Saturday, November 23
Former India captain Kapil Dev has expressed confidence in Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli's ability to overcome their recent batting slump and deliver strong performances in the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy against Australia. Despite a challenging series against New Zealand, Kapil urged the veteran duo to focus, enjoy the game, and draw upon their vast experience to regain their form.
Ricky Ponting has advice for Babar Azam on how to regain his batting prowess. Ponting suggests Babar take inspiration from Virat Kohli's successful break from cricket, which allowed Kohli to return refreshed and in top form.
India A's batting lineup crumbled against Australia A's pace attack on the first day of the second unofficial Test in Melbourne. Michael Neser and Scott Boland ripped through India's top order, leaving them reeling at 11/4 inside three overs. KL Rahul, being tested as a potential opener for the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy, managed just 4 runs before edging Boland behind.
Indian batsman Shreyas Iyer smashed a remarkable double-century (233 off 228 balls) for Mumbai against Odisha in their Ranji Trophy encounter. His innings, witnessed by his proud father Santosh Iyer, included 24 fours and nine sixes. Iyer's innings propelled Mumbai to a commanding total of 602/4 declared, leaving Odisha trailing by a massive 456 runs at stumps on Day 2.
Former Australian captain Ian Chappell has warned that Indian batsmen could struggle in the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy if they play overly aggressive shots. Chappell believes the extra bounce in Australian conditions could expose weaknesses in the Indian batting lineup, particularly for aging stars Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli who have been out of form.
Afghanistan secured a commanding 92-run victory over Bangladesh in the first ODI, fueled by teenage spinner AM Ghazanfar's remarkable 6-26. Ghazanfar's career-best figures dismantled Bangladesh's chase of 236, despite a promising start. Mohammad Nabi and Hashmatullah Shahidi provided a crucial 104-run partnership for Afghanistan after an early wobble.
Former Indian cricketer Robin Uthappa criticized Chennai Super Kings (CSK) for allowing New Zealand player Rachin Ravindra to train at their academy before a series against India. Uthappa argued that while CSK are known for supporting its players, national interests should take precedence, especially when it involves a foreign player using the facilities to prepare for a series against India.
Paris Saint-Germain fans displayed a "Free Palestine" banner during their Champions League match against Atletico Madrid, sparking criticism from French officials. The incident occurred just days before France's Nations League game against Israel, raising security concerns due to potential protests. Israel's military offensive in the Gaza Strip has killed over 43,000 Palestinians.
Allah Ghazanfar's career-best 6 for 26 propelled Afghanistan to a resounding 92-run victory over Bangladesh in the first ODI. The 18-year-old off-spinner decimated Bangladesh's middle and lower order, claiming five wickets in his final 2.3 overs. Ghazanfar's exceptional spell secured Afghanistan's dominant win and marked his arrival as a rising star in international cricket.
Dhruv Jurel's impressive 80-run knock against Australia 'A' has put him in contention for a place in the playing eleven for the opening Test of the Border Gavaskar Trophy. Jurel's fighting knock might see him replace Sarfaraz Khan in the middle order, but there is a rank outside chance of him opening with Yashasvi Jaiswal.
