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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 Australian cricketer Greg Chappell has heaped praise on Travis Head for his audacious and effective approach against India's pace spearhead, Jasprit Bumrah, during the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy series. In his column for The Sydney Morning Herald, Chappell highlighted Head's ability to not just survive against Bumrah but also counter-attack, disrupting the rhythm of one of the world's most formidable bowlers. Head's performances against Bumrah stand out in a series where many batters have struggled against the Ahmedabad-born pacer's unorthodox action, searing pace, and pinpoint accuracy. Bumrah has picked up 21 wickets in three Tests at a jaw-dropping average of 10.90. Despite Bumrah dismissing Head twice, the left-hander has managed to score 83 runs off him at an average of 41.5 and a blistering strike rate of 91.2.
Harleen Deol underscored her growing maturity with an impressive maiden hundred, the foundation of India's 115-run win over the West Indies in the second Women's ODI in Vadodara. The victory also propelled India to an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match series. Deol (115, 103b, 16x4) powered India's record-equalling 358 for five and she received ample support from Pratika Rawal (76, 86b, 10x4, 1x6), Smriti Mandhana (53, 47b, 7x4, 2x6) and Jemimah Rodrigues (52, 36b, 6x4, 1x6).
Former Indian cricketer and head coach Ravi Shastri shared his thoughts on the performances of cricket's legendary "Fab Four"—Virat Kohli, Steve Smith, Joe Root, and Kane Williamson. Shastri delved into the fluctuating fortunes of these players in the longest format of the game and emphasised the resilience and hunger that still make Kohli and Smith dangerous opponents. While Root and Williamson have enjoyed a phenomenal 2024, scoring six and four Test centuries respectively, Kohli and Smith have managed only one each—both coming during the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy. Root's prolific run in particular has solidified his place as one of the most consistent batters in modern cricket, while Williamson continues to exude elegance and composure at the crease.
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.
Former Australia opener Matthew Hayden has called for Virat Kohli to resist the urge to hit the ball outside the off stump and called upon the example of one of the finest innings played by Sachin Tendulkar during the 2003-04 Border Gavaskar Trophy. Barring Kohli's unbeaten century in the second innings of the first Test at Perth, the 36-year old has struggled with the bat and has constantly been caught with the ball outside the off-stump. Hayden believes the track at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, the venue for the Boxing Day Test, will be suitable for batters and backs the Indian great to come back to form if he can resist the urge to slash at the ball outside the off-stump.
Dr Vivek Dwivedi, treating former India cricketer Vinod Kambli at Aakriti Hospital in Thane, said on Tuesday that the 52-year-old's brain condition is not stable. Kambli was admitted to the hospital on Saturday evening after experiencing muscle cramps and dizziness at home. Earlier in December, Indian cricket icon Sachin Tendulkar met his childhood friend Vinod Kambli and unveiled a memorial for renowned cricket coach Ramakant Vitthal Achrekar at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Park. In the video of their meeting, Kambli appeared frail, raising concerns about his physical and emotional well-being.
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.