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Border-Gavaskar Trophy: Will wait to make a call on morning of Test, says Morne Morkel on Shubman Gill’s injury scare

Shubman Gill of India talks with Morne Morkel, bowling coach of India during an India Test Squad training session at Optus Stadium on November 20, 2024 in Perth | Photo Credit: Getty Images Shubman Gill has been a quiet presence at the Indian team nets and much speculation has centred around his left thumb injury, suffered during a match-simulation exercise at the WACA Ground here recently. Gill was at the Optus Stadium on Wednesday (November 20, 2024) too while the venue geared up for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy’s first Test from Friday, November 22, 2024.While it is understood that Gill remains a doubtful starter, bowling coach Morne Morkel offered a more guarded perspective while interacting with the media. “...
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On this day in 2009, Sachin Tendulkar touched the peak of 30,000 international runs | Cricket News – Times of India

Sachin Tendulkar (Photo Source: X) On November 20 in 2009, Sachin Tendulkar's mountain of runs in international cricket touched the 30,000 mark -- making him the first batter in the history of the sport to reach the milestone.In the Ahmedabad Test of Sri Lanka's tour of India in 2009, Tendulkar's 35th run in the home team's second innings took his tally of career runs to 30K. He made his start in that innings count and converted it into his 43rd Test century, staying unbeaten at 100 as the match ended in a draw.Tendulkar's tally before that innings stood at 12,777 runs in Tests, 17,178 in ODIs and 10 in T20Is. He finished his career with 15,291 runs in 200 Tests, 18,426 runs in 463 ODIs and 10 runs in the only T20I he played. These included 100 international centuries, which also remains a...
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Kashmir situation under control; all security agencies working in synergy, says CRPF IG

Representational image only. File | Photo Credit: PTI “The situation in Kashmir is under control as all security agencies are working in synergy,” a top Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) officer said in Srinagar, on Wednesday (November 20, 2024).Inaugurating the second edition of CRPF Cup Srinagar Sector, a cricket tournament to be held from November 20 to 28, Inspector General of CRPF (Srinagar Sector) P. K. Sharma said the aim is to have maximum connect with the youth of Kashmir."The situation (in Kashmir) as we all know, is under control... All forces are working in synergy," he said. The CRPF IG inaugurated the second edition of the CRPF Cup Srinagar Sector, a cricket tournament, at the Sher-e-Kashmir sta...
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EXCLUSIVE | Rishabh Pant should get Rs 25-30 crore in IPL Auction: Suresh Raina | Cricket News – Times of India

NEW DELHI: The Indian Premier League (IPL) mega auction is just a few days away and the excitement is building up for what promises to be an exciting event in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia on November 24-25. Plenty of big names have registered and there are high expectations of a bidding war for Rishabh Pant. The wicketkeeper-batter wasn't retained by the Delhi Capitals and is very likely to trigger a bidding war between teams looking for an Indian captain. Former India and Chennai Super Kings (CSK) batsman Suresh Raina feels Pant coming into the auction pool is an opportunity for the youngster to earn the big bucks."We should really look at this as an opportunity. If you see the Australian players, they are getting paid (big money). Then why not our players!," said Raina in an exclusive chat with ...
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The Taj Mahal could be central to India’s 2036 Olympic bid | More sports News – Times of India

A crowd of tourists at the Taj Mahal in Agra. (PTI) New Delhi: Neither Mumbai nor Ahmedabad but the Delhi National Capital Region (NCR) and Agra — home to the Taj Mahal — could be the leading choice for India to host the 2036 Summer Olympics, should the International Olympic Committee (IOC) give them a go-ahead.After India's expression of interest to host the 2036 Olympic and Paralympic Games, the next major step in the process will be identifying the potential host city. So far, Ahmedabad and Mumbai were being seen as the leading choices.India makes formal bid to host 2036 OlympicsAhmedabad was being seen as frontrunner by virtue of being home to the 1.32 lac capacity Narendra Modi cricket stadium while Mumbai, India's financial capital, was being touted to be the other obvious choice giv...
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IPL auction clashing with Perth Test: BCCI generally get their way, says Aaron Finch | Cricket News – Times of India

The upcoming mega Indian Premier League (IPL) auction has been scheduled in the middle of the opening Test of the Border Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) between India and Australia, which has surprised some of the Australian cricketers, including their former T20I captain Aaron Finch.The BGT opener in Perth begins on November 22 and the IPL Auction in Jeddah is scheduled for November 24 and 25, which will be the third and fourth days of the Test match. However, to ensure that the two events don't run simultaneously, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has kept the start-time on both days of the auction as 3 pm IST. By then, the day's play in Perth would have ended. "I just think it's a bit unusual that they've gone up against a Test match at the same time. Understanding the time zones a...
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Hardik Pandya back at top of ICC T20I rankings as Tilak Varma enters Top 10 | Cricket News – Times of India

Hardik Pandya, center, with teammates Tilak Varma and Arshdeep Singh. (AP/PTI Photo) NEW DELHI: Indian cricketers shined in the latest ICC rankings for white-ball cricket, with notable achievements in the T20I format.Hardik Pandya, India's dynamic all-rounder, has once again secured the top spot in the ICC T20I all-rounder rankings.Pandya's return to the number one position follows his stellar performances in India's recent 3-1 T20I series victory against South Africa, where he played a pivotal role with both bat and ball.Young Indian batting sensation Tilak Varma has made a remarkable entry into the top 10 of the ICC Men’s T20I batting rankings, climbing a whopping 69 places following his two centuries and 280 runs for the series against the Proteas.Suryakumar Yadav continues to make an i...
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India-Australia rivalry comparable with Ashes, says Ricky Ponting as he expects intense series

File picture of former Australian cricketer Ricky Ponting | Photo Credit: Action Images via Reuters Ahead of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy series, former Australia captain Ricky Ponting has compared the Australia-India rivalry to that of the Ashes, stating that these battles are among the most anticipated in world cricket.The first Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy will be played at Perth’s Optus Stadium from November 22 onwards.The former Australian skipper has urged both teams to maintain a competitive but fair spirit throughout the series. “Australia-England, with the history of the Ashes, but Australia-India is not far behind that and it’s built up over a long period. I think we all look forward to these sort...
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David Warner backs Nathan McSweeney to shine in Border-Gavaskar Trophy | Cricket News – Times of India

Nathan McSweeney (AP Photo) Former Australian opener David Warner has publicly endorsed Nathan McSweeney as a potential standout performer in the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy. The prestigious Test series between Australia and India is scheduled to commence on Friday in Perth.McSweeney, the 25-year-old captain of the South Australian cricket team, is poised to make his Test debut for Australia. He has been chosen to open the batting alongside the experienced Usman Khawaja in the first Test.Border-Gavaskar TrophyThe opening batsman position became available due to Steve Smith's decision to return to his preferred batting position at number four. McSweeney's recent experience as an opener is limited, stemming from a solitary match against India A in Melbourne. In that game, he registered s...
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T Dilip: ‘Efforts we’ve been putting in …’Coach explains India’s intense fielding drills ahead of BGT opener | Cricket News – Times of India

Team India fielding coach T Dilip (Video Grab) NEW DELHI: With the much-anticipated Border-Gavaskar Trophy just two days away, Team India is leaving no stone unturned in its preparations for the five-match series against Australia, set to commence on Friday in Perth. The intense build-up has seen players participate in focused practice and simulation sessions to sharpen their skills and readiness for the crucial opener. On Wednesday, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) shared a video showcasing Team India’s fielding drills at Perth stadium. Fielding coach T Dilip led the session, outlining the objectives of the high-energy drills aimed at honing key match-specific skills. Border-Gavaskar Trophy"What we wanted to do today is, we want everyone to get together in a team drill but...
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Team India bowling coach picks player to watch out for in Border-Gavaskar Trophy | Cricket News – Times of India

NEW DELHI: Team India bowling coach Morne Morkel has picked Nitish Kumar Reddy as a player to watch in the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy, which begins Friday in Perth.Speaking to the media ahead of the first Test of the five-match series, Morkel praised Reddy for his potential impact."He is one of the young guys. Batting all-round ability. He'll be one guy who can hold one end for us, especially for the first couple of days," Morkel said."Wicket-to-wicket bowler. Any team in the world would want an all-rounder who can help the pacers. It'll be on Jasprit how he uses them. Definitely a guy to keep an eye on in the series," he added.India likely to hand two debuts in first Border-Gavaskar Trophy Test vs Australia in PerthIndia face several selection challenges for the Perth Test in the abs...
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‘Pace and bounce …’: WACA curator Isaac McDonald on pitch for Border-Gavaskar Trophy opener in Perth | Cricket News – Times of India

Andrew McDonald and Daniel Vettori inspect the pitch at Optus Stadium in Perth. (Photo by Paul Kane/Getty Images) NEW DELHI: The opening Test of the highly anticipated Border-Gavaskar Trophy between Australia and India is set to kick off on Friday at Perth Stadium, and all eyes are on the pitch curated by 27-year-old Isaac McDonald. Known for producing some of the fastest and bounciest surfaces in world cricket, the Perth pitch is expected to continue its tradition of challenging both batters and bowlers in equal measure. McDonald, preparing the Test strip at the venue, has been carefully monitoring the conditions, especially with a forecast of up to 10mm of rain over the next few days. The curator is balancing the need to retain enough moisture to prevent excessive cracking with the risk ...
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‘KL Rahul looks a bit down on confidence’: Former India cricketer ahead of Border-Gavaskar Trophy | Cricket News – Times of India

KL Rahul (Photo Source: X) NEW DELHI: Former Indian cricketer Sanjay Manjrekar voiced his concerns about KL Rahul's position as opener for India in the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy match against Australia. The first Test is slated for November 22 at Perth's Optus Stadium.Border-Gavaskar TrophyManjrekar, in conversation with ESPNcricinfo, stated that Rahul's recent form doesn't inspire much confidence."It's not like KL Rahul as an opening option is setting the stage on fire," he said.He further elaborated on his observation of Rahul's current form."You've got to feel for him. I love him as a player and the kind of talent he has, but he looks a bit down on confidence. You don't want someone like him batting at the top of the order because much of the tempo of the innings is set at the sta...
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Exclusive | ‘Rohit Sharma is not indispensable’: Former World Cup winner backs ‘captain’ Jasprit Bumrah ahead of Border-Gavaskar Trophy | Cricket News – Times of India

Rohit Sharma and Jasprit Bumrah (PTI photo) NEW DELHI: Pace sensation Jasprit Bumrah is set to lead Team India in a Test match for only the second time after regular skipper Rohit Sharma recently opted out of the series opener in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy starting on November 22 at Perth.Rohit, 37, reportedly informed the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), the team management, and the national selectors last Sunday about his unavailability for the Perth Test. The Indian captain has stayed back in Mumbai to be with his wife, Ritika, after the birth of their second child.How long will Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, R Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja play?Despite speculation about his potential travel to Perth, Rohit decided to spend more time with his family, putting an end to the rumours....
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Chief selector Ajit Agarkar, coach Gautam Gambhir to work on roadmap – Times of India

Gautam Gambhir and Ajit Agarkar during a press conference in Mumbai. (PTI Photo) NEW DELHI: While all eyes are trained on how the Indian team will fare in the five Tests in Australia from Friday, coach Gautam Gambhir and chief selector Ajit Agarkar will also be working on a roadmap for the future of the white-ball teams, apart from the Test squad.TOI understands that Agarkar has been asked to stay in Australia for the entire length of the tour to work closely with Gambhir and get an understanding of how each player is placed in his career. Following the 0-3 debacle at home against New Zealand, talk of transition has gathered steam.According to BCCI sources, the idea is to ensure that both Agarkar and Gambhir are on the same page on the matter. There has been speculation that there is a lac...
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Gautam Gambhir’s biggest test: Head coach under pressure as Team India gears up for Border-Gavaskar Trophy against Australia | Cricket News – Times of India

After the drubbing at home to New Zealand, the Australia sojourn could be a make-or-break tour for the new head coach, especially with India headed for a period of transitionThe honeymoon period for the Indian cricket team's head coach Gautam Gambhir has ended abruptly. After enduring a humiliating 3-0 whitewash in the Test series against New Zealand on home soil, the former opener finds himself under immense pressure as India gears up for a challenging five-Test series against Australia.Gambhir was brought on board to sustain India's dominance across all three formats. However, India lost a white-ball series in Sri Lanka for the first time in 27 years.Then, to add bruises to the blushes, they were trumped by a modest New Zealand side. It was the worst defeat at home in 91 years and set al...
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Rafael Nadal vs Novak Djokovic: The most contested rivalry – Times of India

Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal (X Photo) Few rivalries in sports have matched the intensity, quality, and longevity of Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic's storied battles. Spanning 18 years and a record-breaking 60 matches, their head-to-head contests defined an era of tennis dominance and captivated fans worldwide. "My greatest rival is Novak Djokovic," Nadal candidly admitted in a 2022 interview, underscoring the unique nature of their relationship. Similarly, Djokovic once remarked, "I respect Rafa, probably more than any other player in the world -- he is the biggest rival I had in my life."The Numbers Behind the RivalryThe pair's encounters included 18 Grand Slam showdowns, with Nadal prevailing in 11 of them, while Djokovic led 31-29 overall. Their meetings were spread across all surf...
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India’s confidence ‘damaged’ but Australia won’t underestimate visitors: Marnus Labuschagne

Marnus Labuschagne. File | Photo Credit: PTI A shattering defeat to New Zealand on home soil would have caused a “little bit of damage” to India’s confidence, but Australia will not make the mistake of underestimating the visitors, said charismatic batter Marnus Labuschagne in Perth on Tuesday (November 19, 2024).The world No. 2 India are heading into the five-Test Border-Gavaskar series, starting in Perth on Friday (November 22, 2024), following their whitewash at home, which ended their 12-year unbeaten run in their own backyard.Australia's middle-order mainstay Labuschagne believes the loss to the Kiwis would have dented India's confidence.“It’s really hard to judge. They played in completely different condi...
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Virat Kohli opens up on favourite knock in Australia ahead of Border-Gavaskar trophy series

Critics are questioning Virat Kohli’s place in the side, but Australia has often been a stage for his redemption. File | Photo Credit: Reuters Ahead of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25, India's star batter Virat Kohli reflected on his best knock in Australia, identifying his century during the 2018/19 series as his favourite.Virat Kohli is a player often celebrated on Australian soil.While his past performances have matched the hype, this series presents a make-or-break scenario for the superstar. He faces the dual challenge of regaining form and overcoming technical struggles while holding on to his spot in the Test side amid pressure from emerging talent poised to step into the playing eleven.“My best knock...
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Anderson could be the most significant IPL signing since Shane Warne

Like everybody else, cricket writers are allowed to have heroes too. Over the years there has been something both heroic and minimalist about Jimmy Anderson that I have found fascinating. Skill in a person who finished with 704 Test wickets, more than any other fast bowler, is a given. The aggression often appeared put on, and in fact was honed through sessions with a psychologist. There have been few sights more rewarding than watching Anderson bowl. He lacked the ferocity of the great West Indies fast bowlers. Nor did he have the metronomic efficiency of Glenn McGrath where evenness meant everything. Anderson had grace and elegance, and remarkable control over swing, effective even in Indian conditions. He said he learnt reverse swing from Zaheer Khan, and once admitted when comm...
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Rafael Nadal could be headed to retirement after losing in Davis Cup Finals | Tennis News – Times of India

Spain's Rafael Nadal competes against Netherlands' Botic Van De Zandschulp during a Davis Cup match at Martin Carpena Sports Hall in Malaga on November 19, 2024. (AP) A retiring Rafael Nadal lost 4-6, 4-6 to Netherlands' Botic van de Zandschulp in a Davis Cup Finals quarter-final singles rubber on Tuesday as the Dutch took a 1-0 lead against Spain.Nadal, who holds 22 Grand Slam titles, has announced his intention to retire from professional tennis after the Davis Cup tournament in Malaga. This decision follows a period marked by injuries.There was uncertainty regarding Nadal's participation until David Ferrer, the team captain, confirmed Nadal's presence in the first singles match of the finals.The Spanish national anthem played as a visibly moved Nadal stood before the cheering crowd, who...
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Rain washes out last ODI between series winner Sri Lanka and New Zealand

Sri Lanka players leave the field after rain stopped play during the third one-day international cricket match between Sri Lanka and New Zealand in Pallekele, Sri Lanka, on Tuesday (November 19, 2024). | Photo Credit: AP Rain ruined New Zealand’s hopes of a consolation win against Sri Lanka after washing out the third and final one-day international on Tuesday (November 19, 2024).Sri Lanka won its fifth One Day International (ODI) series at home this year after beating the Black Caps in the first two rain-disrupted games.New Zealand made its most promising start in the series and reached 112-1 in 21 overs before rain denied further play. Will Young completed his half-century and was unbeaten on 56 while Henry N...
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Hardik Pandya to play Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy under brother Krunal’s captaincy | Cricket News – Times of India

File image of India all-rounders Hardik Pandya, left, and Krunal Pandya (Getty Images) Hardik Pandya will turn up to play the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, India’s domestic T20 tournament, under brother Krunal Pandya’s captaincy. Hardik will bolster the Baroda squad as they look to do one better than runner-up finish from last year’s edition.India's premier all-rounder recently featured in the four T20Is vs South Africa and will now join the Baroda squad for what is going to be a star-studded tournament featuring plenty of international regulars. Hardik last played in the SMAT back in the 2016 edition as his India commitments didn't allow him a window to feature for the domestic side.Krunal, meanwhile, has been in top touch and has had a stellar start to the domestic season. The southpaw led Ba...
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Blind T20 World Cup: Indian cricket team not to travel to Pakistan, government denies permission

Logo of Indian blind cricket team The Indian blind cricket team will not compete in the T20 World Cup as the government has denied it permission to travel to Pakistan due to security concerns, the national federation said on Tuesday (November 19, 2024). The Indian team was supposed to cross the Wagah border on Wednesday (November 20, 2024) for the event, scheduled to be held from November 23 to December 3. The Indian blind cricket team had got a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the sports ministry for participation but apparently couldn't get clearance from the MEA. "We have been told unofficially that the blind team will not be permitted to travel to Pakistan. We were scheduled to travel to Wagah border tomorrow. But as of now no clearance has come...
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Rafael Nadal overwhelmed by emotions in farewell Davis Cup appearance. | Tennis News – Times of India

Rafael Nadal. (Video Grab) NEW DELHI: Rafael Nadal, one of tennis' greatest icons, was visibly emotional during the national anthem in what marked his farewell appearance at the Davis Cup.The legendary Spaniard, known for his passion and patriotism, was moved to tears as the anthem played, symbolizing the end of an era in the prestigious team competition.The 38-year-old tennis legend Nadal, set to retire after the tournament, was chosen by Spain's Davis Cup captain David Ferrer to face Botic van de Zandschulp of the Netherlands in the opening singles match of the quarter-finals in Malaga.The Davis Cup marks the final chapter of Nadal's illustrious 23-year career. A 22-time Grand Slam champion, Nadal has faced persistent injury setbacks in recent years, ultimately leading to his decision to...
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‘Self-belief matters the most in…’: Jasprit Bumrah ahead of Border-Gavaskar Trophy against Australia | – Times of India

Jasprit Bumrah. (Pic Credit - X) NEW DELHI: India's premier fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah emphasised that confidence in oneself is paramount, regardless of playing conditions ahead of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy against Australia.With India aiming to secure a spot in the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) final for the third consecutive time, following their disappointing series defeat to New Zealand at home, the spotlight remains on the skilled paceman. His ability to deliver breakthrough performances at critical moments has earned him recognition as India's reliable match-winner.India likely to hand two debuts in first Border-Gavaskar Trophy Test vs Australia in PerthIn his interview with 7Cricket, Bumrah, who is set to captain the side in the opening Test, revealed that the Indian team's str...
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