As India's Test coach, Gautam Gambhir faces a crucial test in the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy series against Australia, as his position could be at risk if the team fails to perform well. There have been reports that the BCCI is considering making a change in the coaching position if India disappoints once again. Gambhir has recently faced criticism for Team India's poor performance in Tests against New Zealand and there have been discussions about potential replacements, including VVS Laxman. These issues were discussed in a 6-hour long meeting between Gambhir, Ajit Agarkar, and Rohit Sharma. However, the presence of disagreements between Gambhir and the team's think-tank raises concerns ahead of the crucial Test series.
India has made bold choices for their first Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25, naming a pace-bowling dominant playing XI with two debutants and a surprise inclusion of Washington Sundar. The spin-bowling allrounder will shoulder a lot of responsibility as the lone spinner in a team that includes names like KL Rahul, Virat Kohli, and Rishabh Pant. Sundar's impressive form in the previous series against New Zealand is what earned him a spot in the team, along with two other notable additions, Devdutt Padikkal and Dhruv Jurel. The Indian team also announced their full squad for the series, with some big names missing, making this a highly anticipated and intriguing matchup.
In the final ODI between Sri Lanka and New Zealand, both teams were looking for a strong finish to a rain-interrupted series. However, the New Zealand top-order finally clicked in the absence of their star players, with Will Young and Henry Nicholls leading the attack. Despite their efforts, the rain prevented any further play and Sri Lanka ultimately secured a 2-0 series victory. This win is promising for Sri Lanka's future in ODI cricket as they continue to build a strong team for the 2027 ODI World Cup. Meanwhile, New Zealand will now focus on the Test series against England.
Rain once again proved to be a spoiler as Sri Lanka's dominance in home conditions continued with a 0-0 draw against New Zealand in the final ODI. Despite putting up fights in the first two games, the Kiwis were unable to take a win on their lengthy subcontinental tour. Sri Lanka, on the other hand, end their season with a brilliant record of just one ODI loss, as they look ahead to their upcoming Test series against South Africa.
Despite being in a precarious position, Sri Lankan cricketer Kusal Mendis showed immense grit and determination as he battled through a groin injury to score an unbeaten 74 runs and guide his team to a thrilling three-wicket victory against New Zealand. This win not only secured Sri Lanka their fifth ODI series win this year, but also broke a 12-year drought of not winning an ODI series against the Black Caps. The third and final match of the series will take place on Tuesday at Pallekele.
After a successful 17-year career, New Zealand's star seamer Tim Southee has announced his retirement from Test cricket. The second highest wicket-taker in New Zealand's cricket history, Southee will play his final match against England at his home ground of Seddon Park in Hamilton. The 35-year-old made his Test debut against England in 2008 and has since taken 385 wickets in 104 Test matches.
The highly anticipated schedule for the upcoming ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2022 has been announced, with a total of 45 matches set to take place across seven venues in Australia. Defending champions Australia will face New Zealand in the opening match at the SCG, while the highly anticipated clash between India and Pakistan will be held at the MCG. The tournament, which runs from October 16 to November 13, will see the top teams battle it out for the coveted trophy.
Team India's preparations for the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy began on a disappointing note as three of their star batters, including captain Virat Kohli, failed to make meaningful contributions in a match simulation in Perth. With the pressure of needing a 4-0 series win against Australia to qualify for the ICC World Test Championship final, India's struggles against New Zealand have put their chances in jeopardy. While Australia have announced their squad, India's lineup is still uncertain, adding to the mounting pressure.
After being away from the Indian squad for a while, Rohit Sharma is back with a bang - this time not on the cricket field, but as a father to a baby boy. This news comes as a massive boost for India as they head into the Border-Gavaskar Trophy against Australia. With Rohit's return to the squad, India could have a formidable line-up to defend their title and silence their critics after the disappointing series whitewash against New Zealand. The senior batter's form will be crucial in India's quest to retain the Border-Gavaskar Trophy for a third consecutive time.
Amid heated debate over a controversial bill that aims to redefine the relationship between the government and Indigenous Maori, the country's parliament was thrown into chaos on Thursday as two lawmakers were ejected and a vote was suspended. The bill, which would specify that Indigenous rights should apply to all New Zealanders, has drawn fervent opposition and sparked protests throughout the country. Despite its unpopularity, the bill passed its first vote due to the political influence of a minor party and reflects a longstanding tension and disagreement over the interpretation and implementation of the 1840 Treaty of Waitangi.