sports.ndtv.com - India's Playing XI vs Australia: Rohit Sharma's Selection Hint For CT 2025 Semifinal, Pinpoints Tempting Factor

India's Playing XI vs Australia: Rohit Sharma's Selection Hint For CT 2025 Semifinal, Pinpoints Tempting Factor

India captain Rohit Sharma did not commit to following the four-spinner template in the Champions Trophy semifinal against Australia, but said Varun Chakravarthy's splendid effort against New Zealand has made that option very “tempting.” India played with Chakravarthy, Kuldeep Yadav, Ravindra Jadeja and Axar Patel and the quartet wrecked the Kiwis, sharing nine wickets among them in their team's 44-run win here on Sunday. “We really need to think, even if we want to play four spinners, how we can squeeze four spinners. The reason I say it is because we are very much aware of the conditions here and we know exactly what works and what doesn't work,” Rohit said in his pre-match press conference.

"They've Seen What The Pitch...": Steve Smith Veers Into India's 'Venue Advantage' Row Ahead Of CT 2025 Semi-Final

Australia captain Steve Smith indicated a larger role for spinners on a dry pitch in Dubai, and said his side's fortunes in the Champions Trophy semifinal on Tuesday depend on how they negate the Indian slow bowlers. India employed four spinners against New Zealand in their final Group A match here on Sunday, and choked a capable Kiwis batting unit to register a 44-run win. "I think not just Chakravarthy, I think the rest of their spin has quality as well. So I think for us, the game is probably how we play their spin. Yeah, it's going to be a challenge,” Smith said on Monday, on the eve of the last-four match against India.

"Rohit Sharma Is Fat" Comment Row To Demoralise India in CT 2025? BCCI's 'Unfortunate' Response

BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia on Monday slammed Congress spokesperson Shama Mohamed for questioning India captain Rohit Sharma's captaincy credentials and fitness levels, saying it was very unfortunate for a responsible person to pass such a trivial comment in the middle of the national team's Champions Trophy campaign. India have reached the semifinals of the ICC event and play Australia in the semifinal in Dubai on Tuesday. They beat New Zealand on Sunday to top their group. "Very unfortunate for a responsible person to pass such a trivial comment when the team is in the midst of such a marquee ICC tournament. It may have demoralising effect on an individual or the team," Saikia told PTI.

Prague Masters: R Praggnanandhaa Draws With Aravindh Chithambaram

Grandmaster R Praggnanandhaa played out a draw with fellow Indian Aravindh Chithambaram as the two stayed a full point ahead of nearest challengers after the fifth round of Prague Masters chess tournament. With 3.5 points in their kitty, Aravindh and Praggnanandhaa are now followed by top seed Wei Yi of China, Anish Giri of Holland, Quang Leim Le of Vietnam and Vincent Keymer of Germany, who all have 2.5 points apiece. Sharing the sixth spot are the remaining four contestants, Czech duo of David Navara and Nguyen Thai Dai Van, Sam Shankland of United States and Gurel Ediz of Turkey.

Domestic Cricket Legend Padmakar Shivalkar Dies At 84, Sunil Gavaskar Pays Tribute

The legendary Sunil Gavaskar on Monday paid an emotional tribute to Mumbai stalwart and domestic cricket legend Padmakar Shivalkar, who died here at the age of 84, saying that the left-arm spinner "deserved India cap more than some others who got it". Shivalkar, one of the best spinners of the country who never got to play for the national team, died on Monday due to age-related issues. Gavaskar penned an emotional message on the passing away of Shivalkar, which follows the demise of ex Mumbai captain and chief selector Milind Rege on February 19.

"Pathetic, Uncalled For": Ex-India Star's Brutal Take On 'Rohit Sharma Fat-Shaming' Row

Former Indian cricket team fast bowler Venkatesh Prasad was extremely critical of Congress spokesperson Shama Mohamed over her comments about Rohit Sharma. During India's Champions Trophy 2025 match against New Zealand, she took to social media to call Rohit 'fat'. “Rohit Sharma is fat for a sportsman! Need to lose weight! And of course the most unimpressive Captain India has ever had,” Shama wrote in a post which she deleted later. However, the comments from Shama Mohamed resulted in a massive backlash and Prasad went to call them "absolutely pathetic" and "uncalled for".

Beth Mooney Smashes 96* As Gujarat Giants Thrash UP Warriorz By 81 Runs In WPL

Beth Mooney smashed an unbeaten 96 as an all-round Gujarat Giants thrashed UP Warriorz by 81 runs in a one-sided Women's Premier League match in Lucknow on Monday. Mooney missed out what could have been the first century for any player this WPL season but her 59-ball unbeaten knock with 17 fours powered Gujarat Giants to a formidable 186/5, against which the hosts crumbled without any resistance. Chasing a target of 187, UPW could only make 105 from 17.1 overs as the Giants climbed up from the fifth spot to the second in the points table. UPW, who were placed third before the game, are now fifth.

Champions Trophy: India Smash Pakistan's All-Time Record With Spin Dominance Against New Zealand

Team India continued its unbeaten run in the ICC Champions Trophy, making it three wins out of three in the Group A to qualify for the semi-finals as group leaders. Despite putting a mediocre total of 249 runs on the board, India managed to beat the Kiwis to continue their rampant run. It has to be noted that 9 of the 10 wickets Indian bowlers took to bowl out the opponents for 205, came to spinners. In the process, India managed to break a long-standing Pakistan record in the Champions Trophy.

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India's Playing XI vs Australia: Rohit Sharma's Selection Hint For CT 2025 Semifinal, Pinpoints Tempting Factor

"They've Seen What The Pitch...": Steve Smith Veers Into India's 'Venue Advantage' Row Ahead Of CT 2025 Semi-Final

"Rohit Sharma Is Fat" Comment Row To Demoralise India in CT 2025? BCCI's 'Unfortunate' Response

Prague Masters: R Praggnanandhaa Draws With Aravindh Chithambaram

Domestic Cricket Legend Padmakar Shivalkar Dies At 84, Sunil Gavaskar Pays Tribute

"Pathetic, Uncalled For": Ex-India Star's Brutal Take On 'Rohit Sharma Fat-Shaming' Row

Beth Mooney Smashes 96* As Gujarat Giants Thrash UP Warriorz By 81 Runs In WPL

Champions Trophy: India Smash Pakistan's All-Time Record With Spin Dominance Against New Zealand