What Did Australia’s BGT Win Tell About Their Present And Future?
Australia’s comprehensive 3-1 series win over India in the recently concluded Border-Gavaskar Trophy was a result that showed the team’s mentality, depth and future potential. Some testing moments were seen, especially from India’s star pacer Jasprit Bumrah and challenging pitch conditions, however, the win raises several questions about Australia’s squad, their immediate future and their long-term plans. Here’s a breakdown of the key takeaways from the series with a focus on what lies ahead for Australia. How Long Can Usman Khawaja Continue Playing For Australia? At 38, Usman Khawaja’s test future for Australia is now in question. His series against India was a tough one—he managed only 184 runs at an average of 20.44, which was a disappointing return for the opener. Khawaja was struggling against Bumrah, getting out to him six times and his last 24 innings average is just 28.68. However, his captain Pat Cummins feels that Khawaja is still playing well and can continue as long as he’s contributing. However, with his 39th birthday looming during the 2025-26 Ashes, how long can Khawaja continue to hold on to his spot? Performances in tough conditions in Sri Lanka and India may provide him with a temporary reprieve, however, a tour of the West Indies and a World Test Championship Final could well determine his immediate future. Can Australia Accommodate Both Beau Webster And Cameron Green In The Same XI? Beau Webster’s performances at Sydney, have given selectors plenty to think about. He looked the most assured batter on show when things were toughest and can also offer off-spin which adds value to his package. With Cameron Green recovering from back surgery, it is possible both might play in the same side especially with Green set to be used as a batter-only short-term solution. However, how might Australia squeeze both into the one XI? Beyond Nos. 4 and 5, to be taken up by Travis Head and Steven Smith, reshaping the top order to make way for both looks a challenge in itself. So if Green ever returns to top form, being able to include the luxury of keeping both in the same team at least offers further balance to Australia. Will Scott Boland Future Regularly For Australia? Scott Boland’s strong record of 56 wickets at 17.66 has given him a safety, however, a regular spot in the Australian XI by no means is sure. Boland was pretty good in the last two matches of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy at Melbourne and Sydney. At 35, Boland’s future depends on managing his knee issues and with Hazlewood and Starc also in the twilight of their careers, Australia could soon need to look to younger quicks to maintain their strength in attack. What Does Australia’s Squad Depth Say About Their Future? Australia has a fine balance of experience and youth. With only two players below 30 in the side for the India series, things are looking bright for the young contingent. Todd Murphy (24) seems likely to be part of the Sri Lanka tour. Sam Konstas (19) did a fine job on debut. Cameron Green (26), Josh Inglis (29) and Beau Webster (31) give the side some excellent future options. While some might say the old core of the team is getting on, Australia’s selectors feel this transition will occur organically. The blend of experience and youth with an ever-changing squad ensures a bright future, as they now look to retain their World Test Championship title while continuing their hegemony in test match cricket. What Does All Of This Mean For Australia’s Forthcoming Tours? The series win over India showed that Australia has the power and flexibility to win in the short term, however, raises big questions about the roles of players like Khawaja, Green and Boland. Decisions made in the next series against Sri Lanka, the West Indies and the Ashes will define Australia’s future. The old guard and the new faces are going to be a perfect blend in defining the team’s test cricket journey in the years to come. Do let us know how does the future look like for Australia in test match cricket? The Sportz Planet Desk,Atharva Shetye
What Is The Two-Tier Test Cricket System?
Jay Shah, the new ICC Chairman, is keen to have the very first two-tier test cricket system. So scintillating was the five-test Border-Gavaskar Trophy between India and Australia that he is seeking the same. As many as 837,879 attended the tests of this series; all these turned out to be the fourth-most-better-attended cricket series in Australian history. Two-Tier Test Cricket Backed By Leading Cricket Boards It tries to make a more competitive and hence commercially viable, Test format in which the best teams play each other more often. The prime movers behind this are major cricket boards from India, Australia and England and certain sections of the broadcasting industries keen to jump at the chance when the format comes of age. The Two-Tier Approach More matches between the top teams like India, Australia, England, South Africa and New Zealand would be played in the first division. Teams that are not doing so well in Test cricket would comprise the second division with Zimbabwe, Afghanistan and Ireland. Teams like Bangladesh and West Indies, who have been a mixed bag lately may also be accommodated in the lower tier. Competition And Future Uncertainty The plan would make for more exciting contests between the best sides and yet give the teams that are still building their Test credentials a separate environment. The system would probably then see the top-tier teams play inside their division, with the weaker teams competing with each other. As of yet, not much is clear regarding the system, but one possible aspect is whether or not there will be a chance for promotion and relegation among the two divisions. A Long-Standing Debate Resurfaces The two-tier test format was also floated in 2016. However, the BCCI, that time under Anurag Thakur was not in support of it, mainly because it felt that it is not fair towards the smaller nation. However, the massive commercial interest in some of the more big-ticket series, such as the BGT, has restarted the debate. Recently, former coach of India, Ravi Shastri showed his support towards the format in the event; regular games by strong teams may ensure survival, in the long term, of test cricket. Change In Test Cricket Scenario Still very early for its plan that is to mold its future in cricket. Do you think that the two-tier test cricket format will come into existence? The Sportz Planet Desk,Atharva Shetye
AUS v IND: Rohit Sharma Opts To ‘Rest’ At Sydney
How many times have you ever seen a Captain of a side himself getting dropped out of the side due to a reason? Was It Rohit Sharma’s Decision To Rest? Indian skipper Rohit Sharma has left everyone stunned when it was declared that he won’t be in the playing eleven for the fifth and final test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy against Australia at the Sydney Cricket Ground. This has raised an all-round furore as people are now left wondering whether it was Rohit Sharma who took the decision to rest or it was the team management who is sugarcoating things? Stand-In Skipper, Bumrah Confesses The Reason Rohit Sharma is indeed one of the master architects who have been successful in India’s success story for recent times as well as to the 2024 T20 World Cup triumph. He was not found in the playing eleven for the series decider against Australia. It was official communication from the Indian stand-in skipper Jasprit Bumrah right at the toss that he has been ‘rested’ for the Sydney test. Since the official declaration was to come from Bumrah, a bundle of speculations about the reasons for dropping Rohit Sharma took place; in this way, some ambiguity and vagueness behind the event was created. Is Rohit Sharma The First Indian Captain To Be Dropped? This is the first time in a while that an Indian captain has been left out of the playing 11 in the mid-series. Historically, Polly Umrigar was dropped from the Indian test side against the West Indies. The second incident was when Sourav Ganguly was left out after a string of poor scores and a strained relationship with coach Greg Chapell. Rohit Sharma’s Test Career The exclusion of Rohit Sharma has raised numerous questions due to his test career. Since his test match debut in 2013, Rohit has scored more than 4300 runs in 67 Tests with 12 centuries at an average of 40.57 runs. Rohit Sharma’s Last Chance In Limited-Overs Cricket Just when his international future hangs in the balance, February’s 2025 ICC Champions Trophy might just become Rohit Sharma’s last crack at delivering on the international platform. India is all set to fight it out against other teams that are competing at the cricketing event that begins on February 19, 2025 and would end on March 9, 2025 across Pakistan and the UAE. It could very well be the swansong for one-day and limited-overs cricket careers of the experienced campaigner in Rohit Sharma, who would be looking at one final hurrah on the international field. As the Indian Cricket Team sets off to Sydney without the skipper, everyone is thinking, has this finally been the last word on Rohit Sharma’s test match career or one last go at redemption? Only time will tell. The Sportz Planet Desk,Atharva Shetye
Is Rohit Sharma Stepping Down From Captaincy Really The Solution?
The defeat at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) was a bitter pill to swallow for Indian cricket fans. Australia’s win by 184 runs was something that the Indians would rather forget and while Pat Cummins was rightly the Player of the Match, the focus was on the Indian captain, Rohit Sharma and his leadership. It hurts to see our leader battle through a lean patch and more heart-wrenching is the sound of voices clamoring for his retirement. Is this how we must treat a man who has given Indian cricket so much? Rohit Sharma Deserves Our Support Of course, Rohit Sharma’s recent numbers are not upto the mark. At an average of 6.2 runs in five innings in the present series, he managed just 31 runs. Since September he has had 164 runs in 15 innings-a far cry from the powerful hitter we know and love to watch. However, before judging Rohit, let us take one step back and think on this issue. Rohit Sharma is also a human and like any great cricketer there have been moments in his career as well, where he did struggle. Those overs without a single run scored during those crucial minutes at the crease are nothing but moments. It would be tragic to judge a man who has carried the Indian batting lineup for more than a decade on the basis of a few difficult weeks. Rohit Sharma’s Legacy Of Glory Let’s not forget the heroics Rohit Sharma has delivered over the years. Double hundred in test match cricket against South Africa, game saving knocks over the years against teams like England, New Zealand and some truly epic leadership performances when India wins. This man has provided the base for Indian Cricket Team’s success not merely with the bat but also under his tranquil leadership. His current struggles at the bat do not and should not, overshadow everything he has achieved. Rohit is a player of rare elegance, a batsman whose presence at the crease inspires the crowd to play fearless cricket. His ability to rise to the occasion, when it matters most, is one of the reasons we place our trust in him as captain. And now, in his time of need, it is our turn to show the same trust and patience. A Leader Beyond The Runs The value of a captain far outweighs the runs he scores. It’s about leadership, about motivating your team when the chips are down, about staying composed when the pressure is suffocating. Rohit Sharma embodies all these qualities. His leadership has sent India to the summit of test cricket, his judgment calls many times have proven right and his ability to stay afloat in extremely testing times is what makes him the backbone of this side. A captain’s worth is not solely determined by his personal performance. It is defined by his ability to inspire his team, to lead them with courage and conviction. In these trying times, when his bat has remained silent, Rohit Sharma has stood tall as a leader India needs. His composure, his confidence and his belief in his team have not wavered at all. It is in such moments that a true leader shines-not in the easy victories but in the tough times when the team looks up to him for guidance. Rohit Sharma Needs Support, Not Criticism As fans, as supporters of Indian cricket, we have a responsibility to lift our captain when he is down. Rohit Sharma has given us moments of sheer joy, moments we will never forget. To ask him to retire based on a rough patch is to disregard everything he has contributed to the game and to the team. No player should be judged by their worst moments and no captain should be deserted by the very fans who cheered for him when he did well. True loyalty will be shown in standing up for a man when he most needs us to stand. Rohit has given us everything – his passion, his dedication, his heart. He has shown up for us when we needed him and now it’s time we show up for him. Let’s not forget that a true champion always finds a way back. The best players rise from their struggles and Rohit Sharma is no exception. Rohit Sharma Is A Hero Who Deserves Our Faith For us, Rohit Sharma is more than just a cricketer. He is the epitome of leadership and consistency. His journey from Mumbai to Melbourne has been to what it means to play for the love of the game, for the pride of the country and for the millions who look up to him. His current form does not define him. It is just a chapter in an illustrious career. We also have to note that champions are not made from victories but from how they rise above adversity. We should stand by our captain and give him all the support he needs and remind him that he is still our leader. Let’s not rush to replace a man who has given us everything. Let’s rally behind him and show the world that we believe in Rohit Sharma. The road to redemption might be long. However, if there is one player capable of coming through, it’s Rohit Sharma. The best is yet to come and we, as his loyal supporters, will be there every step of the way. The Sportz Planet Desk,Atharva Shetye
AUS v IND: Tanush Kotian’s Story From Mumbai To Melbourne
Mumbai’s off-spin-bowling all-rounder Tanush Kotian, received his biggest call-up for a place in the Indian Cricket Team for the fourth test of the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy to be held in Melbourne. Kotian Still In His Early Days Aged just 26, Kotian’s call-up for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 brings him to a new pinnacle as part of his cricketing journey built after years of arduous work, dogged persistence, and relentless commitment to cricketing. His rise to the Indian Cricket Team is a sign of India’s domestic cricket systems in producing world-class talent. From Local Streets To Professional Cricket Tanush Kotian’s cricketing journey started on the streets of Vikhroli, a suburb in Mumbai, where he honed his skills in the highly competitive environment of the city’s local cricket scene. A versatile player in his early years, Kotian began as an opening batsman and even bowled pace before a growth spurt pushed him to specialize in off-spin. His father, a semi-professional cricketer who runs a coaching academy, played a vital role in fostering his love for the game. Kotian Breaking Through With Mumbai Tanush Kotian’s breakthrough came when he joined Mumbai’s senior team in the 2022-2023 season after being dropped early in his career. Despite the setback, Kotian’s determination saw him rise through the ranks, leading to consistent performances that garnered attention. His off-spin bowling, along with his rise as a batsman, made him a true all-rounder. With his ability to extract turn and bounce at a pace of 85-90kph, Tanush Kotian’s bowling has often drawn comparisons with R. Ashwin, India’s legendary off-spinner. Tanush Kotian Shines In The Domestic Circuit Tanush Kotian’s stint with Mumbai in the season 2023-24 was nothing but phenomenal. He played a pivotal role in Mumbai’s historic Ranji Trophy victory, winning the Player-of-the-Tournament award with 502 runs and 29 wickets. His all-round brilliance included a memorable first-class century against Baroda, where he scored 120 runs off 115 balls at No. 10, setting a record 232-run partnership with Tushar Deshpande. His performances in the semi-finals and finals further stamped his reputation, with contributions like his 89* against Tamil Nadu and 7 wickets in the final against Vidarbha. Tanush Kotian’s India A Call-Up These performances not only helped Mumbai win the Ranji Trophy for the 42nd time but also caught the eye of the national selectors. A few months later, Kotian was selected for the India A team, which toured Australia ahead of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. His stellar performances in domestic cricket, coupled with his excellent temperament and technical abilities, made him a strong contender for a spot in the senior squad. Is Tanush Kotian Called-Up To Fill Ashwin’s Shoes? Tanush Kotian’s rise also coincided with the retirement of R. Ashwin from international cricket, as a move that opened a window of opportunity for such emerging spin bowlers like Kotian. Ashwin, whose impact on Indian spin bowling has been monumental, became a guide for Kotian when he joined Rajasthan Royals for the IPL 2024. Although Kotian didn’t feature much in the tournament, the learnings for the young cricketer must have been very rich indeed from people like Ashwin, Yuzvendra Chahal and Keshav Maharaj. It is well known that playing IPL helped him get more refined on how to play the spin bowlers in proper red-ball cricket. Rahane Backs Kotian Despite his success, Tanush Kotian remains focused on improving his skills. As Ajinkya Rahane, Mumbai’s captain, once told him, his next challenge is to continue evolving as a bowler who can take wickets even when conditions aren’t favorable for spin. This advice from Rahane reflects Kotian’s constant desire to push boundaries, a quality that will serve him well as he transitions to the international stage. Now all eyes would turn toward the promising newcomer as Tanush Kotian is scheduled to board for Melbourne to play with the Indian Cricket Team while hoping to behold the new chapter in India’s journey towards spin bowling legacy. The Sportz Planet Desk,Atharva Shetye
Who Can And Cannot Qualify For The WTC 2025 Final?
The race for the 2025 World Test Championship (WTC) Final is heating up at Lord’s, with just a few critical series left to be played. The Road To WTC 2025 Final With the WTC 2025 cycle in its final stages, everyone is keenly watching for the remaining series. Let us break down who can still qualify and who has fallen off the boat. 1. South Africa South Africa are currently leading the WTC standings with a healthy 63.33% of possible points. Their whitewash of Sri Lanka and series win over Bangladesh have put them in a very commanding position. The Proteas have two important home Tests remaining against Pakistan and if they continue their winning form, they will be well-placed to secure their spot in the final. Their best possible finish stands at 69.44%, which should be enough to see them through to Lord’s, assuming they maintain their momentum. 2. Australia The defending WTC champions, Australia, are in second place with 58.89% of the possible points. Their recent performances, including a dominant pink-ball win over India in Adelaide, have kept them in the race. With two important home Tests against India and two away matches against Sri Lanka remaining, Australia could theoretically draw 2-2 with India and still stay in contention. Their best possible finish is 67.54% and they will need to win at least one of the upcoming Tests against India to keep their hopes alive. 3. India India, with 55.88% of possible points, are in a precarious position. Although they had a brilliant win over Australia in Perth, India’s hopes of qualification were doused when they lost to Australia in the second Test. They have two Tests left in their current series against Australia and they need to win both to have any chance of qualifying for the final. Even then, they will depend on other series results to go their way. India’s best possible finish is 60.53% and anything less than a 2-0 win over Australia will leave their fate in the hands of other teams. 4. Sri Lanka Sri Lanka, with 45.45% of possible points, are still technically in contention, but their path to the final is extremely challenging. After a 2-0 whitewash by South Africa, their hopes took a severe beating. With two more crucial home Tests against Australia in January, Sri Lanka need to win both of those and hope for a series of favorable results elsewhere. Its best possible finish is at 53.85%. They’ll need a near perfect run and a lot of luck to make it to the final. 5. England England, who were once in contention, have now fallen out of the race following a series of disappointing results, including their losses to Pakistan. Although they clinched a 2-1 series victory over New Zealand, their hopes were dashed by a heavy loss in the final Test. With just 43.18% of possible points, England cannot qualify for the WTC 2025 final. 6. New Zealand New Zealand’s hope of making to their second WTC final got crushed after a miserable series against England. Having earlier in the cycle achieved a great win over India, recent defeats have sealed off all chances for them. At their best, with a finish of 48.21%, they stand to have no chance of entry into the final as many teams have already surpassed them on the points table. 7. Pakistan Pakistan with 33.33% possible points mathematically can stay in the race for a qualification. Their probability to qualify will be tough though, given their best outcome in terms of percentages would merely reach 52.38%, which hardly has much scope to end up with any of the top-two rankings. However, they can play four tests with two on their tour against South Africa and two more on an incoming tour of the West Indies, but unless a series of unbelievable events, qualification won’t happen their way. 8. Bangladesh Bangladesh is at the bottom of the table, scoring only 31.25% of the available points and their tournament is already over. The win against West Indies at the end of the round helped them to marginally recover from earlier defeats. Bangladesh cannot qualify for the WTC 2025 final. 9. West Indies West Indies is also mathematically out of contention. They are currently sitting at ninth place with only 24.24% of possible points. The West Indies have shown moments of brilliance but inconsistency has cost them so dearly. Their two remaining Tests against Pakistan can bring some consolation, but the hopes of qualification for the West Indies are already over. With just a handful of matches left, the race for the WTC 2025 Final is far from decided, however it’s clear that South Africa, Australia and India are the teams to watch in these final few months of competition. Which two teams do you think will make it to the ICC WTC 2025 Final? The Sportz Planet Desk,Atharva Shetye
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: Jasprit Bumrah Breaks Records In Australia
India’s Jasprit Bumrah continued to rewrite the record books in the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy, further cementing his place as one of India’s greatest fast bowlers. On Tuesday, Bumrah achieved another major milestone by surpassing a record held by Indian cricket legend, Kapil Dev. Bumrah Surpasses Kapil Dev’s Record In a great achievement in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, India’s spearhead pacer Jasprit Bumrah has gone down in history by breaking the record of the most wickets taken by an Asian bowler in Australia. The milestone was achieved by Bumrah on Tuesday as he took two quick wickets for Australia in the second innings of the third test match at the GABBA. Bumrah Takes Two Quick Wickets The day began with Bumrah striking in the very first over with the new ball. In the third over of Australia’s second innings, he dismissed Usman Khawaja, breaking the batter’s defense with a delivery that clipped the inside edge, struck the back pad and rattled the off stump. Just over an over later, he took the wicket of Marnus Labuschagne, as the Australian batsman gave a faint nick to a length ball which was easily caught by the wicketkeeper Rishabh Pant. Bumrah’s Record Breaking Tally With these two wickets, Bumrah now has 52 wickets in just 10 Test matches in Australia, surpassing Kapil Dev’s tally of 51 wickets in 11 appearances. Pakistan’s Sarfaraz Nawaz (50 wickets) rounds out the top three among Asian bowlers in Australia. Bumrah Leads In The Current Series Jasprit Bumrah has shown consistency and adaptability in foreign conditions. He has been in exceptional form throughout the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy and is currently the leading wicket-taker, with 21 wickets from just six innings at an outstanding average of 10.71. Bumrah’s 21 wickets are now the sixth-best figure by an Indian in a tour of Australia. Bumrah’s Two Five-Wicket Hauls Bumrah’s record-breaking performances in the series include two five-wicket hauls. His first came in Perth, where he led India in Rohit Sharma’s absence. The second came in the first innings of the Brisbane Test. Besides, Bumrah has now matched his 2018/19 series tally, becoming only the second Indian bowler to pick 20-plus wickets in two separate tours of Australia. The first to achieve the feat was Anil Kumble who did it in 2003/04 (24 wickets) and in 2007/08 (20 wickets). Bumrah’s Legacy In Australian Conditions Jasprit Bumrah has been India’s lead bowler both during home seasons and away tours. His position is well etched among India’s best bowling and as the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 goes ahead, all eyes will be on Jasprit Bumrah and what new milestones he might achieve for his country on the Australian turf. Meanwhile, let us know if you have seen any better Indian fast bowler dominate Australia in Australia? The Sportz Planet Desk,Atharva Shetye
WPL 2025 Auction: What Do Each Team Need?
As the third edition of the Women’s Premier League (WPL) auction is set to take place on December 15, 2024, a total of 120 players are in the fray for a maximum of 19 slots that the five WPL teams have to fill up with. Four WPL franchises are in the market for four players, while one has three slots available. Here’s what each WPL franchise is in the market for as they look to strengthen their squads ahead of WPL 2025. Delhi Capitals Slots remaining: 4 (1 overseas)Purse remaining: INR 2.5 croreRetained players: Jemimah Rodrigues, Meg Lanning, Shafali Verma, Radha Yadav, Shikha Pandey, Marizanne Kapp, Titas Sadhu, Alice Capsey, Minnu Mani, Taniya Bhatia, Jess Jonassen, Sneha Deepthi, Arundhati Reddy, Annabel Sutherland What Do They Need? DC are searching for a backend wicketkeeper and a hard-hitting middle-order batter for depth in the squad. They will also look at another frontline fast bowler to support Marizanne Kapp and Shikha Pandey. Candidates like Lauren Bell, Kim Garth, or the left-arm pacer Lauren Cheatle could be of interest. They could also target a leggie such as Alana King after the release of Poonam Yadav. Gujarat Giants (GG) Slots Remaining: 4 (2 overseas) Purse Remaining: INR 4.4 crore Retained Players Ashleigh Gardner Beth Mooney Harleen Deol Dayalan Hemalatha Tanuja Kanwar Shabnam Shakil Laura Wolvaardt Phoebe Litchfield Meghna Singh Mannat Kashyap Kashvee Gautam Priya Mishra Sayali Satghare Bharti Fulmali What Do They Need? GG had a tough time with their bowling during WPL 2024, especially in the death overs. The focus at the auction will remain on getting bigger bowling stocks with stronger economy rates. Darcie Brown is one good option as she bowls at a speed. Tess Flintoff is also there who has the value of seam bowling along with hard-hitting capability. Mumbai Indians (MI) Available slots: 4 (1 overseas)Purse remaining: INR 2.65 crore Retained players: Harmanpreet Kaur, Nat Sciver-Brunt, Amelia Kerr, Pooja Vastrakar, Yastika Bhatia, Amanjot Kaur, Saika Ishaque, Hayley Matthews, Chloe Tryon, Jintimani Kalita, Shabnim Ismail, Sajeevan Sajana, Amandeep Kaur, SB Keerthana What Do They Need? MI have leaned heavily on their strength with the bat at the top-order, and they would look to bolster their lower-middle order by bringing in a reliable finisher. Seam bowling and lower-order firepower from players like Nadine de Klerk would strengthen the side. Maybe, along with her batting skills, they might look for a back-up wicketkeeper in Nandini Kashyap, who impressed with her batting in domestic T20s. Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) Remaining slots: 4 (0 overseas) Purse remaining: INR 3.25 crore Players retained: Smriti Mandhana, Sophie Devine, Ellyse Perry, Renuka Singh, Richa Ghosh, Shreyanka Patil, Kanika Ahuja, Asha Sobhana, Georgia Wareham, Kate Cross, Ekta Bisht, S Meghana, Sophie Molineux Players traded in: Danni Wyatt (from UP Warriorz) What Do They Need? RCB’s pace line-up that has very much banked on Ellyse Perry and Sophie Devine in WPL 2024 will require augmenting. A frontline fast bowler to go along with Renuka Singh is a necessity. Yashasri from the Under 19 T20 World Cup-winning team or Falak Naz, both have been pretty handy. The side can also look for a middle-order batter, and Tanusree Sarkar and Tejal Hasabnis could fit the bill. UP Warriorz (UPW) Slots remaining: 3 (1 overseas) Purse remaining: INR 3.9 crore Retained players: Sophie Ecclestone, Deepti Sharma, Tahlia McGrath, Alyssa Healy, Anjali Sarvani, Rajeshwari Gayakwad, Shweta Sehrawat, Kiran Navgire, Grace Harris, Vrinda Dinesh, Poonam Khemnar, Saima Thakor, Gouher Sultana, Chamari Athapaththu, Uma Chetry What Do They Need? UPW’s reliance on overseas stars makes them look for a few Indian batters to strengthen their batting line-up. They do need some finisher to share more responsibility from Deepti Sharma. They would surely go in for a good fast-bowling option after releasing Bell. Dottin can be a great choice, as she is a tremendous power player in the lower order and also with seam-bowling options. Alternatively, Chinelle Henry or Orla Prendergast, both accomplished all-rounders could also be looked at. As the auction looms, all franchises will strategize on their bids and would be keen to fill gaps and make their squads more formidable for the season of 2025. Which player are you keen to see in your favorite WPL team the next season? The Sportz Planet Desk,Atharva Shetye
AUS v IND: What The Pitch Has To Offer At The GABBA?
Australia and India are set to lock horns in the third test at the GABBA in Brisbane and focus will turn to what the GABBA pitch will offer as both sides seek to break the deadlock in the series at 1-1. The GABBA has a history of providing bounce and pace and the state of the pitch could well dictate the outcome. GABBA’s Specialty The GABBA’s reputation as a testing ground for touring teams is already well entrenched, with its lively pitch often revealing the fragilities of the visiting batters who have not had long to settle into the conditions of Australia. The Australian players have long argued for the GABBA to maintain this position as the early summer conditions normally provide much livelier wicket. Insights From The Curator At The GABBA David Sandurski, curator of the GABBA, confirmed that early-summer pitches generally have more bounce and movement, which suits the bowlers. Pitches later in the season might have a bit more wear and tear, while ones early in the season usually are a bit fresher and might have a bit more in them. This is in line with previous trends, where the GABBA has consistently offered more for bowlers earlier in the summer compared to matches played later in the season. Australia To Play Carefully At The GABBA The Australian players know well about the difference in handling of the pitch, based on past experiences and what is going to happen in the latter part of the summer after this instance in 2021. The series against India was lost and Australia was unable to retain the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. India defeated Australia at Brisbane, a venue which Australia had never lost at since 1988. That particular test was played in mid-January. What to Expect At The GABBA? For the third test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, the GABBA pitch is expected to remain as pacey and bouncy as it has been in the past. Sandurski confirmed that the pitch would be prepared to offer good carry and a traditional GABBA wicket. However he also said that there would be a better balance between bat and ball, almost a comparison to the solitary Sheffield Shield game played here in the season so far. In that game, 15 wickets fell on day one and though runs were hard to come by initially, the track did ease out to let batsmen get set and score. An Evenly Poised Contest And if the series level beckons and there seems every prospect that the coming days will see plenty of rain in Brisbane, it promises to be quite an interesting contest. Australia will look to exploit the conditions at the GABBA, while India can look at seeing some form from their top order as they failed to make them appear in the first two tests of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. The pitch appears to be good for everyone and at GABBA, it shall indeed prove to be a fascinating battle. Whom do you think will go one-up in the third test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy? The Sportz Planet Desk,Atharva Shetye