Friday, November 22
Indian cricket team head coach Gautam Gambhir addressed the media regarding Rohit Sharma's availability for the first Test against Australia. Sharma's participation is uncertain, and his absence due to a recent dip in form would significantly impact India's chances. India needs a strong start in the series to secure a spot in the World Test Championship final.
Indian cricket team head coach Gautam Gambhir confirmed Jasprit Bumrah as stand-in captain for the first Border-Gavaskar Trophy Test against Australia if Rohit Sharma misses the opener. While Rohit's participation is uncertain, the team is prepared with Abhimanyu Easwaran and KL Rahul as potential replacements for the opening slot.
Ahead of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Australia, Indian cricket coach Gautam Gambhir dismissed Ricky Ponting's criticism of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma's recent form. Gambhir emphasized the importance of the team's hunger for success over external commentary. Both Kohli and Sharma have struggled to score runs in recent Test matches, raising concerns about their performance in the upcoming series.
India nearly defended a low score of 124 in the second T20I against South Africa, but Tristan Stubbs' quick 47 secured a three-wicket win for South Africa, leveling the series. However, former Pakistan batsman Basit Ali criticized Hardik Pandya's slow innings, suggesting he played selfishly and hampered India's total while the visitors batted first.
Arsenal and Chelsea played to a 1-1 draw, leaving them trailing Liverpool by nine points in the Premier League. Meanwhile, Ipswich secured their first victory in 22 years by defeating Tottenham 2-1. Manchester United triumphed 3-0 over Leicester, while Nottingham Forest suffered a 3-1 defeat against Newcastle.
New Zealand's Lockie Ferguson delivered a game-changing performance in the T20I match against Sri Lanka in Dambulla. His explosive spell, including a remarkable hat-trick, helped the Kiwis defend a modest total of 108. With three wickets in three balls, Ferguson became the sixth Kiwi bowler to claim a hat-trick in T20Is.
India's Varun Chakravarthy's five-wicket haul went in vain as South Africa chased down a 125-run target in the second T20I to level the three-match series 1-1. Tristan Stubbs's match-winning knock of 47 runs helped the Proteas end India's 11-match winning streak.
Former Indian cricketer Aakash Chopra believes the 2024 Champions Trophy, scheduled in Pakistan, is unlikely to proceed without India's participation. Citing financial implications, Chopra suggested that the tournament's viability hinges on India's involvement, highlighting the significant financial challenges faced by the ICC if India withdraws.
India's cricket team, led by coach Gautam Gambhir, is determined to secure a series victory against Australia in their upcoming five-match Test tour. Despite facing challenges such as Rohit Sharma's potential absence and Virat Kohli's recent form slump, the team remains focused on their goal of winning the series, rather than solely aiming for World Test Championship qualification.
