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The monkey was finally off India's back in a roller-coaster 2024 when the financial giants of international cricket ended a 13-year wait for a world title, lost a rare Test series at home and dealt with transition triggered by both expected and unexpected retirements by the stalwarts of the game. There was plenty of action over the last 12 months that kept the loyal Indian fan interested.
Former Pakistan cricketer Basit Ali has backed the Indian team to have the "best chance" of winning in Melbourne against a 'worried' Australian side in the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT). The most anticipated Test series of 2024 is evenly poised at 1-1, with India dominating Australia in Perth and the Baggy Greens bouncing back in Adelaide. The Brisbane Test was covered by dark clouds and eventually washed out by rain. With two Tests remaining and a spot in the World Test Championship final at stake, Basit expects India to claim victory in the Melbourne Test, which begins on Thursday.
India all-rounder Axar Patel shared a heartwarming announcement, on Tuesday, revealing the arrival of his baby boy, Haksh Patel. Axar took to Instagram to share the joyous moment, posting a picture of his son, dressed in a tiny Indian team jersey, holding his parents' hands. "He's still figuring out the off side from the leg, but we couldn't wait to introduce him to all of you in blue. World, welcome Haksh Patel, India's smallest, yet biggest fan, and the most special piece of our hearts," Axar captioned the post.
Indian cricket team star batter Virat Kohli was seen sweating it out in the nets at the Melbourne Cricket Ground ahead of the crucial Boxing Day Test encounter against Australia starting Thursday. According to India Today, Kohli was welcomed with loud cheers by the fans but the star batter requested silence from the spectators as he started his session against the fast bowlers. Virat went on to face Harshit Rana, Prasidh Krishna and a local left-arm pacer during his session. He was also seen having a long conversation with the India pacers regarding the ideal lengths to target while bowling against him.
The trio of Yashasvi Jaiswal, Shubman Gill and Rishabh Pant is aboard "the same boat" when it comes to erratic form in the ongoing Test series against Australia but skipper Rohit Sharma feels none of them should be "overburdened" with suggestions as it would complicate matters. Save Jaiswal's 161 in the second innings in the opening Test in Perth, white-ball vice-captain Gill and maverick match-winner Pant have endured poor scores in the three Tests so far. Jaiswal's struggles in the first innings are well-documented while Gill and Pant have been frittering away good starts.
Team India's pre-match practice at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) ahead of the Boxing Day Test may not have gone as per plan, with stadium pitch curator Matt Page explaining that fresh pitches for the Test match have been prepared only three days prior to the game. India reached Melbourne nearly a week ahead of the Test, and have seemingly practiced for multiple days on unrepresentative pitches for the game. However, Page shut down any claims of bias towards the home side, stating that this has been standard procedure for them throughout.
India captain Rohit Sharma has opened up on the surprise inclusion of all-rounder Tanush Kotian for the remaining Tests against Australia. Following veteran Ravichandran Ashwin's retirement after the Brisbane Test last week, the Indian team added Kotian as a cover on Monday ahead of the Boxing Day Test, starting in Melbourne on December 26. Rohit highlighted that Kotian, who plays his domestic cricket for Mumbai, is aware of the conditions in Australia, and toured the country last month with India A.
MELBOURNE : India captain Rohit Sharma has backed Virat Kohli to overcome his problems with deliveries outside the off-stump in Australia, saying on Tuesday that players of his calibre always find a way to succeed.