The Baahubali-Style Celebration

Nitish Kumar Reddy’s maiden Test century became even more special with his iconic celebration. Drawing inspiration from Baahubali, he planted his bat upright on the ground, placed his helmet atop it, and saluted the helmet adorned with the Indian tricolor. This tribute to his country left fans emotional and quickly went viral on social media.

Emotional Reaction

Speaking to the media after his remarkable performance, Nitish said, “This century is for my father. I saw his tears, and my dream has always been to make him proud. Representing my country and scoring this century are the greatest moments of my life.” Nitish broke down while sharing his heartfelt emotions, showing the depth of his passion for cricket and his nation.

Mohammed Siraj’s Role

Nitish didn’t forget to acknowledge the pivotal role played by Hyderabad pacer Mohammed Siraj during his journey to the century. With India’s tail-enders dismissed at the scores of 99, it was Siraj who ensured Nitish got the strike. “Siraj bhai’s confidence kept me calm. I owe this milestone to his trust and support,” Nitish said.

A Dramatic Journey

The path to Nitish’s century was full of tension and drama. With wickets falling in quick succession, Team India seemed on the verge of a collapse. But Nitish, showing incredible grit, brought stability to the innings. Facing mounting pressure, he reached his century with a brilliant boundary, creating an unforgettable moment in Indian cricket.

A Star in the Making

Nitish Kumar Reddy’s innings is more than just a personal achievement—it’s a testament to his resilience and potential as a future star for Team India. His century not only saved the team from a follow-on but also gave fans a reason to celebrate a new hero in Indian cricket.

The post “Nitish Kumar Reddy’s Baahubali Celebration: A Tribute to India After Historic Century” appeared first on Vizag One.

The Baahubali-Style Celebration

Nitish Kumar Reddy’s maiden Test century became even more special with his iconic celebration. Drawing inspiration from Baahubali, he planted his bat upright on the ground, placed his helmet atop it, and saluted the helmet adorned with the Indian tricolor. This tribute to his country left fans emotional and quickly went viral on social media.

Emotional Reaction

Speaking to the media after his remarkable performance, Nitish said, “This century is for my father. I saw his tears, and my dream has always been to make him proud. Representing my country and scoring this century are the greatest moments of my life.” Nitish broke down while sharing his heartfelt emotions, showing the depth of his passion for cricket and his nation.

Mohammed Siraj’s Role

Nitish didn’t forget to acknowledge the pivotal role played by Hyderabad pacer Mohammed Siraj during his journey to the century. With India’s tail-enders dismissed at the scores of 99, it was Siraj who ensured Nitish got the strike. “Siraj bhai’s confidence kept me calm. I owe this milestone to his trust and support,” Nitish said.

A Dramatic Journey

The path to Nitish’s century was full of tension and drama. With wickets falling in quick succession, Team India seemed on the verge of a collapse. But Nitish, showing incredible grit, brought stability to the innings. Facing mounting pressure, he reached his century with a brilliant boundary, creating an unforgettable moment in Indian cricket.

A Star in the Making

Nitish Kumar Reddy’s innings is more than just a personal achievement—it’s a testament to his resilience and potential as a future star for Team India. His century not only saved the team from a follow-on but also gave fans a reason to celebrate a new hero in Indian cricket.

The post “Nitish Kumar Reddy’s Baahubali Celebration: A Tribute to India After Historic Century” appeared first on Vizag One.

Rahul’s Consistent Performance in Australia

KL Rahul has been a standout performer on this tour of Australia, emerging as one of the most dependable batsmen for Team India. Despite initial skepticism about his place in the playing XI, Rahul has silenced critics with his consistent contributions in the series.

While he has delivered crucial half-centuries in the first three matches of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, fans are now eager for him to convert those into a big innings in Melbourne.

The Hat-Trick Chance

Rahul’s Boxing Day Test legacy began with a stunning century in the Centurion Test in 2021, where he scored a commanding 123 runs. He followed it up with another brilliant century in the 2023 Boxing Day Test at the same venue, scoring 101 runs. Both performances made him the highest scorer for Team India in those matches.

If Rahul manages to replicate his form in Melbourne, he will etch his name in history as one of the few players to achieve a hat-trick of centuries in Boxing Day Tests.

A Return to Melbourne

Adding to the intrigue, Melbourne holds a special place in KL Rahul’s career. It was here in December 2014, during a Boxing Day Test against Australia, that he made his Test debut. Although his debut innings were forgettable—scoring only 3 and 1 runs—Rahul’s journey since then has been nothing short of remarkable.

A Nation Awaits

With his eyes set on the Melbourne pitch and a milestone within reach, Rahul has the backing of fans and teammates alike. His performance in the upcoming Test could not only cement his legacy but also strengthen India’s chances in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy.

As cricket enthusiasts gear up for another thrilling encounter, all eyes will be on KL Rahul to deliver a Boxing Day spectacle.

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Privacy Concerns at the Airport

While at the airport with his family, Kohli became visibly upset when media cameras focused on his children without prior permission. Known for keeping his personal life out of the public eye, Kohli confronted the media, stating:

“I need privacy when I am with my children. You should not film without permission.”

The misunderstanding arose as Kohli and his family were interacting with Australian pacer Scott Boland in a casual conversation. Some journalists misread the situation, leading to an unexpected reaction. A heated exchange with a Channel 7 reporter ensued but was quickly resolved when the crew assured Kohli they weren’t filming his children. The star batsman later shook hands with the cameraman, diffusing the situation amicably.

On the Cricket Front

Kohli’s form in the ongoing series has been a mixed bag. Despite a brilliant century in the second innings of the Perth Test, he managed only 26 runs in the other four innings.

The Border-Gavaskar Trophy currently stands at a thrilling 1-1 tie:

• India clinched victory in Perth, showcasing resilience and skill.
• Australia bounced back in Adelaide with a commanding win.
• The Brisbane Test ended in a draw due to persistent rain.

The series now heads to the much-anticipated Boxing Day Test, starting on December 26 at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, with both teams eager to claim the upper hand.

Looking Ahead

Kohli’s stance at the airport reinforces his belief in balancing professional commitments with personal boundaries. As the series progresses, fans are hopeful that the Indian skipper will rediscover his dominant form and lead the team to glory.

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Kohli’s Love Affair with Adelaide

Adelaide Oval holds a special place in Virat Kohli’s illustrious career. Over the years, he has consistently delivered exceptional performances on this ground. In 11 international matches, Kohli has scored 957 runs at an impressive average of 73.61. His record includes five centuries, showcasing his dominance on this pitch.

In the Test format, Kohli has played four matches at the Adelaide Oval, amassing 509 runs at an average of 63.62, including three centuries and a half-century. His ability to thrive under challenging conditions has made this venue one of his favorites.

Kohli’s Closest Rival

While Kohli stands on the cusp of history, another cricket legend, Brian Lara, holds 940 runs at the Adelaide Oval. However, Kohli is set to surpass Lara’s record to become the undisputed foreign run-machine on this ground.

Day-Night Test and the Pink Ball

The second match of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, scheduled at the Adelaide Oval, will be a day-night Test, featuring the pink ball instead of the traditional red ball. The match is part of the five-Test series between India and Australia, promising high-stakes cricket.

Kohli’s previous performances in pink-ball Tests have also been noteworthy, and fans are eager to witness if he can once again dominate under the lights.

Recent Form and Momentum

Kohli’s recent unbeaten century in the second innings of the Perth Test, where he scored 100 runs off 143 balls with eight boundaries and two sixes, reflects his return to sublime form. This knock came 16 months after his previous international century against the West Indies in Port of Spain, signaling a resurgence in his batting prowess.

As Kohli takes to the field on December 6, fans and cricket enthusiasts worldwide will eagerly await this historic milestone. If Kohli crosses 43 runs, it will cement his legacy as one of the greatest foreign players to grace Australian soil.

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India’s Focus on Balanced Attack

Captain Jasprit Bumrah expressed confidence in his team’s preparations, emphasizing the importance of adapting to the pitch conditions. “Our preparation is good, and we believe batting first will give us an advantage on this surface,” he stated. India has opted for a pace-heavy attack with four fast bowlers—including debutant Nitish Reddy—and Washington Sundar as the lone spinner in the playing XI.

Before the toss, the experienced Virat Kohli handed debut caps to Nitish Reddy and Harshit Rana, marking an exciting start to their Test careers.

Australia’s Debutant Nathan McSweeney Joins the Action

Australia also introduced a fresh face, Nathan McSweeney, into their playing XI. With a solid batting lineup featuring stalwarts like Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Steven Smith, and Travis Head, the Australian side looks ready to challenge India on home turf.

Importance of the Series

This five-match series is crucial for both teams, especially India, as they aim to secure a spot in the World Test Championship (WTC) final. Both sides are fielding strong squads, setting the stage for an intense contest.

Playing XIs

Australia:

• Usman Khawaja
• Nathan McSweeney
• Marnus Labuschagne
• Steven Smith
• Travis Head
• Mitchell Marsh
• Alex Carey (keeper)
• Pat Cummins (captain)
• Mitchell Starc
• Nathan Lyon
• Josh Hazlewood

India:

• KL Rahul
• Yashaswi Jaiswal
• Devdutt Padikkal
• Virat Kohli
• Rishabh Pant (keeper)
• Dhruv Jurel
• Nitish Reddy
• Washington Sundar
• Harshit Rana
• Jasprit Bumrah (captain)
• Mohammed Siraj

What to Expect

The first day promises to be action-packed, with India’s young talents like Yashaswi Jaiswal, Devdutt Padikkal, and debutants Reddy and Rana under the spotlight. Australia’s bowling attack, led by Pat Cummins and Mitchell Starc, will look to make early inroads.

Stay tuned for live updates and highlights from Day 1 of this gripping contest in Perth!

The post India vs Australia 1st Test, BGT 2024/25 Day 1: India Opts to Bat After Winning Toss appeared first on Vizag One.

A Rare Whitewash on Indian Soil

For the first time in 12 years, the Indian team faced a Test series defeat at home, and it was their first whitewash in a series of three or more matches. The absence of key players, including captain Rohit Sharma and opener Shubman Gill, played a significant role in the series outcome.

Despite this setback, Labuschagne urged caution in underestimating the Indian team. “They’re immensely talented, and underestimating them would be a mistake,” he stated.

Historic 2020-21 Tour of Australia

Labuschagne also recalled the 2020-21 series where the injury-ravaged Indian team achieved a historic 2-1 victory over Australia, famously breaching the Gabba fortress. He acknowledged the resilience and determination of the Indian squad during that series, showcasing their ability to bounce back under pressure.

The WTC Final at Stake

The stakes are high for the ongoing series, as the Indian team needs a 4-0 clean sweep to secure their spot in the World Test Championship (WTC) final without depending on the results of other matches. Australia, on the other hand, will look to capitalize on their home advantage to make a strong statement.

India’s Preparations Under the Spotlight

The Indian team, led by a determined captain Rohit Sharma, is keen to shake off the memory of the New Zealand series and return to its dominant form in Tests. With senior players returning and young talents stepping up, the series promises intense battles and gripping cricket.

As the cricketing world watches, the Border-Gavaskar Trophy stands as a decisive contest, not just for bragging rights but for a coveted spot in the WTC final.

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Dates and Locations

The series will begin on November 22 and will be held across five cities:

• Perth (Optus Stadium)
• Adelaide
• Brisbane
• Melbourne
• Sydney

These cities have witnessed some of the most intense cricketing moments in the past, and they are expected to deliver yet another exciting chapter in the India vs Australia saga.

First Test Match Details

• Dates: November 22-26
• Location: Optus Stadium, Perth
• Start Time: 7:50 AM IST (on November 22)

Fans can catch the live action of the first Test match between India and Australia on Star Sports Network or stream it on the Disney+ Hotstar platform.

India’s Path to the WTC Final

For India, this series is crucial not only for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy but also for securing their place in the 2025 World Test Championship final. To qualify, India must win 4-0, a daunting but not impossible task, especially after their dominant performances in the last two tours. However, the pressure is immense, and every match counts.

Historical Performance

Out of the 16 Test series played between the two teams, India has won 10 series, while Australia has won 5. Only one series has ended in a draw. The history of this rivalry shows India’s growing dominance in recent years, and they will be eager to extend their streak of victories on Australian soil.

India Squad for the First Test

• Captain: Rohit Sharma
• Vice-Captain: Jasprit Bumrah
• Batsmen: Yasavi Jaiswal, Abhimanyu Easwaran, Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, KL Rahul
• Wicketkeepers: Rishabh Pant, Dhruva Jurel
• All-rounders: Ravichandran Ashwin, Ravindra Jadeja, Washington Sundar
• Bowlers: Mohammed Siraj, Akashdeep, Pardish Krishna, Harshit Rana, Nitish Kumar Reddy
• Reserves: Mukesh Kumar, Navdeep Saini, Khalil Ahmed

Australia Squad for the First Test

• Captain: Pat Cummins
• Batsmen: Usman Khawaja, Travis Head, Steve Smith, Marnus Labuschagne, Nathan McSweeney
• Wicketkeepers: Alex Carey, Josh Inglis
• All-rounders: Mitchell Marsh
• Bowlers: Josh Hazlewood, Scott Boland, Mitchell Starc, Nathan Lyon

The Stakes for Both Teams

The upcoming series is not just a battle for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, but also an intense contest for World Test Championship points. Both India and Australia will need to field their best teams, and the competition is expected to be fierce.

The series promises plenty of fireworks, with experienced players such as Virat Kohli, Steve Smith, Pat Cummins, and Rohit Sharma leading their respective sides. This is one cricketing contest you don’t want to miss!

The post India vs Australia Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024: Key Details, Teams, and What to Expect appeared first on Vizag One.

“There are incredible people in the dressing room who have done a great job,” Gambhir stated, emphasizing that both Rohit and Virat are not only talented but also eager to make a strong comeback in Australia. Dismissing theories that he is under pressure, Gambhir showed support for his team’s hunger to perform well in the upcoming five-Test series.

However, Gambhir’s restrained responses didn’t sit well with everyone. Former cricketer Sanjay Manjrekar took to social media to express his disappointment, urging the BCCI to reconsider sending Gambhir to future press conferences. Manjrekar’s bold statement added fuel to the ongoing debate about Gambhir’s coaching style and his effectiveness as a communicator.

As the team gears up for a challenging series in Australia, Gambhir’s evolved approach could signal a new direction for Indian cricket. Will his calm demeanor translate into on-field success, or does his style still need the intensity he once embodied?

The post Gautam Gambhir’s Composed Approach as Team India’s Coach Sparks Debate Before Australia Tour appeared first on Vizag One.

Captain Rohit Sharma spoke candidly about the team’s recent struggles and the challenges ahead. Reflecting on the series loss to New Zealand, Sharma admitted that the batting performance was concerning, with even star players like himself and Virat Kohli failing to score significant runs. “The concern is increasing due to the seniors not making runs,” Rohit stated in a press conference. “We have an opportunity to do something special in Australia, and this tour will be challenging. We’ll work closely with the younger players and discuss strategies to adapt to the conditions in Australia.”

Despite the recent setbacks, Rohit expressed optimism about India’s upcoming tour. He noted the importance of creating an environment that supports the team, particularly the younger players, to help them stay focused and resilient. “We know there’s a different style of play in Australia, so we’re aiming to make it comfortable for everyone, especially the seniors, so they don’t feel pressured,” he explained. “We’ve won there before, and we’ll draw on that experience to keep our approach simple but effective.”

India’s recent loss to New Zealand has made their path to the WTC final tougher, as they now face the challenge of defeating Australia in their home conditions. This series will be a test of resilience, especially with Australia’s bowling prowess and competitive spirit on their home turf. Rohit Sharma’s leadership, along with the contributions from young talents, will be critical to India’s success.

As the Border-Gavaskar Trophy approaches, fans are eagerly waiting to see how Team India will respond to the pressure and regain momentum. With a place in the WTC final on the line, the five-match series against Australia promises to be a thrilling battle that could shape the future of Indian cricket in this championship cycle.

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