AUS v IND: Ravichandran Ashwin Retires From Int. Cricket
The day 5 of the third test at the GABBA, Brisbane marked the end of an era for one of India’s most celebrated cricketers as Ravichandran Ashwin bid adieu to international cricket after India’s draw with Australia. It came after a heartwarming moment with former captain Virat Kohli when the two were seen embracing each other during a rain break on day 5 of the test match. Ravichandran Ashwin Announces His Retirement Ravichandran Ashwin, 37, did so in the post-match press conference with current India captain Rohit Sharma. The Border-Gavaskar Trophy is now locked at 1-1 and the timing was after Ashwin’s test match participation in Adelaide, a fitting end to his 14-year career at the top-level of cricket. Ashwin’s Test Career In Pictures The Tamil Nadu spinner leaves India as one of its great cricketers, the country’s second-highest test match wicket-taker with 537 wickets in 106 test matches. Ashwin’s outstanding haul includes 37 five-wicket hauls that only Muttiah Muralidaran has beaten, with 67. Ashwin’s Impact Beyond Test Match Cricket Ravichandran Ashwin’s success is not limited to test match cricket alone. He was a central figure in India’s ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup winning campaign in 2011 and the ICC Champions Trophy 2013. Ravichandran Ashwin has featured for the Indian Cricket Team 287 times across all the formats since his international debut in 2010. Ashwin has taken 765 wickets in his career overall, the second-highest-ever for an Indian cricketer, behind only Anil Kumble, who tops the charts with 956 wickets. Ashwin Reigns In World Test Championship Ravichandran Ashwin is the most dominant in the WTC, where no one has outdone him. He became the first bowler to reach 100 WTC wickets and is now the highest wicket-taker in the competition, with 195 wickets from 41 matches. Ahswin’s record remains unmatched and Australia’s Nathan Lyon, who has taken 190 wickets, is in a close second. Ashwin’s Future In Franchise Cricket Despite retiring from international cricket, Ravichandran Ashwin is expected to remain active in franchise cricket. Ashwin recently made a big splash in the Indian Premier League (IPL) by securing a lucrative Rs 9.75 crore deal with Chennai Super Kings in the IPL 2025 Mega Auction, marking a return to the franchise where he kickstarted his IPL career. Ashwin’s Legacy Ravichandran Ashwin’s retirement from international cricket marks the end of an extraordinary chapter in Indian cricket. Ashwin will be remembered for his sharp cricketing intellect, tactical acumen and relentless dedication. Ashwin’s legacy will inspire generations to come and his contribution to Indian cricket, particularly in the spin department, remains monumental. Ashwin’s name will be etched in the annals of the game’s history. As Ravichandran Ashwin retires, do you think he was the greatest spin-bowling all-rounder Indian ever had? The Sportz Planet Desk,Atharva Shetye
AUS v IND: Steve Smith Finally Finds His Hands At The GABBA
He was never out of form, he was just out of runs. Or maybe he was just finding his hands. And today, he silenced his critics with a fantastic ton against the Indian Cricket Team. Yes, we are speaking about none other than Steve Smith. Steve Smith Returns To Form With 33rd Test Match Ton On Day 2 of the third test match at the GABBA, Steve Smith finally silenced his doubters and ended his yearlong century drought with a resolute and disciplined 101 runs against India. His 33rd Test century came before an electrified Brisbane crowd as the former Australian captain showed mental resilience and patience in a challenging battle against India’s relentless bowlers. A Steve Smith Sunday Masterclass Smith’s innings came off 185 balls and was a masterclass in composure. He found his rhythm despite the pressure of the moment and the testing spells from India. His drives and cuts were a reminder of the class that has defined his illustrious career. Dismissed by Jasprit Bumrah with an edge caught behind at slip, Smith departed with his trademark focus and poise, having re-established himself as one of cricket’s finest battlers. Steve Smith Celebrates Calmly The 82nd over of Australia’s innings was the turning point when Smith hit a boundary off Akash Deep and then took a single off the next delivery to take his hundred. Smith’s calm celebration was cheered by teammates and fans. Smith’s century was not just a personal triumph, it signaled his return to form during a crucial moment in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. This century marked his first since December 2022 and his 10th century against India in 22 Tests and so far he has averaged over 60 against India. This was Smith’s first hundred in 2024. Therefore, it proved that Steve Smith is back to all guns blazing as more big knock would be needed in days to come. Steve Smith Century Sets Australia Through Fire Steve Smith shared an instrumental 241-run partnership with Travis Head for the fourth wicket, a partnership that proved crucial in pushing Australia past the 300-run mark on Day 2. Both Smith and Head capitalized on their opportunities to put Australia in a strong position against a competitive Indian Cricket Team. Rohit Catches Smith It was only by a spectacular catch from Rohit Sharma that ended Steve Smith’s innings at 101 while returning him to the pavilion. He had also given enough momentum and confidence to Australia going into the remaining parts of the game, despite being dismissed. Captain Cummins Backs Smith Steve Smith’s return to form came just days after Australian skipper Pat Cummins publicly backed him during his lean patch with the bat. Smith’s great display at the GABBA only seemed to reinforce that confidence, as he rode out the pressure and delivered when it mattered most. Over 2,000 runs against India alone and a proven record in big moments, Steve Smith has set the tone for a strong finish to the series. With this century behind him, all the remaining matches at Sydney and Melbourne will be focused on by Smith to continue his form, thus making his position stronger as one of the cricketing world’s most consistent performers. Steve Smith Turns To Be Mentally Strong Steve Smith’s drought-breaking century was a display of his mental toughness and ability to stay composed under pressure. In a year filled with challenges, Smith’s test match century against the Indian Cricket Team has not only lifted his personal confidence but has sent a clear message to the world, Smith is back in the groove and his hunger remains undiminished. As the Border-Gavaskar Trophy unfolds, all cricket fans and pundits can only wait to see if Steve Smith manages to maintain his rhythm with the bat and take Australian cricket to further heights of success. With his 33rd test match century now in the record-books and Australia in such a strong position at GABBA, Steve Smith has surely written another remarkable chapter to his storied career. Has there been a more popular hundred in the recent times? The Sportz Planet Desk,Atharva Shetye
AUS v IND: Travis Head-Ache In GABBA Again
Australia’s Travis Head continued to hammer the Indian Cricket Team as he went on scoring another ton in the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy at the GABBA. Travis Turns Out To Be A Head-Ache For India Travis Head continued his domination with the bat and continued with his excellent form when on Sunday, December 15, 2024, he scored his 9th Test century at the GABBA in Brisbane against India. The left-handed batter continued to flourish exactly from where he had left at the Adelaide test where he had scored a crucial 140 off 141 balls that ultimately gave Australia a win. Head’s Early Counterattack Steers Australia To Safety Travis Head walked in at a vulnerable stage for Australia, as the team was at 75 for 3 after Marnus Labuschagne got dismissed to Nitish Kumar Reddy in the 34th over. The southpaw straightaway set the tone by sending one down the leg-side off Reddy for a boundary and then did it once again against Jasprit Bumrah. Head’s aggressive first hour ensured that Australia would reach lunch in a much more stable situation, as Travis Head started building his rhythm from here on. Head’s Boundary Blitz In The Second Session After lunch, Travis Head continued his attack by taking two successive boundaries off Ravindra Jadeja in the 55th over. He got his fifty in just 71 balls, and from that time, he started appearing quite solid at the crease. He kept going for the attack and was not even showing signs of getting slowed down while hitting boundaries both against spinners and pacers. Head Dominates In Brisbane The Brisbane crowd was in awe of Travis Head’s sublime batting, as he began to take control over the Indian pacers, Mohammad Siraj in particular. He really started attacking in this period with a flurry of amazing boundaries that sent him marching towards his milestone. Travis Head did not let the momentum get disturbed even after Bumrah came back to bowl and took his 100 off 115 balls with the help of his 13th boundary of the innings. Travis Head’s Love Affair With The Indian Bowlers Continue With his latest century, Travis Head extended his strong record against India in the longest format. This century marks his third test hundred against Rohit Sharma’s Indian Cricket Team and saw him surpass 1,000 runs against them at an average of more than 51. Notably, Head has been a prolific run-scorer against India, having amassed over 600 runs in his last seven innings against the side alone. Head Continues To Set The Benchmark In The BGT Sunday’s century also established Travis Head as the leading run-scorer in the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy, as he surpassed the 300-run mark during his blistering innings. His performance in Brisbane brings to notice his ability to consistently score runs against one of the world’s most formidable cricketing teams. Travis Head’s Sunday Showdown Travis Head’s 9th test match hundred will be remembered not only for its individual performance but also as another chapter in his growing dominance against the Indian Cricket Team. Head was dismissed by Jasprit Bumrah on 152 off 160 as Rishabh Pant caught him behind the stumps. Has Travis Head according to you once again proven why he is one of Australia’s most reliable performers? The Sportz Planet Desk,Atharva Shetye
AUS v IND: India’s Pink-Ball Struggles Highlights Need For More Day-Night Test Exposure
India suffered a heavy 10-wicket defeat at the hands of Australia in the second test match of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 at the Adelaide Oval and the debacle has reignited the debate surrounding the pink-ball and day-night test match cricket. Even though India is considered a cricketing powerhouse with a proven track record in the toughest of conditions, a lack of experience with the pink ball was the prime culprit behind India’s loss at Adelaide and in the process, highlighted a glaring gap in the preparation of modern-day test match cricket. India’s Performance In Perth vs In Adelaide The Adelaide test match, a day-night fixture, saw India struggle under the lights, a stark contrast to their performance in the first test of the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy at the Optus Stadium, Perth. Despite having some of the world’s finest players—Virat Kohli, Yashasvi Jaiswal and Jasprit Bumrah—India was caught off guard by the pink-ball’s unpredictable movement and the unfamiliar batting conditions in a test match at night. It was tough to get familiar with the pink-ball’s behavior, especially in lights, as India collapsed in both their batting and bowling performances. Pink-Ball Turns Out To Be A Test For India The main issue has been India’s lack of exposure to pink-ball cricket. A format that is ever-so-present in international test match cricket, especially in Australia. The pink-ball swings very differently than the red-ball, as well as being much brighter to see, which translates to playability under artificial lights. This means the cricketers have to learn different techniques and strategies, all of which India’s men are still getting used to. India Needs Regular Pink-Ball Exposure In Home Tests To avoid such shocking losses in future day-night test matches, it is essential for India to make pink-ball cricket a regular feature in their home season. With the top level facilities in arenas like the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad now available, it presents an ideal venue for hosting a day-night test match, with the best facilities and infrastructure for such an event. Alternatively, the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai, known for its lively crowd and an excellent wicket, could also host such matches, drawing full-capacity crowds and maximizing ticket sales, if at all revenue is a concern. India Must Embrace Pink-Ball Tests Just as Australia has included the pink-ball test in their calendar for their home series, India must do the same and make sure that their players get enough practice to get accustomed to the day-night format. Regular exposure to day-night test matches would help Indian cricketers understand the challenges of playing with the pink ball and provide the necessary practice to master its peculiarities. A Wake-Up Call for India Ultimately, India’s loss in Adelaide serves as a wake-up call. If they are to compete successfully in day-night test matches, both at home and abroad, they need to make the pink-ball format a permanent fixture in their test cricket calendar. What is your opinion on inclusion of pink-ball day-night test matches in the yearly calendar for every Indian cricket home-season? The Sportz Planet Desk,Atharva Shetye
AUS v IND: The Travis Head-Ache Continues For India
Travis Head continued to torture the Indian Cricket Team as he struck a brilliant century on Day 2 of the second test in the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) in Adelaide. One who always comes good at the right moment, Head’s knock was yet another reminder of his dominance against India, having already made his mark in the ICC World Test Championship 2023 Final and ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023 Final. Travis Head’s Second Test Century Against India This is Travis Head’s eighth career test match century and second against India in test match cricket. Having played a dogged 89 in the first test in Perth where Australia lost heavily, Head faced India’s pace attack yet again and sent Jasprit Bumrah, Harshit Rana and Mohammed Siraj packing. Head’s first test match hundred against India came in the WTC Final in 2023 when he was sublime to post an innings of 163 as Australia took control. Travis Head’s Masterclass At The Adelaide Oval Travis Head became the first South Australian cricketer to achieve three centuries at the legendary Adelaide Oval. Head’s consistently managed to find openings with relative ease and ensured continued momentum for his side in an important 65-run partnership for the fourth wicket with Marnus Labuschagne, who made 64. His controlled batting kept the game in play for the hosts and hence he was a vital participant in Australia’s innings. Travis Head A Constant Hurdle For India Travis Head has been the thorn in the side of India across formats. Be it test match cricket or ODIs, Head at the crease often sends out trouble signals for India. If Indian bowlers fail to get him out early, Travis Head can snatch the game from them as he did once again in this series. Travis Head And Marnus Labuschagne Steady The Ship Australia started Day 2 at 86/1, appearing very stable until Jasprit Bumrah made a quick breakthrough with the wicket of Nathan McSweeney. He followed that up with another important wicket, Steven Smith, back to the pavilion for just 2 runs. Travis Head and Marnus Labuschagne steadied the Australian ship by combining for a 65-run partnership before Labuschagne was dismissed for a well-made 64 by Nitish Kumar Reddy, providing India with much-needed breakthrough. At the time of writing, Australia were at 280 for 5 in 76.3 overs, with Travis Head on 119* off 128. Head’s presence at the crease remains crucial as Australia aim to extend their lead in this crucial second test in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. Will Travis Head continue to wound India or will the Indian bowlers stop the bleeding? The Sportz Planet Desk,Atharva Shetye
AUS v IND: Mitchell Starc Runs Riot With The Pink-Ball On Day 1
The Indian Cricket Team’s batting was completely exposed as the Australian pacer Mitchell Starc wreaked havoc during day 1 of the pink-ball test at the Adelaide Oval, which began on Friday, December 06, 2024. Starc ‘Bowls Fast’ To Jaiswal In a thrilling sequence of play, Mitchell Starc struck early, dismissing Yashasvi Jaiswal off the very first ball of the match. He then went on to take two more quick wickets before the dinner break, leaving India reeling. Starc Dismantles India’s Top Order Starc’s relentless pace did significant damage, sending back KL Rahul (37 off 64) and Virat Kohli (7 off 8) in quick succession, leaving Australia well and truly in the driver’s seat. Earlier, Rahul and Shubman Gill (31 off 51) had added a steady 69 for the second wicket, giving India a decent base. However just when it seemed India was off to a good start, disaster struck. Starc And Boland Continue The Carnage Scott Bolland delivered another crushing blow to send Gill packing in the final over before the break with a full ball, which trapped the opener plumb in front. India’s collapse happened in quick time and decisiveness since the last three wickets yielded just 12 runs; it left the team facing a precarious situation. Rohit Sharma Departs Early Rohit Sharma, who had been watching from the dressing room, was soon called to join Rishabh Pant (4 not out) at the crease, with India’s hopes hanging by a thread. Having dropped himself down the order to accommodate K.L Rahul at the top, Rohit found himself thrust into a growing crisis. Starc Completes His Five-Wicket Haul Mitchell Starc came in after the break and pulled off a memorable five-wicket haul against India, adding two more wickets to that list of R. Ashwin and Harshit Rana. India Lose Their Momentum Under Starc’s Pressure The day 1 had begun so promisingly for India when they decided to bat on a grassy pitch however, the innings soon became one-way traffic in favor of the Australians. Jaiswal, who had just completed his memorable debut in Australia, was out first ball to a full, swinging delivery by Starc, leg before wicket. Gill And Rahul Fight Back But Fall To Starc’s Short Balls Shubman Gill, coming in after injury, looked confident at the crease, while Rahul, after a slow start, started playing aggressively. The pair did well against Starc, whose inconsistent lengths let Gill in particular thrive, with several stylish cover drives and off-drives off the left-arm pacer. However, India’s progress was halted as Starc’s short-pitched deliveries caught Rahul and Kohli off guard. Both were dismissed in successive overs with sharp bounces sending them to the slips. Boland then sent back Gill as tea arrived and India now was in a vulnerable state. Australia In Command With Starc’s Blitz Australia now has the upper hand in the contest as India’s promising position now is shattered in a marvelous display of seam bowling. Australia Playing At Adelaide Is A Test For India Australia has a strong track record in Day-Night Tests at Adelaide, consistently posting impressive first-innings totals. In their last four outings at the venue, Australia has scored 442/8 declared, 589/3 declared, 473/9 declared, and 511/7 declared, showcasing their ability to dominate the batting-friendly conditions with long partnerships. India’s Struggles In Adelaide’s Pink Ball Tests In contrast, India has had a tough time batting first in Adelaide’s pink-ball tests. The best they could do was 259/9 declared in 2018. Their other three tests have seen much lower totals in the first innings, such as 202, 244, and 180. That is quite a stark difference, really, to say that India has not really managed to adjust to the pink ball and to Adelaide conditions generally, usually failing to meet the high Australian standards. Will India bounce back the way they did in the 1st test match of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Perth or will Australia dominate the second test and make the series scoreline equal? The Sportz Planet Desk,Atharva Shetye
AUS v IND: Get Familiar With Pink Ball Before The Adelaide Test
Generally, in test match cricket, a day is called off as the sun sets. However, not this time as India and Australia are set to face off in a thrilling day-night test match in Adelaide. The game will throw light on the ongoing debate between the traditional red ball and the pink ball. Although both are for the same purpose in cricket, they have distinct features that can dramatically alter the dynamics of a match. We very well understand that as sports fans, you all surely are in curiosity to know more on the pink ball which is going to be used in the second test at Adelaide. Therefore we have tried to answer a couple of queries about the pink ball. Does Pink Ball Have Better Visibility? One of the most discussed variations between the pink ball and the red ball is its visibility factor. The pink ball has been designed strictly for day-night test matches and provides better visibility under floodlights. The red ball becomes dull after some time and appears brown when it wears out, but a pink ball retains its color for a longer period such that players can see them clearly even under floodlight. This is because the coating of the pink ball consists of a special pigment along with a polyurethane layer that gives the ball a glossy finish. The pink ball has black stitching, making it more visible than the white stitching of the red ball that fades under the lights. This is vital in a day-night game where, at times, the track of the ball should be viewed more easily because the ball has to change over from bright daylight to evening. How Is The Pink Ball Made? The making of the pink ball contributes much towards its performance during test matches. The pink ball is made with synthetic materials with linen. It helps the bowlers have a good grip compared to other balls. The polyurethane coating adds a layer of durability, ensuring that the ball stays in good condition even after 40 overs. Such a feature becomes important, especially in day-night test matches, where the ball has to go through multiple phases of play under different light conditions. How Is The Red Ball Made? In comparison, the red ball is dyed with a wax coating, which tends to lose its shine quickly. Over time, the red ball begins to fade and turns brownish, making it harder for the players to spot, especially when the lights come on. While both balls are durable, the pink ball holds up better under floodlights, giving it an edge in the later stages of the game. What Makes The Pink Ball Swing For A Longer Time? The pink ball’s design impacts its behavior in terms of swing and bounce. Much like the red ball, the pink ball offers strong swing in the initial overs, thanks to its lacquer layer. However, the pink ball shines for a longer period than the red ball and this is why it remains swinging for a much longer time. This makes the pink ball much favourable for fast bowlers, especially in the initial and middle overs of the game. However, because of its new bounce, although it loses up and coming in the duration of the match, it tends to continue swimming very well, still leaving chances to the bowler through that time. Compared to that the red ball fades both the swim and bounce right after around 40 overs with a resulting tough control that will not get easier. As far as pink ball has gone is the role inside the test match under light, daylight or otherwise day-night test matches. Has The Pink Ball Affected Test Match Cricket? The pink ball has totally changed the face of test match cricket, especially in day-night matches. Traditionally, test matches were played in the day and the red ball was the preferred choice. However, with the advent of day-night test matches, the pink ball has become a must. Its design allows it to be used in conditions where the red ball would struggle to perform. For players, getting used to the pink ball is crucial in order to succeed in day-night test matches. The pink ball behaves differently than the red ball, and the strategies have to be altered according to it. Whether it is adjusting to its visibility under lights or understanding its swing patterns, mastering the pink ball is becoming an integral part of modern-day test cricket. The Pink Ball’s ‘Glowing’ Influence With the pink ball continuing to make its mark in international cricket, it is apparent that it has revolutionized the way test match cricket is played. Its superior visibility, enhanced durability and the ability to maintain swing and bounce for longer periods give it a distinct advantage over the red ball, especially in day-night fixtures. Does The Pink Ball Generate Excitement? With India and Australia set to face each other in Adelaide in the second test match of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, the pink ball promises another level of excitement to this game. Players and coaches from both the teams and fans off-course are sure to see a thrilling contest where the pink ball will once again be at the center of things. India has the momentum after winning the first test match in Perth. On the other hand, Australia has never lost a pink ball-test match in Adelaide. Do let us know your thoughts on which team can make optimum use of the pink ball and come strong in the second test match of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25. The Sportz Planet Desk,Atharva Shetye
AUS vs IND: Heroes Emerge From The Toughest Rivalry
Cricket’s toughest rivalry has commenced today at the Optus Stadium in Perth as India locked horns in a 5 match test series against Australia. The Border-Gavaskar Trophy, as it is called, would be no short of excitement, thrill and emotions as the series progresses. So how did it all start? Well here’s the answer. The Birth Of The Toughest Rivalry The Border-Gavaskar Trophy is one of the fiercest rivalries in cricket history and it didn’t find its beginning with a handshake between Australia and India but with blood, sweat and glory. From its beginning in 1996 with the rivalry between two cricketing icons, Allan Border and Sunil Gavaskar, the Border-gavaskar Trophy has evolved to a contest of supremacy, pride and unforgettable moments. Over the years, the rivalry has gathered new facets with players like Virat Kohli, Steven Smith and Rishabh Pant turning it into a captivating saga that has mesmerized cricket lovers worldwide. Virat Kohli, The Real King Of Australia It was not until the early 2000s when India started making their presence felt against Australia. The rivalry was aflame in 2008 when India toured Australia for a desperately contested series marked with umpiring controversies and superb drama. However, it was the modern team that really transformed the rivalry into a legendary one. Virat Kohli, was handed over the test match captaincy of the Indian Cricket Team by MS. Dhoni back in 2014. He stepped up in Australia with an unquenchable thirst to consume runs. He was the master of the 2014 series in Australia. Kohli’s aggressive batting and mental toughness that no one else boasts of made him a nuisance for the Aussies. The world witnessed him scoring 692 runs from four matches at an average of 86.50 with four and registered four hundreds and one fifty with Australian bowlers getting frustrated at their own wits’ end. Not only was he impressive with his runs, but the way he played with a clear intention—that of conquering each and every pitch, every bowler and every challenge that came his way. By the time India returned for the 2018-19 series, Kohli had firmly established himself as one of the greatest players to have ever played in Australia. Rishabh Pant’s GABBA Heroics It wasn’t just Kohli who became synonymous with success in Australia. The Gabba Test in 2021 became one of the most iconic moments in cricket history, thanks to the heroics of Rishabh Pant. India was staring at defeat, with a depleted squad and a mountain to climb on the final day of the Brisbane Test. Yet Pant, the fearless wicketkeeper-batsman, played a knock for the ages. His 89* took India to a historic victory, chasing down the daunting target on the last day securing a series win in Australia for the first time in 71 years. Pant’s audacity and confidence became a symbol of the new India – a team that refused to back down no matter the odds. The Rise Of Steven Smith Steven Smith emerged as a modern-day batting sultan on the Australian side, with battles against India being the best proof of his growth. An unorthodox technician from every point of view, Smith proved mentally tough against an Indian bowling onslaught. His batting in 2014 was nothing short of legendary as the man hit centuries at almost every venue for Australia. The rivalry between Smith and India’s bowlers, especially the likes of Ravichandran Ashwin and Jasprit Bumrah, has been the subplot for every Border-Gavaskar series over the years. Smith’s uncanny capacity to score runs in pressure-cooker situations has made him one of the most revered modern-day batters. A Rivalry For The Ages The Border-Gavaskar Trophy isn’t just a series. It’s a saga that tells the tale of two cricketing powerhouses, with players like Kohli, Pant, Smith and many others elevating the drama to new heights. It’s a rivalry that will continue to captivate, where every ball bowled, every run scored and every wicket taken adds to the legend. The Sportz Planet Desk,Atharva Shetye
IND vs AUS: Who Is Abhimanyu Easwaran?
The entry of Abhimanyu Easwaran into the Indian Cricket Team for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024 is the best form of a saga of grit and patience. An eleven-year long journey of toil and excellence on the domestic cricket circuit finally earned the Bengal opener the potential to merge into the exclusive group of those who would be representing India in the Border-Gavaskar Series. To Easwaran, this is much more than a selection – it’s a welcome recognition after so long of his contributions and his pursuit to break through the glass ceiling of Indian Cricket. Abhimanyu Easwaran – Batting Mainstay For Bengal Easwaran began with Bengal, establishing himself as a mainstay of the batting lineup. His technical finesse and steady temperament earned him the right-hand opener slot very quickly, as he developed a record of excellence across first-class cricket. Easwaran has played for India A in the Deodhar Trophy during 2018-19. He made his T20 debut in 2016-17. That season was his rising as he scored 861 runs in a mere six games to become Bengal’s leading run-scorer in the Ranji Trophy 2018-19. Thereby, making his spot in the top order opener dependable in the domestic circuit. Breaking Into First Class in the Duleep Trophy Abhimanyu Easwaran was selected in India Red for the Duleep Trophy in August 2019. He produced one of the finest knocks during the final. Easwaran hit 153 runs and won the match for India Red against India Green. That put him into national limelight, however yet the doors for an India call-up had not been opened. The numbers did the talking, though. Easwaran’s statistical records over the years speak for themselves. Over eleven years of first-class cricket, he scored 7,316 runs at an average of 48.5 with 25 centuries and 29 fifties. These numbers normally would cement a player’s place in the national side. However in a country like India, which is brimming with batting talent, Easwaran was constantly fighting to get selected. He was generally on the periphery either as a standby or as a reserve player. To be more specific, for the 2021 test match series at home against England, Easwaran had been included in the Indian Cricket Team squad as one of the standby players. Though near, he still had to wait to receive his test cap. Consistency In The Domestic Circuit As recently as in 2024, Easwaran continued his domestic supremacy by hammering an century off 154 balls against India D representing India B in the Duleep Trophy. Before that, he was undefeated in 157 while in another round against India C further increasing his credentials of making it to national selections. India Call Up That day finally arrived when, on October 25th 2024, came in. Easwaran had been named in India’s Border-Gavaskar Trophy squad against Australia. It is not only a personal achievement however a strength for domestic cricket. The boy from Dehradun to the Indian Cricket Team is the best definition of resilience and patience one needs to achieve any height. Easwaran’s selection is not just a prize but a celebration of his decade-long efforts for Indian cricket and with skill and composure that has bewitched everyone, he now stands ready to prove his mettle on the grandest stage of all as he is set to take on the likes of Australian fast bowlers, Mitchell Starc, Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood in the BGT 2024. The Sportz Planet Desk,Atharva Shetye
BGT 2024: Rohit Sharma’s Participation Uncertain In The First Two Tests
Indian Cricket Team Captain – Rohit Sharma might not be available for early matches in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 due to personal reasons. Rohit Sharma To Miss These Many Matches Sources revealed that Rohit Sharma has already informed the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) of his situation. With this, he will, therefore, have to miss at least one of the first two test matches or quite probably, both the test matches in the five-match series which will get under way on November 22, 2024. When Will Rohit Sharma Join The Team? While reports suggest that the BCCI is aware of the situation where Rohit may miss a couple of games in the series owing to a personal reason, little is known of this particular issue. There is still hope that he will be able to sort out the problem and make it into the series with his fellow mates.. How It May Affect The Team India may receive in a high-pressure series against the reigning World Test Championship Winners – Australia. Rohit Sharma had to be present. India may face a huge problem without him, both leadership vise as well as batting as the tourists eye good performance on the Australian soil. Who Might Lead In Rohit’s Absence? There is no official statement from the BCCI regarding who might be at the help of affairs for India in the absence of Rohit Sharma. However, guys like Shubman Gill, Jasprit Bumrah, KL Rahul and Suryakumar Yadav (if selected for the red ball side) are in the train. Fans and teammates are excitedly waiting for the BGT 2024-25, along with updates on Rohit Sharma’s situation. Everybody wants an early resolution so that he can join the squad for the complete five tests in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. The Sportz Planet Desk,Atharva Shetye