Army posts false series result, former Indian spinner Amit Mishra reacts Can India still qualify? Rohit Sharma & Co. have two series remaining, including a two-match Test series versus hosts Bangladesh and a four-match series versus Australia in own backyard. A victory in all six matches will see India's tally rise to 68.06% and they can enter the summit clash. However, anything but that or at least five wins from the remaining six Tests will make it next to impossible for India to advance ahead. In the final of the inaugural WTC, held in Southampton, India had lost to Kane Williamson's New Zealand by eight wickets in 2021. Hence, they will be eager to go a step ahead and emerge victorious this time around. However, a drawn Test versus New Zealand, in Kanpur, last year, 2-1 series loss at the hands of hosts South Africa and a defeat against England in the just-concluded Edgbaston Test has made things tougher for India.

Explained: How can Team India enter World Test Championship final after losing Edgbaston Test

The calendar year is coming to an end. A lot of action took place in the sporting arena after the Covid-19 pandemic wreaked havoc in 2020.&nbsp;Some big-ticket tournaments took place in the 22-yard cricket strip, which tested Team India (the senior men's team)&nbsp;to the core. While India continued to dominate in Tests, despite missing out on the coveted WTC title in the inaugural cycle's finale, they were decent in ODIs but had a forgettable campaign in the T20 World Cup in UAE. Talking about Virat Kohli, the 33-year-old had a rather ordinary calendar year with the end quarter turning into a nightmare.&nbsp;

The superstar cricketer, who remains the poster boy of Indian cricket, finished 2021 without being able to lead India to an ICC title and went on to dent his terms with BCCI and the current selection committee in early December. In addition, the right-hander ended without a hundred in international cricket (with his century drought lasting for over two years).&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/from-conquering-aussies-down-under-to-t20-world-cup-debacle-team-india-in-2021-435891">From conquering Aussies Down Under to T20 World Cup debacle: Team India in 2021</a>

KING KOHLI BECOMES A PROUD FATHER&nbsp;BEFORE NATIONAL DUTY RESUMES

The year started for Kohli with some needless noise on his much-talked about paternity leave. On January 11, Kohli turned proud father&nbsp;as he welcomed his first child, daughter named Vamika, along with wife Anushka Sharma.&nbsp;

Watching India's glorious run in the Australia Tests Down Under by being miles away, Kohli returned to international cricket to take charge in the home Tests versus England. Losing his first Test of the year versus Joe Root &amp; Co., Kohli inspired India's comeback as the hosts romped past the Englishmen in the remainder of the series to win the four-match series 3-1&nbsp;and book a place in the WTC final.&nbsp;

Kohli, however, ended the series with 172 runs, including two fifty-plus scores, at an average of 28.66.&nbsp;

India then turned to the five T20Is and three ODIs against the same opposition. Facing a competitive Eoin Morgan-led side, India were tested before they won the series 3-2. The then Indian captain Kohli ended with 231 runs (most runs in bilateral T20Is involving Test-playing nations) to be adjudged the Player-of-the-Series.&nbsp;

In the ODIs, Kohli had two good outings with two fifties, but continued to remain away from triple-figure knocks.&nbsp;He, however, led his troops to a 2-1 series win. He was tested to the core as captain in terms of his bowling changes and field settings throughout the series against the ODI World champions.&nbsp;

IPL AMID COVID-19 SECOND WAVE

The IPL 2021 edition was the next assignment for Kohli. Leading the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB), the right-hander started the season on a high with back-to-back victories. While RCB did lose the plot to an extend before the COVID-19 second wave halted the tournament, Kohli's numbers with the bat was pretty mediocre with 198 runs at 33 in 7 games. His strike-rate remained below 120 on six outings.

GLORIOUS CHANCE RUINED IN WTC FINAL

The biggest assignment for Kohli, both as captain and batsman, came when he led India to the WTC final versus New Zealand in Southampton in mid-June. While many termed India as the overwhelming favourites, it seemed as if Kohli would finally be able to break the national side's jinx of not being able to win an ICC title since 2013. However, all hopes were dented as his year remained ordinary.&nbsp;

His returns with the bat were 44&nbsp;and 13&nbsp;as India lost convincingly by 8 wickets to lose the marquee title. Thus, the team had no choice but to revamp soon as the second cycle commenced with India's five Tests versus England in the United Kingdom, from August 3.

THE HIGHS AGAINST HOSTS ENGLAND

While India rode on KL Rahul and Rohit Sharma's batting performances, Kohli continued to remain below par despite few good innings. He averaged only 31.14 after the series was interrupted due to Covid crisis in Indian camp after the fourth and penultimate Test.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/md-kaif-acknowledges-trouble-shooter-rahul-dravids-presence-in-team-india-amid-virat-kohli-vs-bcci-row-439634">Md Kaif acknowledges 'trouble-shooter' Rahul Dravid's presence in Team India amid Virat Kohli vs BCCI row</a>

TWO BIG ANNOUNCEMENTS - WHO SAW IT COMING?

The action moved to the second and final leg of IPL 2021, in the UAE. Kohli returned to lead RCB after making two massive announcements.&nbsp;

In mid-September, Kohli announced his decision to step aside as the T20I captain. He tweeted saying, "I have been fortunate enough to not only represent India but also lead the Indian Cricket Team to my utmost capability. I thank everyone who has supported me in my journey as the Captain of the Indian Cricket Team."

"I couldn't have done it without them - the boys, the support staff, the selection committee, my coaches, and each and every Indian who prayed for us to win. Understanding workload is a very important thing and considering my immense workload over the last 8-9 years playing all 3 formats and captaining regularly for last 5-6 years, I feel I need to give myself space to be fully ready to lead the Indian Team in Test and ODI Cricket. I have given everything to the Team during my time as T20 Captain and I will continue to do so for the T20 Team as a batsman moving forward."

"Of course, arriving at this decision took a lot of time. After a lot of contemplation and discussions with my close people, Ravi bhai and also Rohit, who have been an essential part of the leadership group, I've decided to step down as the T20 Captain after this T20 World Cup in Dubai in October. I have also spoken to the secretary Mr Jay Shah and the President of BCCI Mr Sourav Ganguly along with all the selectors about the same. I will continue to serve Indian Cricket and the Indian Team to the best of my ability."

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🇮🇳 ❤️ <a href="https://t.co/Ds7okjhj9J">pic.twitter.com/Ds7okjhj9J</a>
— Virat Kohli (@imVkohli) <a href="https://twitter.com/imVkohli/status/1438478585518456832?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 16, 2021</a></blockquote>
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Thus, a prolonged dry spell with the bat, bio-bubble restrictions and burden of leading across formats hampered even someone of the statute of King Kohli. It was visible as while his ardent fans always waited for the real Kohli to show up, but he often kept returning with below-par performances as per his standards (For the unversed, vital knocks kept coming from his willow at regular intervals. However, one cannot get content with substandard showings when it comes to the superstar cricketer).

The day IPL 14 resumed, on September 19 in the UAE, Kohli also announced that this will be his last season as RCB captain. He said, "This will be my last IPL as captain of RCB. I’ll continue to be an RCB player till I play my last IPL game. I thank all the RCB fans for believing in me and supporting me."

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Virat Kohli to step down from RCB captaincy after <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/IPL2021?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#IPL2021</a> 
 
“This will be my last IPL as captain of RCB. I’ll continue to be an RCB player till I play my last IPL game. I thank all the RCB fans for believing in me and supporting me.”: Virat Kohli<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/PlayBold?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#PlayBold</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WeAreChallengers?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WeAreChallengers</a> <a href="https://t.co/QSIdCT8QQM">pic.twitter.com/QSIdCT8QQM</a>
— Royal Challengers Bangalore (@RCBTweets) <a href="https://twitter.com/RCBTweets/status/1439635618846281728?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 19, 2021</a></blockquote>
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NO IPL TROPHY OR T20 WC HEROICS

Thus, Kohli entered the IPL final leg with his loyalists hoping for him to sign off&nbsp;on a high as captain;&nbsp;winning RCB and his maiden trophy. Nonetheless, it didn't turn out that way as Bengaluru lost in the Eliminator with Kohli ending the season with 405 runs in 14 games at 119.46.&nbsp;

Post the IPL, Kohli moved to the T20 World Cup, which was to be his last assignment as T20I captain. Needless to say, the countrymen hoped for him to take India to the title and also sign off on a fitting note as the captain in the shortest format. However, Kohli endured back-to-back failures as India bowed out in the Super 12 round, also becoming the first Indian captain to lose a WC clash versus the Men in Green.&nbsp;

Kohli's dubious captaincy calls hogged headlines before India's untimely exit. Meanwhile, he finished with 68 runs in 5 games, with a high-score of 57 and not batting at all on two instances.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/dont-think-virat-kohlis-relation-with-rahul-dravid-will-be-good-in-long-run-predicts-danish-kaneria-439563">Don't think Virat Kohli's relation with Rahul Dravid will be good in long run, predicts Danish Kaneria</a>

While Kohli was on a break during India's home T20Is and first Test versus New Zealand, he returned back to action for the second and final Test against the Black Caps. He led India with aplomb as they achieved their biggest win in terms of runs but once again couldn't break his century-drought, returning with 0 and 36. He has four ducks in Tests in 2021 with one more match to go in the calendar year.&nbsp;

BCCI ROW&nbsp;

On December 8, BCCI removed Kohli as the ODI captain and appointed Rohit as the limited-overs skipper. While many speculated a rift between the two cricketers, Kohli rubbished all such rumours in an explosive presser before India's departure to South Africa. However, he made some glaring statements, contradicting from the claims made by BCCI chief Sourav Ganguly and a board member.&nbsp;

While Ganguly had claimed that he had requested Kohli to keep the top job in T20Is, as captain, Kohli denied all such claims. Moreover, he also stated that he was always available for the SA ODIs, contrary to statements made by BCCI treasurer Arun Dhamal.&nbsp;

Hence, it has now become BCCI vs Kohli as things have continued to go downhill for the 33-year-old batsman. Overall, 2021 has been a mixed bag for Kohli and he will be tested in the new calendar year as well. After all, he has endured more disappointments than spirited highs.&nbsp;

The calendar year is coming to an end. A lot of action took place in the sporting arena after the Covid-19 pandemic wreaked havoc in 2020. Some big-ticket tournaments took place in the 22-yard cricket strip, which tested Team India (the senior men's team) to the core.

The calendar year is coming to an end. A lot of action took place in the sporting arena after the Covid-19 pandemic wreaked havoc in 2020. Some big-ticket tournaments took place in the 22-yard cricket strip, which tested Team India (the senior men's team) to the core. While India continued to dominate in Tests, despite missing out on the coveted WTC title in the inaugural cycle's finale, they were decent in ODIs but had a forgettable campaign in the T20 World Cup in UAE. Talking about Virat Kohli, the 33-year-old had a rather ordinary calendar year with the end quarter turning into a nightmare. The superstar cricketer, who remains the poster boy of Indian cricket, finished 2021 without being able to lead India to an ICC title and went on to dent his terms with BCCI and the current selection committee in early December. In addition, the right-hander ended without a hundred in international cricket (with his century drought lasting for over two years). ALSO READ | From conquering Aussies Down Under to T20 World Cup debacle: Team India in 2021 KING KOHLI BECOMES A PROUD FATHER BEFORE NATIONAL DUTY RESUMES The year started for Kohli with some needless noise on his much-talked about paternity leave. On January 11, Kohli turned proud father as he welcomed his first child, daughter named Vamika, along with wife Anushka Sharma. Watching India's glorious run in the Australia Tests Down Under by being miles away, Kohli returned to international cricket to take charge in the home Tests versus England. Losing his first Test of the year versus Joe Root & Co., Kohli inspired India's comeback as the hosts romped past the Englishmen in the remainder of the series to win the four-match series 3-1 and book a place in the WTC final. Kohli, however, ended the series with 172 runs, including two fifty-plus scores, at an average of 28.66. India then turned to the five T20Is and three ODIs against the same opposition. Facing a competitive Eoin Morgan-led side, India were tested before they won the series 3-2. The then Indian captain Kohli ended with 231 runs (most runs in bilateral T20Is involving Test-playing nations) to be adjudged the Player-of-the-Series. In the ODIs, Kohli had two good outings with two fifties, but continued to remain away from triple-figure knocks. He, however, led his troops to a 2-1 series win. He was tested to the core as captain in terms of his bowling changes and field settings throughout the series against the ODI World champions. IPL AMID COVID-19 SECOND WAVE The IPL 2021 edition was the next assignment for Kohli. Leading the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB), the right-hander started the season on a high with back-to-back victories. While RCB did lose the plot to an extend before the COVID-19 second wave halted the tournament, Kohli's numbers with the bat was pretty mediocre with 198 runs at 33 in 7 games. His strike-rate remained below 120 on six outings. GLORIOUS CHANCE RUINED IN WTC FINAL The biggest assignment for Kohli, both as captain and batsman, came when he led India to the WTC final versus New Zealand in Southampton in mid-June. While many termed India as the overwhelming favourites, it seemed as if Kohli would finally be able to break the national side's jinx of not being able to win an ICC title since 2013. However, all hopes were dented as his year remained ordinary. His returns with the bat were 44 and 13 as India lost convincingly by 8 wickets to lose the marquee title. Thus, the team had no choice but to revamp soon as the second cycle commenced with India's five Tests versus England in the United Kingdom, from August 3. THE HIGHS AGAINST HOSTS ENGLAND While India rode on KL Rahul and Rohit Sharma's batting performances, Kohli continued to remain below par despite few good innings. He averaged only 31.14 after the series was interrupted due to Covid crisis in Indian camp after the fourth and penultimate Test. ALSO READ | Md Kaif acknowledges 'trouble-shooter' Rahul Dravid's presence in Team India amid Virat Kohli vs BCCI row TWO BIG ANNOUNCEMENTS - WHO SAW IT COMING? The action moved to the second and final leg of IPL 2021, in the UAE. Kohli returned to lead RCB after making two massive announcements. In mid-September, Kohli announced his decision to step aside as the T20I captain. He tweeted saying, "I have been fortunate enough to not only represent India but also lead the Indian Cricket Team to my utmost capability. I thank everyone who has supported me in my journey as the Captain of the Indian Cricket Team." "I couldn't have done it without them - the boys, the support staff, the selection committee, my coaches, and each and every Indian who prayed for us to win. Understanding workload is a very important thing and considering my immense workload over the last 8-9 years playing all 3 formats and captaining regularly for last 5-6 years, I feel I need to give myself space to be fully ready to lead the Indian Team in Test and ODI Cricket. I have given everything to the Team during my time as T20 Captain and I will continue to do so for the T20 Team as a batsman moving forward." "Of course, arriving at this decision took a lot of time. After a lot of contemplation and discussions with my close people, Ravi bhai and also Rohit, who have been an essential part of the leadership group, I've decided to step down as the T20 Captain after this T20 World Cup in Dubai in October. I have also spoken to the secretary Mr Jay Shah and the President of BCCI Mr Sourav Ganguly along with all the selectors about the same. I will continue to serve Indian Cricket and the Indian Team to the best of my ability." 🇮🇳 ❤️ pic.twitter.com/Ds7okjhj9J — Virat Kohli (@imVkohli) September 16, 2021 × Thus, a prolonged dry spell with the bat, bio-bubble restrictions and burden of leading across formats hampered even someone of the statute of King Kohli. It was visible as while his ardent fans always waited for the real Kohli to show up, but he often kept returning with below-par performances as per his standards (For the unversed, vital knocks kept coming from his willow at regular intervals. However, one cannot get content with substandard showings when it comes to the superstar cricketer). The day IPL 14 resumed, on September 19 in the UAE, Kohli also announced that this will be his last season as RCB captain. He said, "This will be my last IPL as captain of RCB. I’ll continue to be an RCB player till I play my last IPL game. I thank all the RCB fans for believing in me and supporting me." Virat Kohli to step down from RCB captaincy after #IPL2021 “This will be my last IPL as captain of RCB. I’ll continue to be an RCB player till I play my last IPL game. I thank all the RCB fans for believing in me and supporting me.”: Virat Kohli#PlayBold #WeAreChallengers pic.twitter.com/QSIdCT8QQM — Royal Challengers Bangalore (@RCBTweets) September 19, 2021 × NO IPL TROPHY OR T20 WC HEROICS Thus, Kohli entered the IPL final leg with his loyalists hoping for him to sign off on a high as captain; winning RCB and his maiden trophy. Nonetheless, it didn't turn out that way as Bengaluru lost in the Eliminator with Kohli ending the season with 405 runs in 14 games at 119.46. Post the IPL, Kohli moved to the T20 World Cup, which was to be his last assignment as T20I captain. Needless to say, the countrymen hoped for him to take India to the title and also sign off on a fitting note as the captain in the shortest format. However, Kohli endured back-to-back failures as India bowed out in the Super 12 round, also becoming the first Indian captain to lose a WC clash versus the Men in Green. Kohli's dubious captaincy calls hogged headlines before India's untimely exit. Meanwhile, he finished with 68 runs in 5 games, with a high-score of 57 and not batting at all on two instances. ALSO READ | Don't think Virat Kohli's relation with Rahul Dravid will be good in long run, predicts Danish Kaneria While Kohli was on a break during India's home T20Is and first Test versus New Zealand, he returned back to action for the second and final Test against the Black Caps. He led India with aplomb as they achieved their biggest win in terms of runs but once again couldn't break his century-drought, returning with 0 and 36. He has four ducks in Tests in 2021 with one more match to go in the calendar year. BCCI ROW On December 8, BCCI removed Kohli as the ODI captain and appointed Rohit as the limited-overs skipper. While many speculated a rift between the two cricketers, Kohli rubbished all such rumours in an explosive presser before India's departure to South Africa. However, he made some glaring statements, contradicting from the claims made by BCCI chief Sourav Ganguly and a board member. While Ganguly had claimed that he had requested Kohli to keep the top job in T20Is, as captain, Kohli denied all such claims. Moreover, he also stated that he was always available for the SA ODIs, contrary to statements made by BCCI treasurer Arun Dhamal. Hence, it has now become BCCI vs Kohli as things have continued to go downhill for the 33-year-old batsman. Overall, 2021 has been a mixed bag for Kohli and he will be tested in the new calendar year as well. After all, he has endured more disappointments than spirited highs.

No IPL title or ICC silverware, captaincy resignation and BCCI row: Reliving Virat Kohli's eventful 2021

On December 20, the Amazon Prime Video made another giant leap as it announced&nbsp;that it will start exclusively streaming cricket matches. The popular OTT platform have forged a partnership with the New Zealand Cricket and will live stream matches of the Black Caps starting January 2022.

In an exclusive interaction with www.wionnews.com's Sports Editor Digvijay Singh Deo, spin-bowling all-rounder Mitchell Santner was thrilled to bits seeing the new alliance and said, "That's awesome. To see NZ cricket in another platform is outstanding. We have some diehard Indian fans who are keen to watch the Kiwis play Bangladesh at home, they can tune in early hours."

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/t20-world-cup-is-next-year-aakash-chopra-unimpressed-as-t20is-rescheduled-from-indias-tour-of-sa-438744">T20 World Cup is next year: Aakash Chopra unimpressed as T20Is rescheduled from India's tour of SA</a>

Further, Santner also opened up on India-NZ cricketing rivalry, which has been a talking point in the 22-yard cricket strip in recent times. With the NZC's matches now set to be live streamed on the OTT platform, the popularity of the Kiwis' line-up will be bolstered further. Hence, Santner spilled the beans on the Ind-NZ cricketing relations and said, "Yeah, it will only get better. We both fight pretty hard on the field but outside, everyone is pretty keen to sit down and have relaxing conversations (off the field). We are very lucky to play in the IPL and to share a change room with guys you have grown up watching is pretty cool. To play under MS Dhoni is been a massive one for me. To also bowl alongside Ravindra Jadeja is not a bad thing as well, being a left-arm spinner myself. "

Santner also recalled New Zealand's 2019 ODI World Cup final loss&nbsp;at the hands of England. While the contest was tied even in the Super Over, the Black Caps lost in terms of boundary count. Recalling how the Kiwis learned from their experience and used it to good effect to clinch the inaugural WTC finale, Santner said, "I think being there personally was very tough to swallow. you come so close....you can obviously look back at few different moments and can say 'this could have happened or that', but we channalised that (in the right way)&nbsp;and served as a motivation to be there and go one step further to beat India (in the WTC final). We were lucky enough to play two Tests against England (before the WTC finale) and was a big help as well."

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ipl-is-no-1-league-but-akram-opines-on-indias-t20-wc-debacle-explains-why-they-need-to-think-back-438451">'IPL is No. 1 league but...': Akram opines on India's T20 WC debacle, explains why 'they need to think back'</a>

NZ's dream run continued in the 2021 T20 World Cup. The Black Caps lost their tournament-opener to Pakistan but defeated India, Afghanistan, Scotland, Namibia and England (in the semi-finals) to book a place in the summit clash, where they lost to Australia by 8 wickets.

Santner opened up on how NZ have become a dominant team across formats and have done exceedingly well in recent ICC tournaments. "I think the depth we have got at the moment is definitely better than what it has been in two years. We are quite confident of the players we have got. We had two big games in Pakistan and India (talking about the T20 WC journey), we knew if we could win one of the two, we could have got some momentum throughout the tournament as T20s is such a massive momentum game. The results have shown that it is going right for us," the 29-year-old concluded.

On December 20, the Amazon Prime Video made another giant leap as it announced that it will start exclusively streaming cricket matches. The popular OTT platform have forged a partnership with the New Zealand Cricket and will live stream matches of the Black Caps starting January 2022.

On December 20, the Amazon Prime Video made another giant leap as it announced that it will start exclusively streaming cricket matches. The popular OTT platform have forged a partnership with the New Zealand Cricket and will live stream matches of the Black Caps starting January 2022. In an exclusive interaction with www.wionnews.com's Sports Editor Digvijay Singh Deo, spin-bowling all-rounder Mitchell Santner was thrilled to bits seeing the new alliance and said, "That's awesome. To see NZ cricket in another platform is outstanding. We have some diehard Indian fans who are keen to watch the Kiwis play Bangladesh at home, they can tune in early hours." ALSO READ | T20 World Cup is next year: Aakash Chopra unimpressed as T20Is rescheduled from India's tour of SA Further, Santner also opened up on India-NZ cricketing rivalry, which has been a talking point in the 22-yard cricket strip in recent times. With the NZC's matches now set to be live streamed on the OTT platform, the popularity of the Kiwis' line-up will be bolstered further. Hence, Santner spilled the beans on the Ind-NZ cricketing relations and said, "Yeah, it will only get better. We both fight pretty hard on the field but outside, everyone is pretty keen to sit down and have relaxing conversations (off the field). We are very lucky to play in the IPL and to share a change room with guys you have grown up watching is pretty cool. To play under MS Dhoni is been a massive one for me. To also bowl alongside Ravindra Jadeja is not a bad thing as well, being a left-arm spinner myself. " Santner also recalled New Zealand's 2019 ODI World Cup final loss at the hands of England. While the contest was tied even in the Super Over, the Black Caps lost in terms of boundary count. Recalling how the Kiwis learned from their experience and used it to good effect to clinch the inaugural WTC finale, Santner said, "I think being there personally was very tough to swallow. you come so close....you can obviously look back at few different moments and can say 'this could have happened or that', but we channalised that (in the right way) and served as a motivation to be there and go one step further to beat India (in the WTC final). We were lucky enough to play two Tests against England (before the WTC finale) and was a big help as well." ALSO READ | 'IPL is No. 1 league but...': Akram opines on India's T20 WC debacle, explains why 'they need to think back' NZ's dream run continued in the 2021 T20 World Cup. The Black Caps lost their tournament-opener to Pakistan but defeated India, Afghanistan, Scotland, Namibia and England (in the semi-finals) to book a place in the summit clash, where they lost to Australia by 8 wickets. Santner opened up on how NZ have become a dominant team across formats and have done exceedingly well in recent ICC tournaments. "I think the depth we have got at the moment is definitely better than what it has been in two years. We are quite confident of the players we have got. We had two big games in Pakistan and India (talking about the T20 WC journey), we knew if we could win one of the two, we could have got some momentum throughout the tournament as T20s is such a massive momentum game. The results have shown that it is going right for us," the 29-year-old concluded.

EXCLUSIVE | We fight hard on field but have relaxing conversations off it, says Santner on India-NZ rivalry

On Monday (December 20), the Amazon Prime Video made another giant leap as it announced&nbsp;that it will start exclusively streaming cricket matches. The popular OTT platform have forged a partnership with the New Zealand Cricket and will live stream matches of the Black Caps starting January 2022.

In an exclusive interaction with www.wionnews.com's Sports Editor Digvijay Singh Deo, spin-bowling all-rounder Mitchell Santner was thrilled to bits seeing the new alliance and said, "That's awesome. To see NZ cricket in another platform is outstanding. We have some diehard Indian fans who are keen to watch the Kiwis play Bangladesh at home, they can tune in early hours."

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/t20-world-cup-is-next-year-aakash-chopra-unimpressed-as-t20is-rescheduled-from-indias-tour-of-sa-438744">T20 World Cup is next year: Aakash Chopra unimpressed as T20Is rescheduled from India's tour of SA</a>

Further, Santner also opened up on India-NZ cricketing rivalry, which has been a talking point in the 22-yard cricket strip in recent times. With the NZC's matches now set to be live streamed on the OTT platform, the popularity of the Kiwis' line-up will be bolstered further. Hence, Santner spilled the beans on the Ind-NZ cricketing relations and said, "Yeah, it will only get better. We both fight pretty hard on the field but outside, everyone is pretty keen to sit down and have relaxing conversations (off the field). We are very lucky to play in the IPL and to share a change room with guys you have grown up watching is pretty cool. To play under MS Dhoni is been a massive one for me. To also bowl alongside Ravindra Jadeja is not a bad thing as well, being a left-arm spinner myself. "

Santner also recalled New Zealand's 2019 ODI World Cup final loss&nbsp;at the hands of England. While the contest was tied even in the Super Over, the Black Caps lost in terms of boundary count. Recalling how the Kiwis learned from their experience and used it to win the inaugural WTC finale, Santner said, "I think being there personally was very tough to swallow. you come so close....you can obviously look back at few different moments and can say 'this could have happened or that', but we channalised that (in the right way)&nbsp;and served as a motivation to be there and go one step further to beat India (in the WTC final). We were lucky enough to play two Tests against England (before the WTC finale) and was a big help as well."

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ipl-is-no-1-league-but-akram-opines-on-indias-t20-wc-debacle-explains-why-they-need-to-think-back-438451">'IPL is No. 1 league but...': Akram opines on India's T20 WC debacle, explains why 'they need to think back'</a>

NZ's dream run continued in the 2021 T20 World Cup. The Black Caps lost their tournament-opener to Pakistan but defeated India, Afghanistan, Scotland, Namibia and England (in the semi-finals) to book a place in the summit clash, where they lost to Australia by 8 wickets.

Santner opened up on how NZ have become a dominant team across formats and have done exceedingly well in recent ICC tournaments. "I think the depth we have got at the moment is definitely better than what it has been in two years. We are quite confident of the players we have got. We had two big games in Pakistan and India (talking about the T20 WC journey), we knew if we could win one of the two, we could have got some momentum throughout the tournament as T20s is such a massive momentum game. The results have shown that it is going right for us," he stated.

On Monday (December 20), the Amazon Prime Video made another giant leap as it announced that it will start exclusively streaming cricket matches. The popular OTT platform have forged a partnership with the New Zealand Cricket and will live stream matches of the Black Caps starting January 2022.

On Monday (December 20), the Amazon Prime Video made another giant leap as it announced that it will start exclusively streaming cricket matches. The popular OTT platform have forged a partnership with the New Zealand Cricket and will live stream matches of the Black Caps starting January 2022. In an exclusive interaction with www.wionnews.com's Sports Editor Digvijay Singh Deo, spin-bowling all-rounder Mitchell Santner was thrilled to bits seeing the new alliance and said, "That's awesome. To see NZ cricket in another platform is outstanding. We have some diehard Indian fans who are keen to watch the Kiwis play Bangladesh at home, they can tune in early hours." ALSO READ | T20 World Cup is next year: Aakash Chopra unimpressed as T20Is rescheduled from India's tour of SA Further, Santner also opened up on India-NZ cricketing rivalry, which has been a talking point in the 22-yard cricket strip in recent times. With the NZC's matches now set to be live streamed on the OTT platform, the popularity of the Kiwis' line-up will be bolstered further. Hence, Santner spilled the beans on the Ind-NZ cricketing relations and said, "Yeah, it will only get better. We both fight pretty hard on the field but outside, everyone is pretty keen to sit down and have relaxing conversations (off the field). We are very lucky to play in the IPL and to share a change room with guys you have grown up watching is pretty cool. To play under MS Dhoni is been a massive one for me. To also bowl alongside Ravindra Jadeja is not a bad thing as well, being a left-arm spinner myself. " Santner also recalled New Zealand's 2019 ODI World Cup final loss at the hands of England. While the contest was tied even in the Super Over, the Black Caps lost in terms of boundary count. Recalling how the Kiwis learned from their experience and used it to win the inaugural WTC finale, Santner said, "I think being there personally was very tough to swallow. you come so close....you can obviously look back at few different moments and can say 'this could have happened or that', but we channalised that (in the right way) and served as a motivation to be there and go one step further to beat India (in the WTC final). We were lucky enough to play two Tests against England (before the WTC finale) and was a big help as well." ALSO READ | 'IPL is No. 1 league but...': Akram opines on India's T20 WC debacle, explains why 'they need to think back' NZ's dream run continued in the 2021 T20 World Cup. The Black Caps lost their tournament-opener to Pakistan but defeated India, Afghanistan, Scotland, Namibia and England (in the semi-finals) to book a place in the summit clash, where they lost to Australia by 8 wickets. Santner opened up on how NZ have become a dominant team across formats and have done exceedingly well in recent ICC tournaments. "I think the depth we have got at the moment is definitely better than what it has been in two years. We are quite confident of the players we have got. We had two big games in Pakistan and India (talking about the T20 WC journey), we knew if we could win one of the two, we could have got some momentum throughout the tournament as T20s is such a massive momentum game. The results have shown that it is going right for us," he stated.

EXCLUSIVE | We fight hard on field but have relaxing conversations off it: Santner on India-NZ rivalry

The calendar year is coming to an end. The year 2021 was filled with sporting events, mainly due to the Covid-19 pandemic wreaking havoc in early 2020 and postponing many big-ticket tournaments.&nbsp;

Year 2021 had plenty of action on the 22-yard cricket strip. Talking about Team India, the senior men's team had some glorious highs along with two disheartening lows. While the optimists can claim that India maintained their hold in the top-3 in rankings across formats, one reality also remains that national side couldn't end their eight-year-long ICC-title drought.&nbsp;

Revisiting India's 2021, let us have a look at how Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma-starrer line-up performed in the calendar year:

Conquering all odds Down Under

Ajinkya Rahane-led India managed to draw the 2020/22 Border-Gavaskar Trophy at the halfway stage before 2021 commenced. Coming to the third and penultimate Test, Rishabh Pant's scintillating 97, Cheteshwar Pujara's lengthy stay at the middle and blockathon from R Ashwin-Hanuna Vihari led to the series being wide open, at 1-1, going into the finale at The Gabba, Brisbane.&nbsp;

The fourth and final Test lived upto expectations. Second-stringed India were jolted further with injuries to Ravindra Jadeja, Ashwin, Vihari, Jasprit Bumrah. However, they managed to keep themselves alive on the last day, chasing 328 to break Aussies' proud and unbeaten streak at the venue since 32 years.&nbsp;

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Riding on Washington Sundar, Shardul Thakur's fifties in the first essay, Mohammed Siraj's five-fer and Pant-Pujara's fighting knocks in the final innings, India chased down the total with three wickets in hand to win the series 2-1 in a dramatic fashion.&nbsp;

The Test would easily go down as one of the greatest heists pulled off by a second-stringed side in the toughest format.&nbsp;

England tour of India, 2021

Soon after the triumph versus the Aussies, India hosted England in an all-format tour of the Three Lions.&nbsp;

Test series: India 3, England 1

Losing the series opener, being in a tough spot in the second Test in Chennai, hearing several criticism around the Ahmedabad pitch, Kohli-led India won the four-match Test series 3-1 to confirm their slot in the inaugural WTC final.&nbsp;

The top-performers for the home side were Ashwin (32 wickets and a ton), Axar Patel (27 wickets in his debut series), Pant and Rohit Sharma's contributions with the willow.&nbsp;

Beating Eoin Morgan &amp; Co. in white-ball formats&nbsp;

The five T20Is and three ODIs followed suit. The white-ball series was expected to be a tougher assignment for hosts given England's strength in the shorter formats. The T20Is lived upto expectations before India won it 3-2 eventually. The three ODIs saw India go 1-0 up before Morgan-less England turned it around to level it at 1-1. Nonetheless, the series finale was a tough nut to crack for the hosts before finally winning it 2-1.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/dont-find-anything-wrong-former-india-player-opines-on-rohit-sharma-replacing-virat-kohli-as-odi-captain-435854">Don't find anything wrong: Former India player opines on Rohit Sharma replacing Virat Kohli as ODI captain</a>

WTC final - One Where India Never Turned Up&nbsp;

After the England home series, Indian players featured in the IPL 2021 edition, which was cut-short due to the second wave of the Covid-19 pandemic in India. Getting a much-needed breather before WTC final, Team India finally reached the United Kingdom in early June (for WTC final and England Tests).

The ICC World Test Championship (WTC) finale was much-awaited. Entering the final as the No. 1 ranked side, having beaten Australia in their own backyard, India were favourites versus the Black Caps. Nonetheless, India's wait for an ICC title, since 2013, extended as Kane Williamson &amp; Co. produced an all-round performance.

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Being asked to bat first, at The Rose Bowl, Southampton, India were 70 for no loss before being bundled out for 217. In reply, NZ were dismissed for 249; gaining a vital 32-run. India had no answers to Tim Southee and Kyle Jamieson's pace, swing and bounce as they were dismissed for 170 in the second innings, setting up a paltry 139-run target.

Kiwis, thus, closed the match with 8 wickets to spare and become the World Test Champions. Agony continued for India in ICC events.

India vs England, five Tests in the UK

After the shambles of the WTC final, India regrouped for&nbsp;the five Tests versus Joe Root-led England. Despite coming so close to the WTC title, India missed out in the final hurdle but had to revamp and start from scratch as the second cycle commenced with the England series.

Kohli-led India were up for the challenge. They came close to winning the five-match Test series opener in Edgbaston before rain washed out entire day five's proceedings. The second Test, at Lord's, brought more luck for India as they won their third Test at the venue, first after seven years, with a comprehensive 151-run margin. Jasprit Bumrah-Mohammed Shami's 89-run unbeaten ninth-wicket stand, KL Rahul's first-innings ton, Mohammed Siraj's eight-wicket haul led to India going 1-0 up despite conceding a 27-run lead.

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The third Test was a disaster for the visitors, losing by an innings and 76 runs. The fourth and penultimate Test once again tested Kohli's brigade to the core but they triumphed against all odds. Being asked to bat first, India were dismissed for 190, after reeling at 127-7 at one stage. To add to this, they conceded a 99-run lead before staging a comeback for the ages.

Riding on Rohit's 127 and fifties from Cheteshwar Pujara, Shardul Thakur (twin half-centuries in the match), Rishabh Pant and cameos from the tail, India set up a daunting 368-run target for Root &amp; Co. In reply, the hosts fell like nine pins, for 210, to lose by 151 runs. Thus, England gave an unassailable lead to the tourists.

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The fifth and final Test, in Manchester, got cancelled at the last minute due to Covid-19 crisis in the Indian camp. The series decider will be held next year as Team India loyalists are desperately waiting for the national side's first-ever Test series win on English soil since 2007.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/not-being-able-to-win-icc-title-mightve-cost-virat-kohli-the-odi-captaincy-former-indian-wicketkeeper-435848">Not being able to win ICC title might've cost Virat Kohli the ODI captaincy: Former Indian wicketkeeper</a>

T20 World Cup 2021 - India succumb to new low

After the England Tests and final leg of IPL 2021, in the UAE, the action moved to the Men's T20 World Cup. Starting as one of the strongest contenders, India endured a horrible start. In their opening game, Kohli-led India lost to arch-rivals Pakistan for the first time in World Cup history (both in ODIs and T20Is). Losing by ten wickets, India had a herculean task to stage a comeback.

Nonetheless, more embarrassment awaited the one-time winners. India's losing streak versus New Zealand in ICC events, since 2007, continued as they were hammered by the Black Caps in their second outing. Starring on the brink of an early exit, India gathered themselves to pull off three convincing wins, however, the writing was on the wall long back.

India failed to move past the group stages with three wins from five encounters. Winning against the likes of Afghanistan, Scotland and Namibia didn't matter as the Pakistan and New Zealand encounters dented India's campaign severely.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/some-in-bcci-made-sure-i-dont-get-the-job-ex-india-head-coach-ravi-shastri-makes-glaring-remark-435719">'Some in BCCI made sure I don't get the job': Ex-India head coach Ravi Shastri makes glaring remark</a>

New Zealand tour of India: Start of Rahul Dravid-era

Post the disheartening T20 WC, India began a new era under Rahul Dravid. After much hesitation, Dravid replaced Ravi Shastri to become India's head coach as the former all-rounder's tenure ended with the T20 WC campaign. In addition, Kohli stepped aside as the Indian captain in T20Is -- having made the official announcement prior to the mega event -- and was replaced by Rohit.

While Rohit-led India commenced a new journey in the shortest format with the home series versus NZ. Sans Kohli, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Shami and the likes, India demolished the Black Caps 3-0. The two-match Test series followed suit.

It wasn't going to be easy versus the World Test champions. Hence, Williamson-led Kiwis held onto a fighting draw in the series opener, which saw Ajinkya Rahane leading the side in Kohli's absence. The second and final Test brought Kohli back in action as the hosts humbled the visitors at the Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai.

Courtesy Mayank Agarwal's 150 and vital contributions from Axar Patel, Jayant Yadav and R Ashwin, India beat New Zealand by a whopping 372-run margin (their biggest win by runs).

India still have a Test left in the calendar year. They are scheduled to tour South Africa, comprising three Tests and ODIs each, but the tour-opener will commence on December 26 with the first Test at Centurion.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/a-new-era-3-reasons-why-rohit-sharmas-appointment-as-odi-captain-can-be-a-good-move-for-team-india-435882">A new era! 3 reasons why Rohit Sharma's appointment as ODI captain can be a good move for Team India</a>

The ICC title wait, unearthing of young stars, change in leadership group

Overall, India had a topsy-turvy ride in 2021. While they continued to remain a solid unit across formats, they particularly flourished in bilateral series as an ICC title continues to evade them. Young stars such as Prasidh Krishna, Mohammed Siraj, Ishan Kishan, Pant, etc. made a mark whereas KL Rahul rose in prominence and stature. Kohli lost limited-overs captaincy altogether as Rohit-Dravid-era has commenced in the white-ball formats.

Team India will hope to continue their dominance at home and conquer more Test series away from home. However, their biggest aim would be to end their eight-year-long ICC-title drought.

The calendar year is coming to an end. The year 2021 was filled with sporting events, mainly due to the Covid-19 pandemic wreaking havoc in early 2020 and postponing many big-ticket tournaments.

The calendar year is coming to an end. The year 2021 was filled with sporting events, mainly due to the Covid-19 pandemic wreaking havoc in early 2020 and postponing many big-ticket tournaments. Year 2021 had plenty of action on the 22-yard cricket strip. Talking about Team India, the senior men's team had some glorious highs along with two disheartening lows. While the optimists can claim that India maintained their hold in the top-3 in rankings across formats, one reality also remains that national side couldn't end their eight-year-long ICC-title drought. Revisiting India's 2021, let us have a look at how Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma-starrer line-up performed in the calendar year: Conquering all odds Down Under Ajinkya Rahane-led India managed to draw the 2020/22 Border-Gavaskar Trophy at the halfway stage before 2021 commenced. Coming to the third and penultimate Test, Rishabh Pant's scintillating 97, Cheteshwar Pujara's lengthy stay at the middle and blockathon from R Ashwin-Hanuna Vihari led to the series being wide open, at 1-1, going into the finale at The Gabba, Brisbane. The fourth and final Test lived upto expectations. Second-stringed India were jolted further with injuries to Ravindra Jadeja, Ashwin, Vihari, Jasprit Bumrah. However, they managed to keep themselves alive on the last day, chasing 328 to break Aussies' proud and unbeaten streak at the venue since 32 years. × Riding on Washington Sundar, Shardul Thakur's fifties in the first essay, Mohammed Siraj's five-fer and Pant-Pujara's fighting knocks in the final innings, India chased down the total with three wickets in hand to win the series 2-1 in a dramatic fashion. The Test would easily go down as one of the greatest heists pulled off by a second-stringed side in the toughest format. England tour of India, 2021 Soon after the triumph versus the Aussies, India hosted England in an all-format tour of the Three Lions. Test series: India 3, England 1 Losing the series opener, being in a tough spot in the second Test in Chennai, hearing several criticism around the Ahmedabad pitch, Kohli-led India won the four-match Test series 3-1 to confirm their slot in the inaugural WTC final. The top-performers for the home side were Ashwin (32 wickets and a ton), Axar Patel (27 wickets in his debut series), Pant and Rohit Sharma's contributions with the willow. Beating Eoin Morgan & Co. in white-ball formats The five T20Is and three ODIs followed suit. The white-ball series was expected to be a tougher assignment for hosts given England's strength in the shorter formats. The T20Is lived upto expectations before India won it 3-2 eventually. The three ODIs saw India go 1-0 up before Morgan-less England turned it around to level it at 1-1. Nonetheless, the series finale was a tough nut to crack for the hosts before finally winning it 2-1. ALSO READ | Don't find anything wrong: Former India player opines on Rohit Sharma replacing Virat Kohli as ODI captain WTC final - One Where India Never Turned Up After the England home series, Indian players featured in the IPL 2021 edition, which was cut-short due to the second wave of the Covid-19 pandemic in India. Getting a much-needed breather before WTC final, Team India finally reached the United Kingdom in early June (for WTC final and England Tests). The ICC World Test Championship (WTC) finale was much-awaited. Entering the final as the No. 1 ranked side, having beaten Australia in their own backyard, India were favourites versus the Black Caps. Nonetheless, India's wait for an ICC title, since 2013, extended as Kane Williamson & Co. produced an all-round performance. × Being asked to bat first, at The Rose Bowl, Southampton, India were 70 for no loss before being bundled out for 217. In reply, NZ were dismissed for 249; gaining a vital 32-run. India had no answers to Tim Southee and Kyle Jamieson's pace, swing and bounce as they were dismissed for 170 in the second innings, setting up a paltry 139-run target. Kiwis, thus, closed the match with 8 wickets to spare and become the World Test Champions. Agony continued for India in ICC events. India vs England, five Tests in the UK After the shambles of the WTC final, India regrouped for the five Tests versus Joe Root-led England. Despite coming so close to the WTC title, India missed out in the final hurdle but had to revamp and start from scratch as the second cycle commenced with the England series. Kohli-led India were up for the challenge. They came close to winning the five-match Test series opener in Edgbaston before rain washed out entire day five's proceedings. The second Test, at Lord's, brought more luck for India as they won their third Test at the venue, first after seven years, with a comprehensive 151-run margin. Jasprit Bumrah-Mohammed Shami's 89-run unbeaten ninth-wicket stand, KL Rahul's first-innings ton, Mohammed Siraj's eight-wicket haul led to India going 1-0 up despite conceding a 27-run lead. × The third Test was a disaster for the visitors, losing by an innings and 76 runs. The fourth and penultimate Test once again tested Kohli's brigade to the core but they triumphed against all odds. Being asked to bat first, India were dismissed for 190, after reeling at 127-7 at one stage. To add to this, they conceded a 99-run lead before staging a comeback for the ages. Riding on Rohit's 127 and fifties from Cheteshwar Pujara, Shardul Thakur (twin half-centuries in the match), Rishabh Pant and cameos from the tail, India set up a daunting 368-run target for Root & Co. In reply, the hosts fell like nine pins, for 210, to lose by 151 runs. Thus, England gave an unassailable lead to the tourists. × The fifth and final Test, in Manchester, got cancelled at the last minute due to Covid-19 crisis in the Indian camp. The series decider will be held next year as Team India loyalists are desperately waiting for the national side's first-ever Test series win on English soil since 2007. ALSO READ | Not being able to win ICC title might've cost Virat Kohli the ODI captaincy: Former Indian wicketkeeper T20 World Cup 2021 - India succumb to new low After the England Tests and final leg of IPL 2021, in the UAE, the action moved to the Men's T20 World Cup. Starting as one of the strongest contenders, India endured a horrible start. In their opening game, Kohli-led India lost to arch-rivals Pakistan for the first time in World Cup history (both in ODIs and T20Is). Losing by ten wickets, India had a herculean task to stage a comeback. Nonetheless, more embarrassment awaited the one-time winners. India's losing streak versus New Zealand in ICC events, since 2007, continued as they were hammered by the Black Caps in their second outing. Starring on the brink of an early exit, India gathered themselves to pull off three convincing wins, however, the writing was on the wall long back. India failed to move past the group stages with three wins from five encounters. Winning against the likes of Afghanistan, Scotland and Namibia didn't matter as the Pakistan and New Zealand encounters dented India's campaign severely. ALSO READ | 'Some in BCCI made sure I don't get the job': Ex-India head coach Ravi Shastri makes glaring remark New Zealand tour of India: Start of Rahul Dravid-era Post the disheartening T20 WC, India began a new era under Rahul Dravid. After much hesitation, Dravid replaced Ravi Shastri to become India's head coach as the former all-rounder's tenure ended with the T20 WC campaign. In addition, Kohli stepped aside as the Indian captain in T20Is -- having made the official announcement prior to the mega event -- and was replaced by Rohit. While Rohit-led India commenced a new journey in the shortest format with the home series versus NZ. Sans Kohli, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Shami and the likes, India demolished the Black Caps 3-0. The two-match Test series followed suit. It wasn't going to be easy versus the World Test champions. Hence, Williamson-led Kiwis held onto a fighting draw in the series opener, which saw Ajinkya Rahane leading the side in Kohli's absence. The second and final Test brought Kohli back in action as the hosts humbled the visitors at the Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai. Courtesy Mayank Agarwal's 150 and vital contributions from Axar Patel, Jayant Yadav and R Ashwin, India beat New Zealand by a whopping 372-run margin (their biggest win by runs). India still have a Test left in the calendar year. They are scheduled to tour South Africa, comprising three Tests and ODIs each, but the tour-opener will commence on December 26 with the first Test at Centurion. ALSO READ | A new era! 3 reasons why Rohit Sharma's appointment as ODI captain can be a good move for Team India The ICC title wait, unearthing of young stars, change in leadership group Overall, India had a topsy-turvy ride in 2021. While they continued to remain a solid unit across formats, they particularly flourished in bilateral series as an ICC title continues to evade them. Young stars such as Prasidh Krishna, Mohammed Siraj, Ishan Kishan, Pant, etc. made a mark whereas KL Rahul rose in prominence and stature. Kohli lost limited-overs captaincy altogether as Rohit-Dravid-era has commenced in the white-ball formats. Team India will hope to continue their dominance at home and conquer more Test series away from home. However, their biggest aim would be to end their eight-year-long ICC-title drought.

From conquering Aussies Down Under to T20 World Cup debacle: Team India in 2021

New Zealand, who ended up as the runners-up in the 2015 and 2019 World Cup, finally tasted a win in the finals of an ICC tournament since 2000 as they won the World Test Championship final against India at Rose Bowl.&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/cricket-if-i-perform-i-know-ill-definitely-be-back-kuldeep-yadav-ahead-of-sri-lanka-tour-394704" hreflang="en">Cricket- 'If I perform, I know I’ll definitely be back': Kuldeep Yadav ahead of Sri Lanka tour</a>

However, Kiwi pacer Kyle Jamieson revealed the nerve-wracking moment in the last couple of hours of the World Test Championship final. According to Jamieson, it was so ‘tough to watch' that he had to go to the bathroom to avoid the noise.&nbsp;

"It was pretty tough to watch. I actually tried to at times to go to the bathroom where there was no noise to just get away from it for a while because it was quite nerve-racking,” Jamieson told Country Sports Breakfast on Gold AM according to NZ Herald.

BlackCaps skipper Kane Williamson and Ross Taylor stitched an unbeaten 96-run partnership to take New Zealand over the line.&nbsp;

“It was nice to have Kane and Ross out there, two of our greatest ever batters really to calm the nerves and finish the job the way they did," Jamieson said.

"It was probably the toughest period of cricket I've been a part of, in terms of watching.

"We were sitting inside and actually watching on TV. There was a bit of a delay but it seemed like every ball the Indian crowd was up and about and I was like 'jeez it's a wicket' or something like that, but it turned out it was just a block or a single,” Jamieson said.

"It was good. Nothing too crazy," Jamieson said about the post-game celebrations. "We just spent time in the changing room and back in the team room. Obviously, with the whole Covid situation, there wasn't a whole lot of getting out and about.

"It was just nice, to be fair, to spend time together and enjoy the time together after a couple of years of hard work and a long tour as well. Just to sit back and enjoy each other's company was quite nice," he added.

In a match dominated more by the bowlers, the New Zealand pace quarter stood up with Kyle Jamieson shining the brightest with a five-wicket haul in an ICC final. While Jamieson picked up seven wickets, Tim Southee and Trent Boult ended up with five wickets each. Neil Wagner’s wicket column might show just three wickets, they were crucial to strengthen New Zealand’s stronghold in the match.

New Zealand, who ended up as the runners-up in the 2015 and 2019 World Cup, finally tasted a win in the finals of an ICC tournament since 2000 as they won the World Test Championship final against India at Rose Bowl.

New Zealand, who ended up as the runners-up in the 2015 and 2019 World Cup, finally tasted a win in the finals of an ICC tournament since 2000 as they won the World Test Championship final against India at Rose Bowl. ALSO READ: Cricket- 'If I perform, I know I’ll definitely be back': Kuldeep Yadav ahead of Sri Lanka tour However, Kiwi pacer Kyle Jamieson revealed the nerve-wracking moment in the last couple of hours of the World Test Championship final. According to Jamieson, it was so ‘tough to watch' that he had to go to the bathroom to avoid the noise. "It was pretty tough to watch. I actually tried to at times to go to the bathroom where there was no noise to just get away from it for a while because it was quite nerve-racking,” Jamieson told Country Sports Breakfast on Gold AM according to NZ Herald. BlackCaps skipper Kane Williamson and Ross Taylor stitched an unbeaten 96-run partnership to take New Zealand over the line. “It was nice to have Kane and Ross out there, two of our greatest ever batters really to calm the nerves and finish the job the way they did," Jamieson said. "It was probably the toughest period of cricket I've been a part of, in terms of watching. "We were sitting inside and actually watching on TV. There was a bit of a delay but it seemed like every ball the Indian crowd was up and about and I was like 'jeez it's a wicket' or something like that, but it turned out it was just a block or a single,” Jamieson said. "It was good. Nothing too crazy," Jamieson said about the post-game celebrations. "We just spent time in the changing room and back in the team room. Obviously, with the whole Covid situation, there wasn't a whole lot of getting out and about. "It was just nice, to be fair, to spend time together and enjoy the time together after a couple of years of hard work and a long tour as well. Just to sit back and enjoy each other's company was quite nice," he added. In a match dominated more by the bowlers, the New Zealand pace quarter stood up with Kyle Jamieson shining the brightest with a five-wicket haul in an ICC final. While Jamieson picked up seven wickets, Tim Southee and Trent Boult ended up with five wickets each. Neil Wagner’s wicket column might show just three wickets, they were crucial to strengthen New Zealand’s stronghold in the match.

Cricket- 'I actually tried to at times to go to the bathroom', reveals Kyle Jamieson

New Zealand on Wednesday defeated India by eight wickets to win the inaugural ICC World Test Championship (WTC) final, played at the Hampshire Bowl in Southampton. The crushing loss led to massive criticism by fans and former cricketing stalwarts.&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/an-absolute-disgrace-roger-binny-slams-team-indias-bowling-performance-in-wtc-final-393985" hreflang="en">'Absolute disgrace': Roger Binny slams India's bowling in WTC Final</a>

Indian skipper Virat Kohli failed to contribute to the teams in the clash against New Zealand. The Indian captain managed to score just 57 runs in both innings.&nbsp;

Former India batting coach Sanjay Bangar talked about how Kohli will approach his future and what will be his next target after the WTC final.

“He has already scored close to 7,500 test runs, and this is a format, where he just simply gives it his all. It's not that he doesn't value T20 or ODI cricket; he plays with equal intensity, but the job satisfaction that he derives – because this is the toughest format. And in modern times, because there are no dead rubbers, so every test match is valued, and every team is playing for a result. This means that whatever is on offer – from a batting perspective – is always challenging for the batsman,” Bangar said on Star Sports’ show Cricket Connected.

“So, to excel in each &amp; every test match, and obviously, to get over the drought of the three-figure – which may have been playing on his mind – I think this is something that he would look ahead to. The way he has batted in the first innings was a clear indication of the kind of touch and the kind of rhythm that he was in. So, I think it augurs well for the Indian team.”

The Men in Blue will now take on England in a five-match Test series that will kick off in August.

New Zealand on Wednesday defeated India by eight wickets to win the inaugural ICC World Test Championship (WTC) final, played at the Hampshire Bowl in Southampton.

New Zealand on Wednesday defeated India by eight wickets to win the inaugural ICC World Test Championship (WTC) final, played at the Hampshire Bowl in Southampton. The crushing loss led to massive criticism by fans and former cricketing stalwarts. ALSO READ: 'Absolute disgrace': Roger Binny slams India's bowling in WTC Final Indian skipper Virat Kohli failed to contribute to the teams in the clash against New Zealand. The Indian captain managed to score just 57 runs in both innings. Former India batting coach Sanjay Bangar talked about how Kohli will approach his future and what will be his next target after the WTC final. “He has already scored close to 7,500 test runs, and this is a format, where he just simply gives it his all. It's not that he doesn't value T20 or ODI cricket; he plays with equal intensity, but the job satisfaction that he derives – because this is the toughest format. And in modern times, because there are no dead rubbers, so every test match is valued, and every team is playing for a result. This means that whatever is on offer – from a batting perspective – is always challenging for the batsman,” Bangar said on Star Sports’ show Cricket Connected. “So, to excel in each & every test match, and obviously, to get over the drought of the three-figure – which may have been playing on his mind – I think this is something that he would look ahead to. The way he has batted in the first innings was a clear indication of the kind of touch and the kind of rhythm that he was in. So, I think it augurs well for the Indian team.” The Men in Blue will now take on England in a five-match Test series that will kick off in August.

'I think it augurs well for the Indian team': Sanjay Bangar on Virat Kohli's form

New Zealand on Wednesday defeated India by eight wickets to win the inaugural ICC World Test Championship (WTC) final, played at the Hampshire Bowl in Southampton. New Zealand's two most experienced batters – Kane Williamson and Ross Taylor – guided the Kiwis to their first ICC trophy since 2000.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/some-responsibility-was-required-irfan-pathan-on-rishabh-pants-knock-in-wtc-final-393944" hreflang="en">'Some responsibility was required': Irfan Pathan on Rishabh Pant's knock in WTC Final</a>

Team India's bowlers failed to dominate the Kiwi batsmen and failed to find much swing that could have troubled the New Zealand batsmen.&nbsp;

Mohammed Shami stood out from the Indian pack with four wickets, including breathtaking spells of bowling. Ishant capped it up with three while Ashwin ended up with two. Jasprit Bumrah’s off form would bother India a bit but one can expect a bowler of Bumrah’s calibre to go through it for long.

Former India all-rounder Roger Binny lashed out at Virat and Co.'s bowling attack and called it 'an absolute disgrace'.&nbsp;

"Watching the Indians bowl on Sunday (the third day of the Test), it was not the way to bowl in a Test in England. It was an absolute disgrace. What did the opposition do to you? What sort of a performance was this? They are playing a Test match," Binny was quoted as saying by News18.

"When you bowl, you bowl in the batsman’s half. You don’t bowl in your half. They have to play the shots. The shorter you bowl, the more the ball seams. You have to attack to take wickets, not bowl defensively," he added.

New Zealand on Wednesday defeated India by eight wickets to win the inaugural ICC World Test Championship (WTC) final, played at the Hampshire Bowl in Southampton. New Zealand's two most experienced batters – Kane Williamson and Ross Taylor – guided the Kiwis to their first ICC trophy since 2000. ALSO READ: 'Some responsibility was required': Irfan Pathan on Rishabh Pant's knock in WTC Final Team India's bowlers failed to dominate the Kiwi batsmen and failed to find much swing that could have troubled the New Zealand batsmen. Mohammed Shami stood out from the Indian pack with four wickets, including breathtaking spells of bowling. Ishant capped it up with three while Ashwin ended up with two. Jasprit Bumrah’s off form would bother India a bit but one can expect a bowler of Bumrah’s calibre to go through it for long. Former India all-rounder Roger Binny lashed out at Virat and Co.'s bowling attack and called it 'an absolute disgrace'. "Watching the Indians bowl on Sunday (the third day of the Test), it was not the way to bowl in a Test in England. It was an absolute disgrace. What did the opposition do to you? What sort of a performance was this? They are playing a Test match," Binny was quoted as saying by News18. "When you bowl, you bowl in the batsman’s half. You don’t bowl in your half. They have to play the shots. The shorter you bowl, the more the ball seams. You have to attack to take wickets, not bowl defensively," he added.

'An absolute disgrace': Roger Binny slams Team India's bowling performance in WTC Final

Skipper Virat Kohli has been regarded as the best Test captain for India. The prolific skipper has led the Men in Blue in some monumental wins. Kohli is India's most-capped Test captain (61) and has led the team to 33 wins in the longest format.&nbsp;

However, the loss against New Zealand in the World Test Championship final has fueled speculations over Kohli's captaincy. Former England spinner Graeme Swann feels that removing Kohli as India captain will be a 'crime to cricket'.&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/some-responsibility-was-required-irfan-pathan-on-rishabh-pants-knock-in-wtc-final-393944" hreflang="en">'Some responsibility was required': Irfan Pathan on Rishabh Pant's knock in WTC Final</a>

"Virat Kohli is an absolute champion and a superstar. He has added steel to the Indian team. You only have to see his passion whenever a wicket goes. (Look at) His face when there is a misfield. He is 100 percent committed to the job," Swann told SportsKeeda.

"To get rid of Virat Kohli at the moment, when you have such a good captain, would be an absolute crime against cricket. I don't think they should look elsewhere. India lost that game because they were underprepared and under-cooked going into that Test match."

According to Swann, India were underprepared as they took on New Zealand in Southampton as they just had net practice while going against the BlackCaps, who already had played two Tests in England.&nbsp;

"India just had net practice in Southampton. Nothing beats preparing for a Test match like actual Test match play. So New Zealand had everything in their favour when it came to who was going to win that game. That showed during the five days as India looked slightly rusty especially some of the batsmen," added Swann.

Skipper Virat Kohli has been regarded as the best Test captain for India. The prolific skipper has led the Men in Blue in some monumental wins. Kohli is India's most-capped Test captain (61) and has led the team to 33 wins in the longest format.

Skipper Virat Kohli has been regarded as the best Test captain for India. The prolific skipper has led the Men in Blue in some monumental wins. Kohli is India's most-capped Test captain (61) and has led the team to 33 wins in the longest format. However, the loss against New Zealand in the World Test Championship final has fueled speculations over Kohli's captaincy. Former England spinner Graeme Swann feels that removing Kohli as India captain will be a 'crime to cricket'. ALSO READ: 'Some responsibility was required': Irfan Pathan on Rishabh Pant's knock in WTC Final "Virat Kohli is an absolute champion and a superstar. He has added steel to the Indian team. You only have to see his passion whenever a wicket goes. (Look at) His face when there is a misfield. He is 100 percent committed to the job," Swann told SportsKeeda. "To get rid of Virat Kohli at the moment, when you have such a good captain, would be an absolute crime against cricket. I don't think they should look elsewhere. India lost that game because they were underprepared and under-cooked going into that Test match." According to Swann, India were underprepared as they took on New Zealand in Southampton as they just had net practice while going against the BlackCaps, who already had played two Tests in England. "India just had net practice in Southampton. Nothing beats preparing for a Test match like actual Test match play. So New Zealand had everything in their favour when it came to who was going to win that game. That showed during the five days as India looked slightly rusty especially some of the batsmen," added Swann.

Cricket- 'Virat Kohli is an absolute champion and a superstar': Graeme Swann

Rishabh Pant's knock in the World Test Championship final against New Zealand drew a lot of attention and several former cricketers reacted to his batting in the second innings.&nbsp;

Now, former India all-rounder Irfan Pathan has commented on Pant's knock.&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/cricket-india-will-use-the-southampton-test-as-a-spur-to-greater-things-says-vvs-laxman-393855" hreflang="en">Cricket: India will use the Southampton Test as a spur to greater things, says VVS Laxman</a>

"I know Rishabh Pant plays very well in a destructive fashion. But destructive batting doesn't mean that you walk down the wicket to pace bowlers and try to hit them out of the ground. Some responsibility was required," Pathan said during a discussion on Star Sports.

Pant scored 41 off 88 balls with four boundaries, during his knock the southpaw was seen coming down the track to take on the seamers but missed many chances. He even gave his wicket away in a similar fashion off Trent Boult's delivery.&nbsp;

"If we talk about proper cricketing reasons where we went wrong in this match, it was even after the first innings. But after that, the second innings batting was extremely disappointing because the ball was not moving that much in the second innings. So, they could have batted more responsibly there."

"I also felt that when they were bowling the bouncers against the Indian batsmen, they were trying to play the pull shot instead of taking it on the body. It means there a slight shortage of commitment was also seen," noticed Pathan.

"They played a batsman short. I was saying this even before the Test match started but that is my thinking. Then we do not have a fast-bowling all-rounder like New Zealand have. Getting one in is also slightly difficult."

Rishabh Pant's knock in the World Test Championship final against New Zealand drew a lot of attention and several former cricketers reacted to his batting in the second innings.

Rishabh Pant's knock in the World Test Championship final against New Zealand drew a lot of attention and several former cricketers reacted to his batting in the second innings. Now, former India all-rounder Irfan Pathan has commented on Pant's knock. ALSO READ: Cricket: India will use the Southampton Test as a spur to greater things, says VVS Laxman "I know Rishabh Pant plays very well in a destructive fashion. But destructive batting doesn't mean that you walk down the wicket to pace bowlers and try to hit them out of the ground. Some responsibility was required," Pathan said during a discussion on Star Sports. Pant scored 41 off 88 balls with four boundaries, during his knock the southpaw was seen coming down the track to take on the seamers but missed many chances. He even gave his wicket away in a similar fashion off Trent Boult's delivery. "If we talk about proper cricketing reasons where we went wrong in this match, it was even after the first innings. But after that, the second innings batting was extremely disappointing because the ball was not moving that much in the second innings. So, they could have batted more responsibly there." "I also felt that when they were bowling the bouncers against the Indian batsmen, they were trying to play the pull shot instead of taking it on the body. It means there a slight shortage of commitment was also seen," noticed Pathan. "They played a batsman short. I was saying this even before the Test match started but that is my thinking. Then we do not have a fast-bowling all-rounder like New Zealand have. Getting one in is also slightly difficult."

'Some responsibility was required': Irfan Pathan on Rishabh Pant's knock in WTC Final

Jasprit Bumrah had a disappointing outing during the World Test Championship final against New Zealand at Rose Bowl. Team India's main pacer went wicketless in the match.&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/cricket-india-will-use-the-southampton-test-as-a-spur-to-greater-things-says-vvs-laxman-393855" hreflang="en">India will use the Southampton Test as a spur to greater things: VVS Laxman</a>

Former Indian opener Wasim Jaffer has expressed his disappointment over Bumrah's figures in the ultimate Test. The Indian speedster was the only bowler in the match to go wicketless, however, he did get the better of Ross Taylor in the second innings but Pujara dropped a vital catch.&nbsp;

“Mohammed Shami was the standout bowler for India alongside Ishant Sharma. Ashwin supported really well, but to see no wickets from Jasprit Bumrah was disappointing and it was a big setback for the Indian team. Even though I don't think Bumrah bowled badly, somewhere I thought the wickets column eluded him,” Jaffer said in his latest YouTube video.&nbsp;

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Jaffer even talked about Team India's batting display in the second innings and said that he was really disappointed as they lacked intent and 170 was a below-par score.&nbsp;

"I was really disappointed by the way India batted in the second innings. They should have been a little bit more positive and should have showed more intent. Probably 40-50 runs would have saved the game or would have made the game more interesting had New Zealand gone on to chase the game with a bit more run-rate. I thought 170 was a below par score and the conditions of the first day probably played on their minds," Jaffer concluded.&nbsp;

Jasprit Bumrah had a disappointing outing during the World Test Championship final against New Zealand at Rose Bowl. Team India's main pacer went wicketless in the match.

Jasprit Bumrah had a disappointing outing during the World Test Championship final against New Zealand at Rose Bowl. Team India's main pacer went wicketless in the match. ALSO READ: India will use the Southampton Test as a spur to greater things: VVS Laxman Former Indian opener Wasim Jaffer has expressed his disappointment over Bumrah's figures in the ultimate Test. The Indian speedster was the only bowler in the match to go wicketless, however, he did get the better of Ross Taylor in the second innings but Pujara dropped a vital catch. “Mohammed Shami was the standout bowler for India alongside Ishant Sharma. Ashwin supported really well, but to see no wickets from Jasprit Bumrah was disappointing and it was a big setback for the Indian team. Even though I don't think Bumrah bowled badly, somewhere I thought the wickets column eluded him,” Jaffer said in his latest YouTube video. × Jaffer even talked about Team India's batting display in the second innings and said that he was really disappointed as they lacked intent and 170 was a below-par score. "I was really disappointed by the way India batted in the second innings. They should have been a little bit more positive and should have showed more intent. Probably 40-50 runs would have saved the game or would have made the game more interesting had New Zealand gone on to chase the game with a bit more run-rate. I thought 170 was a below par score and the conditions of the first day probably played on their minds," Jaffer concluded.

'It was a big setback': Wasim Jaffer on Jasprit Bumrah going wicketless in WTC Final

New Zealand on Wednesday defeated India by eight wickets to win the inaugural ICC World Test Championship (WTC) final, played at the Hampshire Bowl in Southampton. New Zealand's two most experienced batters – Kane Williamson and Ross Taylor – guided the Kiwis to their first ICC trophy since 2000. <o:p></o:p>

The Black Caps, who ended up as the runners-up in 2019 World Cup, continued to build on the improvement in the longest format and enjoyed a brilliant World Test Championship cycle, especially at home. <o:p></o:p>

In a match dominated more by the bowlers, the New Zealand pace quarter stood up with Kyle Jamieson shining the brightest with a five-wicket haul in an ICC final. While Jamieson picked up seven wickets, Tim Southee and Trent Boult ended up with five wickets each. Neil Wagner’s wicket column might show just three wickets, they were crucial to strengthen New Zealand’s stronghold in the match.

<o:p><img alt="Kyle Jamieson" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="fcd847ca-8044-400d-9534-dc9e66affd3b" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/000_9CX6J8.jpg" /></o:p>

New Zealand, after inviting India to bat first, had a tough opening hour with Indian openers Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill stomping their authority early. However, Wagner and Jamieson turned it around. Cheteshwar Pujara and Virat Kohli stitched a partnership, albeit slow, India steadily found them in a better place. A Trent Boult special in-swinger got rid of Pujara, followed by the quick dismissal of Kohli at 44.&nbsp;

<o:p></o:p>

Ajinkya Rahane, who looked the best out of any Indian batters, had a brain-fade moment and miscued a regular pull shot for his dismissal.<o:p></o:p>

Ravindra Jadeja, Ravichandran Ashwin added 15 and 22 respectively by playing counter-attack cricket but India’s tail failed to wag. The Virat Kohli-led outfit was bundled out for 217. <o:p></o:p>

New Zealand openers Devon Conway and Tom Latham gave a solid start to the Kiwis with 54 and 30 respectively. Kane Williamson played the captain’s knock of 49 at a time the middle-order collapsed. The all-rounders and tail come to the rescue and added crucial runs at the end. Jamieson scored 21, Southee 30, breaking six-hitting records.<o:p></o:p>

Mohammed Shami stood out from the Indian pack with four wickets, including breathtaking spells of bowling. Ishant capped it up with three while Ashwin ended up with two. Jasprit Bumrah’s off form would bother India a bit but one can expect a bowler of Bumrah’s caliber to go through it for long.

<o:p><img alt="WTC Final - AFP" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="a0c1a42e-7c78-4814-a138-85e8c31c113e" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/000_9CY49P.jpg" /></o:p>

After rain delays, India’s batting cracked in the second innings with Jamieson running it past the Indian batting unit. Only Pant with a topsy-turvy 41-run knock stood out, while Rohit Sharma saw off the new ball well with 81-ball 30. <o:p></o:p>

New Zealand started their chase cautiously with both left-handed openers failing victims to Ashwin’s intelligence. A couple of dropped catches by Pujara and Bumrah hurt them Williamson, 52 not-out, Taylor, 47 not-out, guided New Zealand to a win for ages. The winners of inaugural ICC World Test Championship, New Zealand.<o:p></o:p>

New Zealand on Wednesday defeated India by eight wickets to win the inaugural ICC World Test Championship (WTC) final, played at the Hampshire Bowl in Southampton. New Zealand's two most experienced batters – Kane Williamson and Ross Taylor – guided the Kiwis to their first ICC trophy since 2000. The Black Caps, who ended up as the runners-up in 2019 World Cup, continued to build on the improvement in the longest format and enjoyed a brilliant World Test Championship cycle, especially at home. In a match dominated more by the bowlers, the New Zealand pace quarter stood up with Kyle Jamieson shining the brightest with a five-wicket haul in an ICC final. While Jamieson picked up seven wickets, Tim Southee and Trent Boult ended up with five wickets each. Neil Wagner’s wicket column might show just three wickets, they were crucial to strengthen New Zealand’s stronghold in the match. New Zealand, after inviting India to bat first, had a tough opening hour with Indian openers Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill stomping their authority early. However, Wagner and Jamieson turned it around. Cheteshwar Pujara and Virat Kohli stitched a partnership, albeit slow, India steadily found them in a better place. A Trent Boult special in-swinger got rid of Pujara, followed by the quick dismissal of Kohli at 44. Ajinkya Rahane, who looked the best out of any Indian batters, had a brain-fade moment and miscued a regular pull shot for his dismissal. Ravindra Jadeja, Ravichandran Ashwin added 15 and 22 respectively by playing counter-attack cricket but India’s tail failed to wag. The Virat Kohli-led outfit was bundled out for 217. New Zealand openers Devon Conway and Tom Latham gave a solid start to the Kiwis with 54 and 30 respectively. Kane Williamson played the captain’s knock of 49 at a time the middle-order collapsed. The all-rounders and tail come to the rescue and added crucial runs at the end. Jamieson scored 21, Southee 30, breaking six-hitting records. Mohammed Shami stood out from the Indian pack with four wickets, including breathtaking spells of bowling. Ishant capped it up with three while Ashwin ended up with two. Jasprit Bumrah’s off form would bother India a bit but one can expect a bowler of Bumrah’s caliber to go through it for long. After rain delays, India’s batting cracked in the second innings with Jamieson running it past the Indian batting unit. Only Pant with a topsy-turvy 41-run knock stood out, while Rohit Sharma saw off the new ball well with 81-ball 30. New Zealand started their chase cautiously with both left-handed openers failing victims to Ashwin’s intelligence. A couple of dropped catches by Pujara and Bumrah hurt them Williamson, 52 not-out, Taylor, 47 not-out, guided New Zealand to a win for ages. The winners of inaugural ICC World Test Championship, New Zealand.

New Zealand defeat India by 8 wickets to win ICC World Test Championship

New Zealand on Wednesday defeated India by eight wickets to win the inaugural ICC World Test Championship (WTC) final, played at the Hampshire Bowl in Southampton. New Zealand's two most experienced batters – Kane Williamson and Ross Taylor – guided the Kiwis to their first ICC trophy since 2000.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/new-zealand-defeat-india-by-8-wickets-to-win-icc-world-test-championship-393493" hreflang="en">New Zealand defeat India by 8 wickets to win ICC World Test Championship</a>

However, Indian skipper Virat Kohli feels that the Test format cannot be fully utilised through a one-off match, either it is a series or the final of the World Test Championship final.&nbsp;

"I am not in absolute agreement of deciding the best Test side in the world over the course of one game. If it is a Test series, it has to be a test of character over three Tests - which team has the ability to come back in the series, or totally blow away the other team. It can't just be pressure applied over two days of good cricket and then you suddenly you are not a good Test side anymore. I don't believe in it," Kohli said after India's eight-wicket loss in Southampton to New Zealand.

Indian head coach Ravi Shastri pitched the idea of a three-match series. Several former India players also supported Shastri's idea. On the eve of the match, skipper Kohli said that the team will take it as another Test match and that the outcome won't carry too much significance.&nbsp;

"It has to be a hard grind and something that definitely needs to be worked around in the future. "At the end of three matches, where there's effort, there's ups and downs, there's situations changing during the course of the series, a chance to rectify the things you have done in the first game, and then really see who is the better side over the course of a three-match series or something, will be a good measure of how things really are," Kohli added.

"So we are not too bothered by this result because we understand as a Test side what we have done over the last 3-4 years, not just over the last 18 months. So this is not a measure of who we are as a team [with] the ability and the potential we have had for so many years now."

In the past few Test series, Team India lost the opening Test match only to stage a comeback and win the series.&nbsp;

According to Kohli, worthy winners can be decided with two more Tests instead of a one-off match.&nbsp;

"Absolutely. If you saw the way the game went, with whatever time we got on the field, why wouldn't you want to see two more Tests of the same teams battling it out and, eventually, being the worthy winners of the World Test Championship? Historically all the great series that you've seen in Test cricket, you remember them over a period of three matches or five matches perhaps, with two teams going against each other and those series become memorable," the India captain pointed out.

"Absolutely. If you saw the way the game went, with whatever time we got on the field, why wouldn't you want to see two more Tests of the same teams battling it out and, eventually, being the worthy winners of the World Test Championship? Historically all the great series that you've seen in Test cricket, you remember them over a period of three matches or five matches perhaps, with two teams going against each other and those series become memorable," the India captain pointed out.

New Zealand on Wednesday defeated India by eight wickets to win the inaugural ICC World Test Championship (WTC) final, played at the Hampshire Bowl in Southampton. New Zealand's two most experienced batters – Kane Williamson and Ross Taylor – guided the Kiwis to their first ICC trophy since 2000. ALSO READ: New Zealand defeat India by 8 wickets to win ICC World Test Championship However, Indian skipper Virat Kohli feels that the Test format cannot be fully utilised through a one-off match, either it is a series or the final of the World Test Championship final. "I am not in absolute agreement of deciding the best Test side in the world over the course of one game. If it is a Test series, it has to be a test of character over three Tests - which team has the ability to come back in the series, or totally blow away the other team. It can't just be pressure applied over two days of good cricket and then you suddenly you are not a good Test side anymore. I don't believe in it," Kohli said after India's eight-wicket loss in Southampton to New Zealand. Indian head coach Ravi Shastri pitched the idea of a three-match series. Several former India players also supported Shastri's idea. On the eve of the match, skipper Kohli said that the team will take it as another Test match and that the outcome won't carry too much significance. "It has to be a hard grind and something that definitely needs to be worked around in the future. "At the end of three matches, where there's effort, there's ups and downs, there's situations changing during the course of the series, a chance to rectify the things you have done in the first game, and then really see who is the better side over the course of a three-match series or something, will be a good measure of how things really are," Kohli added. "So we are not too bothered by this result because we understand as a Test side what we have done over the last 3-4 years, not just over the last 18 months. So this is not a measure of who we are as a team [with] the ability and the potential we have had for so many years now." In the past few Test series, Team India lost the opening Test match only to stage a comeback and win the series. According to Kohli, worthy winners can be decided with two more Tests instead of a one-off match. "Absolutely. If you saw the way the game went, with whatever time we got on the field, why wouldn't you want to see two more Tests of the same teams battling it out and, eventually, being the worthy winners of the World Test Championship? Historically all the great series that you've seen in Test cricket, you remember them over a period of three matches or five matches perhaps, with two teams going against each other and those series become memorable," the India captain pointed out. "Absolutely. If you saw the way the game went, with whatever time we got on the field, why wouldn't you want to see two more Tests of the same teams battling it out and, eventually, being the worthy winners of the World Test Championship? Historically all the great series that you've seen in Test cricket, you remember them over a period of three matches or five matches perhaps, with two teams going against each other and those series become memorable," the India captain pointed out.

WTC Final- 'We are not too bothered by this result', says Virat Kohli

After losing the World Test Championship Final against New Zealand, Skipper Virat Kohli has suggested that there can be changes in the Test side as they go ahead.&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/new-zealand-defeat-india-by-8-wickets-to-win-icc-world-test-championship-393493" hreflang="en">New Zealand defeat India by 8 wickets to win ICC World Test Championship</a>

New Zealand on Wednesday defeated India by eight wickets to win the inaugural ICC World Test Championship (WTC) final, played at the Hampshire Bowl in Southampton. New Zealand's two most experienced batters – Kane Williamson and Ross Taylor – guided the Kiwis to their first ICC trophy since 2000.

"We will continue to reassess and continue to have conversations around what are the things required to strengthen our side and not follow or fall prey to certain patterns," Kohli said at the post-match virtual press conference.

"We will not wait for a year or so and have to plan. If you see our white-ball team now, we have great depth and guys are ready and confident. The same thing needs to be done with Test cricket.

Cheteshwar Pujara's poor show in the WTC Final has put his position in jeopardy. The Indian Test specialist has failed to show intent and his slow-paced innings has put some pressure on the team's batting lineup.

"You have to reassess and replan and understand what dynamics work for the team and how we can be fearless. Bring in the right people who have right mindset to perform," the skipper added.

"I think evolving with the game and improving yourself with the game is very important and when you have been a top side for few years in a row, you don't want to suddenly drop your standards...

"We will certainly take those decisions and have those conversations and in near future," the skipper looked visibly hurt and in a mood to take some tough calls in near future.

"We definitely need to work out better plans on understanding how to score runs. We have to stay in sync with the momentum of the game and not let the game drift away too much. I don't think there are any technical difficulties as such," he asserted.

"It's more down to game awareness and being more brave in putting bowlers under pressure and not allowing them to bowl in similar areas for longer periods of time unless it is absolutely overcast and ball swinging all over the place like it happened on day 1."

"You can't be too worried about getting out as your bringing the bowler into the game completely. If as a batting unit, we put 300 on the board, it's a different kind of pressure on the opposition with the kind of bowlers we have. Kohli urged his batsmen to take calculated risks and strike a balance between well-timed strokeplay and holding an end.

"The endeavour would be to try and score runs and not worry about getting out in testing conditions. That's the way you can put the opposition under pressure otherwise you are standing there hoping that you don't get out, which you eventually will be because you are not being optimistic enough.

After losing the World Test Championship Final against New Zealand, Skipper Virat Kohli has suggested that there can be changes in the Test side as they go ahead.

After losing the World Test Championship Final against New Zealand, Skipper Virat Kohli has suggested that there can be changes in the Test side as they go ahead. ALSO READ: New Zealand defeat India by 8 wickets to win ICC World Test Championship New Zealand on Wednesday defeated India by eight wickets to win the inaugural ICC World Test Championship (WTC) final, played at the Hampshire Bowl in Southampton. New Zealand's two most experienced batters – Kane Williamson and Ross Taylor – guided the Kiwis to their first ICC trophy since 2000. "We will continue to reassess and continue to have conversations around what are the things required to strengthen our side and not follow or fall prey to certain patterns," Kohli said at the post-match virtual press conference. "We will not wait for a year or so and have to plan. If you see our white-ball team now, we have great depth and guys are ready and confident. The same thing needs to be done with Test cricket. Cheteshwar Pujara's poor show in the WTC Final has put his position in jeopardy. The Indian Test specialist has failed to show intent and his slow-paced innings has put some pressure on the team's batting lineup. "You have to reassess and replan and understand what dynamics work for the team and how we can be fearless. Bring in the right people who have right mindset to perform," the skipper added. "I think evolving with the game and improving yourself with the game is very important and when you have been a top side for few years in a row, you don't want to suddenly drop your standards... "We will certainly take those decisions and have those conversations and in near future," the skipper looked visibly hurt and in a mood to take some tough calls in near future. "We definitely need to work out better plans on understanding how to score runs. We have to stay in sync with the momentum of the game and not let the game drift away too much. I don't think there are any technical difficulties as such," he asserted. "It's more down to game awareness and being more brave in putting bowlers under pressure and not allowing them to bowl in similar areas for longer periods of time unless it is absolutely overcast and ball swinging all over the place like it happened on day 1." "You can't be too worried about getting out as your bringing the bowler into the game completely. If as a batting unit, we put 300 on the board, it's a different kind of pressure on the opposition with the kind of bowlers we have. Kohli urged his batsmen to take calculated risks and strike a balance between well-timed strokeplay and holding an end. "The endeavour would be to try and score runs and not worry about getting out in testing conditions. That's the way you can put the opposition under pressure otherwise you are standing there hoping that you don't get out, which you eventually will be because you are not being optimistic enough.

'We will not wait for a year': Virat Kohli hints changes after WTC Final loss

Former Indian skipper Sunil Gavaskar reacted to Rishabh Pant's knock in the second innings of the World Test Championship final against New Zealand at Rose Bowl.&nbsp;

The Indian wicketkeeper was seen trying to force things by going down the track multiple times against New Zealand seamers.&nbsp;

“There is a thin line between carefree and careless. Pant has at times breached the line of carefree and careless,” Gavaskar said during commentary on Wednesday.

“A couple of times he went for a big hit when he was in the 90s and missed an opportunity to score a hundred. The only issue with Pant is always going to be his shot selection; otherwise, he has a got the defence, got all the shots and technique,” he added.

New Zealand on Wednesday defeated India by eight wickets to win the inaugural ICC World Test Championship (WTC) final, played at the Hampshire Bowl in Southampton. New Zealand's two most experienced batters – Kane Williamson and Ross Taylor – guided the Kiwis to their first ICC trophy since 2000.

The Black Caps, who ended up as the runners-up in 2019 World Cup, continued to build on the improvement in the longest format and enjoyed a brilliant World Test Championship cycle, especially at home.

In a match dominated more by the bowlers, the New Zealand pace quarter stood up with Kyle Jamieson shining the brightest with a five-wicket haul in an ICC final. While Jamieson picked up seven wickets, Tim Southee and Trent Boult ended up with five wickets each. Neil Wagner’s wicket column might show just three wickets, they were crucial to strengthen New Zealand’s stronghold in the match.

After rain delays, India’s batting cracked in the second innings with Jamieson running it past the Indian batting unit. Only Pant with a topsy-turvy 41-run knock stood out, while Rohit Sharma saw off the new ball well with 81-ball 30.

New Zealand started their chase cautiously with both left-handed openers failing victims to Ashwin’s intelligence. A couple of dropped catches by Pujara and Bumrah hurt them Williamson, 52 not-out, Taylor, 47 not-out, guided New Zealand to a win for ages. The winners of the inaugural ICC World Test Championship, New Zealand.

Former Indian skipper Sunil Gavaskar reacted to Rishabh Pant's knock in the second innings of the World Test Championship final against New Zealand at Rose Bowl.

Former Indian skipper Sunil Gavaskar reacted to Rishabh Pant's knock in the second innings of the World Test Championship final against New Zealand at Rose Bowl. The Indian wicketkeeper was seen trying to force things by going down the track multiple times against New Zealand seamers. “There is a thin line between carefree and careless. Pant has at times breached the line of carefree and careless,” Gavaskar said during commentary on Wednesday. “A couple of times he went for a big hit when he was in the 90s and missed an opportunity to score a hundred. The only issue with Pant is always going to be his shot selection; otherwise, he has a got the defence, got all the shots and technique,” he added. New Zealand on Wednesday defeated India by eight wickets to win the inaugural ICC World Test Championship (WTC) final, played at the Hampshire Bowl in Southampton. New Zealand's two most experienced batters – Kane Williamson and Ross Taylor – guided the Kiwis to their first ICC trophy since 2000. The Black Caps, who ended up as the runners-up in 2019 World Cup, continued to build on the improvement in the longest format and enjoyed a brilliant World Test Championship cycle, especially at home. In a match dominated more by the bowlers, the New Zealand pace quarter stood up with Kyle Jamieson shining the brightest with a five-wicket haul in an ICC final. While Jamieson picked up seven wickets, Tim Southee and Trent Boult ended up with five wickets each. Neil Wagner’s wicket column might show just three wickets, they were crucial to strengthen New Zealand’s stronghold in the match. After rain delays, India’s batting cracked in the second innings with Jamieson running it past the Indian batting unit. Only Pant with a topsy-turvy 41-run knock stood out, while Rohit Sharma saw off the new ball well with 81-ball 30. New Zealand started their chase cautiously with both left-handed openers failing victims to Ashwin’s intelligence. A couple of dropped catches by Pujara and Bumrah hurt them Williamson, 52 not-out, Taylor, 47 not-out, guided New Zealand to a win for ages. The winners of the inaugural ICC World Test Championship, New Zealand.

WTC Final- 'Thin line between carefree and careless': Gavaskar on Pant's knock

Indian skipper Virat Kohli feels that the Test format cannot be fully utilised through a one-off match, either it is a series or the final of the World Test Championship final and felt that a best of three could really determine a worthy winner in future.&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/new-zealand-defeat-india-by-8-wickets-to-win-icc-world-test-championship-393493" hreflang="en">New Zealand defeat India by 8 wickets to win ICC World Test Championship</a>

"I am not in absolute agreement of deciding the best Test side in the world over the course of one game. If it is a Test series, it has to be a test of character over three Tests - which team has the ability to come back in the series, or totally blow away the other team. It can't just be pressure applied over two days of good cricket and then you suddenly you are not a good Test side anymore. I don't believe in it," Kohli said after India's eight-wicket loss in Southampton to New Zealand.

"It has to be a hard grind and something that definitely needs to be worked around in the future. At the end of three matches, where there's effort, there's ups and downs, there's situations changing during the course of the series, a chance to rectify the things you have done in the first game, and then really see who is the better side over the course of a three-match series or something, will be a good measure of how things really are," Kohli added.

"So we are not too bothered by this result because we understand as a Test side what we have done over the last 3-4 years, not just over the last 18 months. So this is not a measure of who we are as a team [with] the ability and the potential we have had for so many years now."

However, former England skipper Michael Vaughan did not agree with Kohli and disagreed with his 'best of three' formula. Vaughan even gave reasons to back his opinion on Twitter.&nbsp;

"Where in the schedule would it fit in ?? Are the IPL going to reduce the year of the final tournament by 2 weeks so it could fit in ? Doubt it ..: Finals are one off games where teams/individuals know they have to deliver … that's what makes them so great," Vaughan tweeted.

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Where in the schedule would it fit in ?? Are the IPL going to reduce the year of the final tournament by 2 weeks so it could fit in ? Doubt it ..: Finals are one off games where teams/individuals know they have to deliver … that’s what makes them so great 👍 <a href="https://t.co/MhqHkp5lvH">https://t.co/MhqHkp5lvH</a>
— Michael Vaughan (@MichaelVaughan) <a href="https://twitter.com/MichaelVaughan/status/1407955874824458241?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 24, 2021</a></blockquote>
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Vaughan was backed by former Aussie cricketer Brad Hogg. "Agree with @MichaelVaughan. Does not get any tougher than one chance. That is the ultimate test. #ICCWTCFinal," tweeted Hogg.

New Zealand on Wednesday defeated India by eight wickets to win the inaugural ICC World Test Championship (WTC) final, played at the Hampshire Bowl in Southampton. New Zealand's two most experienced batters – Kane Williamson and Ross Taylor – guided the Kiwis to their first ICC trophy since 2000.

Indian skipper Virat Kohli feels that the Test format cannot be fully utilised through a one-off match, either it is a series or the final of the World Test Championship final and felt that a best of three could really determine a worthy winner in future.

Indian skipper Virat Kohli feels that the Test format cannot be fully utilised through a one-off match, either it is a series or the final of the World Test Championship final and felt that a best of three could really determine a worthy winner in future. ALSO READ: New Zealand defeat India by 8 wickets to win ICC World Test Championship "I am not in absolute agreement of deciding the best Test side in the world over the course of one game. If it is a Test series, it has to be a test of character over three Tests - which team has the ability to come back in the series, or totally blow away the other team. It can't just be pressure applied over two days of good cricket and then you suddenly you are not a good Test side anymore. I don't believe in it," Kohli said after India's eight-wicket loss in Southampton to New Zealand. "It has to be a hard grind and something that definitely needs to be worked around in the future. At the end of three matches, where there's effort, there's ups and downs, there's situations changing during the course of the series, a chance to rectify the things you have done in the first game, and then really see who is the better side over the course of a three-match series or something, will be a good measure of how things really are," Kohli added. "So we are not too bothered by this result because we understand as a Test side what we have done over the last 3-4 years, not just over the last 18 months. So this is not a measure of who we are as a team [with] the ability and the potential we have had for so many years now." However, former England skipper Michael Vaughan did not agree with Kohli and disagreed with his 'best of three' formula. Vaughan even gave reasons to back his opinion on Twitter. "Where in the schedule would it fit in ?? Are the IPL going to reduce the year of the final tournament by 2 weeks so it could fit in ? Doubt it ..: Finals are one off games where teams/individuals know they have to deliver … that's what makes them so great," Vaughan tweeted. Where in the schedule would it fit in ?? Are the IPL going to reduce the year of the final tournament by 2 weeks so it could fit in ? Doubt it ..: Finals are one off games where teams/individuals know they have to deliver … that’s what makes them so great 👍 https://t.co/MhqHkp5lvH — Michael Vaughan (@MichaelVaughan) June 24, 2021 × Vaughan was backed by former Aussie cricketer Brad Hogg. "Agree with @MichaelVaughan. Does not get any tougher than one chance. That is the ultimate test. #ICCWTCFinal," tweeted Hogg. New Zealand on Wednesday defeated India by eight wickets to win the inaugural ICC World Test Championship (WTC) final, played at the Hampshire Bowl in Southampton. New Zealand's two most experienced batters – Kane Williamson and Ross Taylor – guided the Kiwis to their first ICC trophy since 2000.

Cricket: 'Finals are one off games': Michael Vaughan disagrees with Virat Kohli's idea

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