Sunil Gavaskar, who has worn many hats over the years—as a cricketer, BCCI president, and commentator—added another title to his name: dancer. At this special event marking the 50th anniversary of Wankhede Stadium, Gavaskar wowed the crowd with his energetic dance moves, showing that age is just a number. His performance, set to a song by the famous music directors Vishal and Shekhar, captured everyone’s attention.

In the video shared by the Mumbai Cricket Association, Gavaskar can be seen dancing to a track from the hit song Om Shanti Om as singer Shekhar croons in the background. The iconic moment saw Gavaskar take a few steps on the stage, delighting everyone in attendance. This video has since gone viral, with fans and celebrities alike praising his moves.

Alongside Gavaskar, other cricketing legends, including Team India captain Rohit Sharma, Master Blaster Sachin Tendulkar, and Ajinkya Rahane, were also present at the event. The crowd cheered and clapped as Gavaskar continued his performance, making the moment even more special.

The star-studded event featured cricketing legends representing Mumbai, including Sachin Tendulkar, Sunil Gavaskar, Rohit Sharma, Shreyas Iyer, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Ajinkya Rahane, Shivam Dube, and Shardul Thakur, among others.

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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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Rohit Sharma’s Arrival in Australia

Rohit Sharma, who had been on a break for the birth of his son, is expected to join the team shortly. His wife, Ritika Sajde, gave birth to a baby boy on the night of November 15, and Rohit is expected to head to Australia soon after. While it is still uncertain whether he will be part of the playing XI for the first match, all signs point toward his involvement in the second Test of the series. Team India fans will be eagerly waiting to see their captain return to action.

Mohammed Shami to Join the Squad

In another exciting development, star pacer Mohammed Shami will also be traveling to Australia alongside Rohit Sharma. Shami, who has been sidelined for almost a year due to injury, made a successful return to the field recently. He underwent ankle surgery earlier this year and has been in rehabilitation at the National Cricket Academy (NCA). Shami made an impressive comeback in the Ranji Trophy, where he played for Bengal. In his recent match against Madhya Pradesh, Shami not only bowled brilliantly, taking 6 wickets across two innings but also contributed with the bat, scoring a total of 128 runs.

Shami’s inclusion in the squad will be contingent on his fitness assessment, which will be finalized after the first Test match. The BCCI is expected to consult NCA physio Nitin Patel before making a final decision. According to Bengal coach Lakshmi Ratan Shukla, Shami is in excellent shape, having bowled 44 overs across both innings without facing any fitness issues.

Team India’s Preparations for the Test Series

While the final decision regarding Shami’s inclusion is pending, his return to form will be crucial for Team India’s bowling attack, especially in the absence of some of the top pacers. India’s preparation for the Border Gavaskar Trophy has been intense, with all players, except Rohit Sharma, already in Australia and gearing up for the big series. The Indian team is hoping to continue its dominance in Australia and reclaim the trophy.

Final Thoughts

With Rohit Sharma and Mohammed Shami joining the squad soon, Team India is ready to take on Australia in what promises to be an exciting Border Gavaskar Trophy. Fans are hopeful that both players will be ready to contribute and help India extend its record in the iconic series. Stay tuned as the countdown to November 22 continues, and Team India prepares for the challenges that lie ahead.

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Australian cricket legends Adam Gilchrist and David Warner believe that while this defeat has left a mark on India’s psyche, it would be a mistake to consider Rohit Sharma’s team as “easy beats” in the five-Test series beginning November 22 in Perth. According to Gilchrist, the Indian team is under tremendous pressure to turn things around, with passionate fans expecting nothing short of redemption. “It does (series defeat has an impact), especially for the Indian players internally. They’ll be asking themselves some hard questions,” Gilchrist told Fox Sports.

The former wicketkeeper also noted that the clean sweep raises significant internal questions, as such defeats are rare for a cricketing powerhouse like India. However, Gilchrist believes India has the depth and resilience to regroup, even if some veteran players might second-guess themselves after such a setback. “There are high-class cricketers in that Indian squad, and it’s going to be fascinating to see how they rebound from this challenge,” he added.

David Warner, on the other hand, stated that the Australian team could benefit from the psychological edge, as India will undoubtedly carry memories of their defeat into the series. Warner highlighted the crucial role of India’s bowling spearheads, Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj, whom the Australian top order will need to counter effectively to establish dominance. “If Australia can get through those two gentlemen, there could be big runs put on the board,” Warner noted.

Meanwhile, New Zealand batsman Daryl Mitchell, fresh off his team’s historic 3-0 triumph, expressed pride in their achievement, describing the squad as “a bunch of Kiwis taking on the world.” The victory is even more remarkable given that New Zealand played without star batsman Kane Williamson. Player of the series Will Young, who contributed a vital 244 runs, celebrated the achievement, calling the memories created with his teammates “massive.”

The Border-Gavaskar series holds high expectations from both teams, with Australia aiming to defend their home turf and India seeking to bounce back and prove their resilience. As the clash looms, cricket fans around the world eagerly await what promises to be a fierce battle between two determined sides.

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The 0-3 series loss has raised alarms within the board, especially given that many senior players did not perform to expectations. As a result, there is speculation that some veterans may be left out of the Test format moving forward. The BCCI is said to be contemplating a major overhaul after the upcoming series against Australia, with sources indicating that the careers of certain senior players could be nearing their end in the Test arena.

Names such as Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Ravindra Jadeja, and Ravichandran Ashwin are reportedly on the chopping block. It is rumored that at least two of these star players may play their final Test series against Australia. With their international careers in the latter stages, and following their retirement from T20 format, the BCCI is poised to inject fresh talent into the squad ahead of the next World Test Championship cycle.

Informal discussions are said to have taken place among BCCI officials, Selection Committee Chairman Ajit Agarkar, Head Coach Gautam Gambhir, and Captain Rohit Sharma regarding the future of senior players. The Indian team is scheduled to depart for Australia on November 10, heightening the urgency for decisions regarding the squad.

The recent performance of Kohli, Sharma, and Ashwin has been underwhelming, prompting the BCCI to consider younger talents like Sai Sudarshan and Devdutt Padikkal as potential replacements. Following the Australia series, discussions around Ashwin’s future with the team are anticipated, especially after his disappointing outing in New Zealand. Conversely, Washington Sundar’s impressive form could position him as a longer-term option for the side.

As for Jadeja, his all-round capabilities on foreign pitches may afford him a longer tenure with the Test squad, provided he maintains his fitness. The upcoming series against Australia promises to be pivotal, not just for the team’s immediate success but also for the future direction of Indian cricket.

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Performance Overview

In the 2024 domestic season, Rohit Sharma managed only 133 runs across 10 innings, while Virat Kohli fared slightly better with a total of 192 runs. Both players combined scored just two half-centuries over five Tests, a stark contrast to their past performances. While India recently won a two-match Test series against Bangladesh, their dismal performance against New Zealand has reignited discussions about the future of these seasoned players.

This is not the first time the Indian team has faced difficulties against New Zealand; a similar situation arose during the World Test Championship in 2019. After the series, Rohit Sharma openly acknowledged his subpar performance as both captain and batsman, admitting he failed to deliver his best.

Virat Kohli’s Form Woes

Virat Kohli has been grappling with poor form throughout the 2024 season. In six Tests, he managed to score only 260 runs at a disappointing average of 22.72. Once a dominant force against spinners, Kohli’s average at home has plummeted from 72.45 (2013-2019) to just 32.86 in recent times. His struggles are further highlighted by the fact that he has fallen victim to left-arm spinners 12 times since 2020, a concerning trend that has raised alarms among fans and selectors alike.

Rohit Sharma’s Continued Decline

Rohit Sharma, who led India to victory in the T20 World Cup, has also been struggling to find his rhythm. Despite a commendable 400 runs in the series against England earlier this year, he managed only 91 runs in three Tests against New Zealand. A particularly alarming moment came during a chase of 147 runs in the Mumbai Test when he was dismissed by a short ball from Matt Henry. In his last 10 Test innings, Rohit has scored more than 20 runs only twice, raising questions about his ability to perform under pressure.

The Team Management’s Dilemma

Given the declining form of key players like Cheteshwar Pujara and Ajinkya Rahane, the Indian team management has opted to replace them with younger talent in domestic cricket. However, the question remains: can Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli be dropped under such circumstances? While both players have made significant contributions to Indian cricket, their current performance levels are cause for concern.

As selectors look for potential replacements and the team explores new talent, the tolerance for Kohli and Rohit’s inconsistent performances is waning. With crucial series like the Border-Gavaskar Trophy on the horizon, it remains to be seen how long the selectors will continue to back these two veterans amidst growing pressure for change.

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Historically dominant in the Test format, India had a disappointing 2024, finishing the year with an unprecedented record of four home Test losses. This is only the second time in Indian cricket history that the team has lost four Test matches at home in a single year, the last occurrence dating back to 1969.

In their first series of the year, India faced England, narrowly losing the first match by just 28 runs but rebounding to win the series 4-1. Following that, they played two Tests against Bangladesh, securing victories in both. However, the encounter with New Zealand was a stark contrast, with India failing to secure a single win across all three matches.

The results reflect a shocking decline for a team that has maintained its dominance in Test cricket in recent years. This series loss is particularly painful for players and fans alike, as it evokes memories of a less glorious era in Indian cricket.

Captain Rohit Sharma did not shy away from expressing his disappointment. He referred to the series defeat as the “worst phase of my career” and took full responsibility for the team’s lackluster performance. In a candid press conference following the final match, Rohit stated, “This is not an easy thing to digest. We didn’t play our best cricket, and New Zealand outperformed us throughout the series. We made many mistakes, and as captain, I recognize that I did not deliver my best in batting either.”

The clean sweep serves as a wake-up call for the team, highlighting areas needing improvement as they look ahead to future series. The players will undoubtedly spend the off-season reflecting on their performances and aiming to restore their reputation as one of the strongest teams in international cricket.

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Key Areas for Improvement

1. Assessing Pitch and Weather Conditions: The pitch at the MCA Stadium has been tailored for Indian conditions, featuring black clay and minimal grass. Unlike the bounce seen in Bengaluru, the New Zealand bowlers, including William O’Rourke, Matt Henry, and Tim Southee, are expected to face challenges on this surface. India must learn from past experiences; in 2015, Australia defeated India by 333 runs on a turning wicket at the same venue. Proper assessment of the pitch and conditions will be critical for success.
2. Choosing the Right Playing XI: A balanced team selection is paramount for India to turn the series around. Shubman Gill is set to return, which means either KL Rahul or Sarfaraz Khan will have to make way. Head coach Gautam Gambhir leans towards keeping Rahul, but Sarfaraz, who scored a resilient 150 in the second innings in Bangalore, has made a compelling case for selection. The right balance of experience and form will be essential in this must-win match.
3. Senior Players Stepping Up: India will rely heavily on senior batsmen Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli to deliver substantial innings. Kohli’s record of an unbeaten 254 runs against South Africa at this venue during the 2019-20 season serves as inspiration. Despite recent struggles, the seasoned players need to rise to the occasion to guide India to victory. While the management may favor Rahul, his recent performances have not been up to par, making the call for Sarfaraz more pressing.
4. Addressing Bowling Weaknesses: India’s bowling attack has faced scrutiny, particularly the inconsistent performances of Mohammad Siraj. The team management may consider giving Akashdeep a chance to shine in this Test. With a pitch that could favor spin, bowlers like Ravichandran Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja need to capitalize on any assistance. The inclusion of Washington Sundar could bolster both the bowling and batting departments, providing greater depth to the team.

Conclusion

As India gears up for the second Test against New Zealand, the focus will be on rectifying past mistakes and making tactical adjustments. With the World Test Championship at stake and a challenging series against Australia on the horizon, a victory in Pune is crucial for the team’s momentum. Fans will be eagerly watching to see if India can rise to the occasion and reclaim their position as a dominant force in Test cricket.

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Injury Overview

During the first Test match, Pant was injured after a delivery struck his knee while he was behind the stumps. This incident raised concerns regarding his availability for the following match. Additionally, fellow teammate Ravindra Jadeja also faced a setback, as he was unable to keep due to a similar injury. Despite the discomfort, Pant demonstrated remarkable resilience, scoring an impressive 99 runs in the second innings, showcasing his commitment to the team.

Recovery and Readiness

According to reports from The Indian Express, Pant managed to play in the second innings of the first Test after receiving an injection for pain relief. Although he experienced some discomfort, he has now fully recovered and is ready to contribute to the team in the Pune Test. This news is particularly uplifting for the squad as they prepare for this crucial match.

Context of Previous Injuries

It’s noteworthy that Pant’s current injury is on the same knee where he underwent surgery following a serious car accident in December 2022. His absence during this period was a significant blow to the team. After Pant’s injury, Dhruv Jurel stepped in to take the wicketkeeping duties in the Bangalore Test, adding pressure to the squad dynamics.

Captain’s Caution

Indian captain Rohit Sharma addressed Pant’s situation following the team’s loss in the Bangalore Test, emphasizing the need for caution. He mentioned, “We are more cautious about Pant. He had an operation on his leg. So, we know what his situation is. He had knee surgeries. To be honest, he suffered a lot in the last year and a half. So, let’s be a bit careful about this.” Rohit acknowledged the struggle Pant faced, particularly in his batting performance during the match.

Looking Ahead

As the Indian team gears up for the crucial Test in Pune, Pant’s return to fitness will be a key asset. His ability to perform under pressure and his prior success on the field make him a vital player in India’s strategy against New Zealand. Fans and team members alike will be eagerly watching his performance in the upcoming match.

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Rohit’s Unwanted Record

With the recent loss, Rohit Sharma has now recorded three defeats at home under his captaincy, equating him with notable former captains like Bishan Singh Bedi, Sourav Ganguly, Sachin Tendulkar, and Mahendra Singh Dhoni. Despite his overall impressive record of 12 wins out of 19 Tests, this statistic has raised concerns among fans and experts regarding the team’s ability to maintain dominance on familiar grounds.

Captains with Most Home Losses

Historically, Rohit Sharma’s losses place him among the Indian captains who have faced significant challenges at home:

• Nawab Mansoor Ali Khan Pataudi holds the record for the most losses at home, having lost 9 matches in his 40 Tests as captain.
• Kapil Dev and Mohammad Azharuddin follow closely behind, each losing 4 matches at home during their tenures. While Kapil captained 34 matches, Azhar led the team in 47 matches.

The recent defeat has reignited discussions about the pressures of captaincy in cricket, particularly in a country where expectations run high, and the home ground advantage is traditionally significant.

Looking Ahead

As India prepares for the second Test against New Zealand, all eyes will be on Rohit Sharma and the team to bounce back and level the series. The Indian cricketing fraternity hopes that this setback will serve as a turning point for the team, allowing them to regain their competitive edge and restore their reputation as a formidable force at home.

Conclusion

The Indian cricket team’s unexpected loss serves as a reminder of the ever-changing dynamics in sports and the unpredictability of outcomes, even for established teams. As Rohit Sharma and his team regroup, fans eagerly await their response in Pune, hoping for a revitalized performance.

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