India's ace bowler Jasprit Bumrah was selected by Cricket Australia to lead the Men's Test Team in 2024, with Yashasvi Jaiswal also featuring in the team. The XI includes players from six nations, highlighting Jaiswal's record-setting performance, as well as Joe Root and Harry Brook's remarkable contributions.
Australia triumphed over India with a 184-run win in Melbourne, leading the series 2-1. Travis Head's unexpected breakthrough post-tea, dismissing Rishabh Pant, triggered India's collapse. Head's unique celebration, recalling a past performance in Sri Lanka, stole the spotlight, underscoring Australia's dominant performance and India's batting vulnerabilities under pressure.
India's well-known batting lineup faltered again in the Border Gavaskar Trophy, resulting in a 284-run defeat to Australia, giving them a 2-1 series lead. Except for Yashasvi Jaiswal's 84, the other batsmen failed to secure a draw. India needs a win in Sydney to retain the trophy as the defending champions.
Jasprit Bumrah's 4-56 and a milestone 200th Test wicket gave India hope on Day 4 of the Boxing Day Test, but Australia's lower-order resistance, led by Marnus Labuschagne and Pat Cummins, held firm. Despite the missed catches by Yashasvi Jaiswal, Australia reached 228/9 at stumps, leading by 333 runs, setting up a thrilling final day.
Virat Kohli's relationship with the Australian crowd has fluctuated between hostility and admiration. His aggressive on-field demeanour often incites reactions from fans, leading to confrontations. Over time, his remarkable performances and sportsmanship have earned him respect, though he still faces occasional booing and sledging.
Young Nitish Kumar Reddy scored his first Test century in the fourth Border-Gavaskar Trophy match against Australia at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. At 21, he became the third youngest Indian to achieve this milestone in Australia. He ended the day unbeaten on 105, contributing to India's total of 358 for 9 in response to Australia's 474.
Nitish Kumar Reddy scored his first Test century at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, bringing India back into the fourth Test against Australia with 105 not out. Reddy’s innings included ten fours and one six, contributing to a crucial 127-run partnership with Washington Sundar, leaving India at 358/9.
Nitish Kumar Reddy scored his maiden Test hundred against Australia at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, becoming the third youngest Indian to do so in Australia. His remarkable 127-run partnership with Washington Sundar helped India reach 358/9 on Day 3, overcoming a follow-on threat despite trailing by 120 runs.
Rohit Sharma's form with the bat has been under scrutiny after a poorly executed pull shot led to his early dismissal for 3 in the Boxing Day Test against Australia. Critics, including Ricky Ponting, Darren Lehmann, and Michael Vaughan, have emphasized the need for better decision-making and commitment against a strong Australian bowling attack.
Former Indian coach, Lalchand Rajput, praised the International League T20 for transforming UAE cricket by boosting the national team's performance with international player participation. Under Rajput's leadership, the UAE achieved significant milestones, including qualifying for the 2025 Asia Cup. He highlighted key players like Muhammad Waseem and Dhruv Parashar for their promising performances.
Sam Konstas, a 19-year-old opening batter, is set to debut for Australia in the Boxing Day Test against India, replacing Nathan McSweeney. Former captain Ricky Ponting acknowledges Konstas's talent and attitude, noting his significant challenge against India's top bowlers, including Jasprit Bumrah. Ponting believes Konstas is ready to handle the pressure and maintain his attacking style.
Shiv Sena has pledged support for former cricketer Vinod Kambli, who is receiving treatment in Thane. Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde's OSD, Mangesh Chivate, assured Kambli of a Rs 5 lakh aid from the Shrikant Shinde Foundation. MP Shrikant and Deputy CM Shinde will visit Kambli soon to offer further assistance.
The ILT20 has quickly become a key cricket event despite overlapping with other major T20 leagues. The 2025 edition will feature star-studded squads from six teams, each aiming for glory with new signings and strong retentions, including international legends and promising talents.
Manu Bhaker's name went missing from the Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna award recommendation list, despite her historic achievements in the 2024 Olympics. The Sports Ministry is considering using executive powers to nominate her, a rare move previously applied to cricketer Mohammed Shami for the Arjuna Award, highlighting extraordinary performance deviations.
Rohit Sharma assures that Pant, Gill, and Jaiswal will not be overburdened with ideas despite their inconsistent performances in the Test series against Australia. He believes the players should be allowed to play freely and focus on their strengths. Sharma stands behind his young teammates, stressing the importance of game awareness while not complicating their thought process.
India are considering playing the fourth Test against Australia with two spinners due to the Melbourne pitch potentially slowing down after the first two days. Rohit Sharma hinted at including a second spinner, potentially Washington Sundar, to join Ravindra Jadeja.
Cheteshwar Pujara voiced concerns over India's bowling attack ahead of the Boxing Day Test, questioning its ability to take 20 wickets. He highlighted the struggles of bowlers besides Bumrah and Siraj, and the lack of a strong supporting bowling unit. Pujara also praised Mitchell Starc's improved performance, emphasizing the need for Indian batsmen to navigate his potent opening spells effectively.
PV Sindhu wed Venkata Datta Sai in a grand Udaipur ceremony. Union Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat shared a captivating photo of the couple, offering his blessings. Pre-wedding festivities included sangeet, haldi, and mehendi ceremonies. The families, longtime acquaintances, planned the wedding swiftly to accommodate Sindhu's training schedule.
Abdullah Shafique etched an unwanted record, becoming the first batsman with ducks in all matches of a three-ODI series. His three ducks against South Africa pushed his 2024 total to seven in 21 innings, surpassing previous Pakistani records. Pakistan registered a 3-0 series victory against South Africa, securing the third ODI by 36 runs via the DLS method.
Ravindra Jadeja's decision to answer media questions in Hindi during a BCCI press conference in Melbourne sparked controversy with Australian media. Time constraints led to Jadeja's departure before some Australian journalists could pose questions, causing frustration. This incident follows another involving Virat Kohli, who expressed disapproval of his family being filmed at the airport.
India, having won the last two Test series in Australia, aims for a historic third consecutive victory. With the current series tied at 1-1, Ravindra Jadeja expresses confidence in India's ability to secure the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. The upcoming Melbourne Test holds crucial significance for the team's aspirations. India began the series with an emphatic 295-run win in Perth but faced a 10-wicket defeat in Adelaide. The rain-marred third Test in Brisbane ended in a draw.
Indian cricket captain Rohit Sharma celebrated his wife Ritika Sajdeh's birthday with a heartfelt message on Instagram. He's currently leading India in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy but has struggled with the bat, admitting his disappointment with his recent scores. Despite the lack of runs, Rohit remains confident in his preparation and mindset.
Harbhajan Singh shared how his feud with Andrew Symonds transformed into a deep friendship after the infamous "Monkeygate" scandal. Symonds' visit to Harbhajan's home with a bottle of rum initiated their reconciliation. They later won the IPL championship together. Harbhajan expressed grief over Symonds' untimely death, highlighting their strong bond.
Indian cricket captain Rohit Sharma's forgetful moments have become endearing to fans. A recent anecdote shared by Pakistan's Imam-ul-Haq recounts how Rohit left his phone on a plane during the 2023 World Cup, and Babar Azam returned it. This incident highlights Rohit's laid-back personality, adding to his charm and relatability.
Former Australian coach Darren Lehmann criticized chief selector George Bailey for being too close to the Test team to make tough decisions, particularly regarding the struggling top order. Captain Pat Cummins defended Bailey, praising his boldness and objectivity, emphasizing the broader considerations beyond online scrutiny in selection.
Virat Kohli reportedly clashed with media at Melbourne Airport upon arrival for the Boxing Day Test, seemingly upset by cameras focused on his family. Kohli's recent form has been inconsistent despite a century in Perth, with other innings yielding minimal runs. The Border-Gavaskar series is tied 1-1 after a drawn third Test.
Jasprit Bumrah's exceptional performance with 21 wickets at an average of 10.90 in the Border Gavaskar Trophy has highlighted India's dependence on him. Mohammed Shami's absence is felt, while Siraj provides support with 13 wickets. Brett Lee praises Bumrah's world-class bowling, noting his significant contribution to the Indian pace attack.
Veteran Indian all-rounder R Ashwin unexpectedly announced his retirement from international cricket after the drawn Gabba Test against Australia. The emotional 38-year-old said he was stepping away immediately. Ashwin, boasting 537 wickets in 106 Tests, enjoyed a prolific career, particularly against Australia, against whom he claimed 115 scalps.
India and Australia's third Test ended in a draw due to rain after an emotional moment between Virat Kohli and R Ashwin. Chasing 275, India were 8/0 before the match was called off. Australia declared their second innings at 89/7 after a rapid-fire batting display. The series is tied 1-1, with the fourth Test scheduled for December 26th in Melbourne.
Rohit Sharma's batting struggles continued in the Brisbane Test, dismissed for just 10 runs. His move to the middle order, accommodating KL Rahul's return as opener, has added to his difficulties, according to teammate Cheteshwar Pujara. Rohit's recent scores reflect his struggles, aggregating low totals in previous series against New Zealand and Bangladesh.
Pat Cummins became Australia's Test captain in 2021. He led Australia to Ashes victory and a Test series win in Pakistan. Cummins captained Australia to the 2023 WTC Final win. He surpassed Sir Garfield Sobers' wicket tally as captain. Cummins leads with 118 wickets as captain. He is only behind Imran Khan and Richie Benaud.
18-year-old Indian chess prodigy Gukesh D has become the youngest world chess champion, but his victory comes with a Rs 4.67 crore tax bill, exceeding MS Dhoni's IPL salary. His Rs 11.34 crore prize money from the World Chess Championship triggers a hefty tax liability due to India's tax laws.
Tabla maestro Ustad Zakir Hussain, renowned for his virtuosic skills and global impact, passed away at 73 due to complications from a lung disease. The legendary musician, a four-time Grammy winner, collaborated with artists like George Harrison and Yo-Yo Ma, transcending genres and inspiring generations. Cricket icon Sachin Tendulkar mourned his loss, highlighting Hussain's humble persona and boundless music.
Steve Smith ended his 18-month century drought with a brilliant 100 against India on Day 2 of the third Test at the Gabba. This is his 33rd Test century, surpassing Steve Waugh to become Australia's second-highest century-maker, behind only Ricky Ponting (41). Smith reached the milestone after tea, having looked increasingly confident after passing fifty.
During the second day of the Brisbane Test, Matthew Hayden criticised Marnus Labuschagne's reaction to Mohammed Siraj's on-field antics. Siraj playfully switched the bails at Labuschagne's end, to which Labuschagne responded by reversing them. Hayden felt Labuschagne should have ignored Siraj, as he was dismissed shortly after for a low score, having faced 55 deliveries.
England's pace attack dominated day one of the third Test against New Zealand in Hamilton, leaving the hosts at 315 for nine at stumps. Despite a century opening stand, New Zealand's middle order crumbled, with Matthew Potts claiming three wickets and Gus Atkinson impressing with 3-55. Despite Williamson's presence, his dismissal to Potts - the fourth in five Tests - initiated a collapse. Daryl Mitchell (14), Phillips, and Blundell (21) followed with poor shot selections, leaving New Zealand struggling at 231 for seven.
Former chief selector Sunil Joshi backs Rishabh Pant's fearless approach ahead of the Gabba Test. Joshi believes Pant's aggressive style, reminiscent of Virender Sehwag, can shift pressure onto the bowlers and lead to an Indian victory, similar to his match-winning 89* in 2021. Despite recent lower scores, Joshi is confident Pant will deliver a game-changing innings at the Gabba again.
Ricky Ponting praises Travis Head's exceptional performance, particularly his recent 140 against India, highlighting his potential to become a batting great. Ponting compares Head's aggressive style to Adam Gilchrist, emphasizing his fearless approach and ability to deliver under pressure in crucial matches like the World Test Championship and World Cup finals.
Following a 10-wicket defeat in Adelaide, Australia levelled the series 1-1 in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. Sunil Gavaskar believes the momentum has shifted to Australia ahead of the Gabba Test. Harbhajan Singh emphasizes the series' unpredictable nature, highlighting India's need to secure victories in at least two of the remaining matches, ideally starting with Gabba.
Jasprit Bumrah dispelled fitness concerns with a full training session at the Gabba ahead of the third Test against Australia. He bowled at full tilt, including a spell with the new ball to Rohit Sharma, hinting at Sharma's return to the opening slot. Bumrah had an injury scare when he broke down briefly during the second Test in Adelaide
Former India cricketers Cheteshwar Pujara and Harbhajan Singh believe Rohit Sharma's return to form is crucial for his captaincy during the ongoing series against Australia. Pujara emphasised the importance of a solid start for Rohit, suggesting he focus on the initial 20-30 runs. Harbhajan concurred, stating a captain's performance significantly influences their decision-making.
US cricketer Saurabh Netravalkar, despite a stellar T20 World Cup performance including a Super Over win against Pakistan and key wickets against India, went unsold in the IPL auction. The 33-year-old expressed gratitude for the opportunity and vowed to return stronger. He also praised India's World Cup victory, acknowledging their well-rounded team and fighting spirit.
Former Australian captain Mark Taylor criticizes Mohammed Siraj's premature wicket celebrations, urging senior Indian players to address his behavior. Taylor emphasises respecting umpires' decisions, highlighting Siraj's send-off to Travis Head during the Adelaide Test, which resulted in penalties for both players. Simon Katich attributes Siraj's actions to a momentary lapse in judgment.
Former assistant coach of a team in Abu Dhabi T10 cricket league, Sunny Dhillon, has received a six-year ban from all forms of cricket. The ICC imposed the ban after finding Dhillon guilty of attempting to influence match outcomes during the 2021 edition of the tournament. He was found in breach of the Emirates Cricket Board's Anti-Corruption Code.
Following India's significant loss to Australia in the second Border-Gavaskar Trophy Test, cricket icon Sunil Gavaskar lauded Virat Kohli's dedication. Despite a recent slump in form, Kohli was spotted practicing in the nets right after the match. Gavaskar praised Kohli's commitment and urged his teammates to emulate his work ethic.
Mohammed Shami, the Indian fast bowler, unleashed a blistering unbeaten 32 off just 17 balls, smashing three fours and two sixes in a Syed Mushtaq Ali pre-quarter-final against Chandigarh. His late-innings blitz propelled Bengal from a struggling 114/8 to a respectable 159/9. Shami's aggressive knock came at a strike rate of 188.24, making him the second-highest scorer for Bengal.
Michael Vaughan mocked India's bowling performance after their defeat against Australia in the second Test. Travis Head's blistering century propelled Australia to a dominant position, leading to a 10-wicket victory and leveling the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 1-1. The match concluded in under three days, making it the shortest Test between the two nations (by number of balls bowled) in Australia.
India's cricket captain, Rohit Sharma, expressed confidence in the team's ability to rebound from their significant loss against Australia in the second Test. He acknowledged the team's subpar batting performance but downplayed the defeat's impact, emphasising the series remains level at 1-1. Sharma highlighted the need to improve batting and bowling strategies before the next match in Brisbane.