Before Rahul Dravid, BCCI approached Ricky Ponting for team India?s head coach role.



Former Australian cricketer Ricky Ponting has revealed that the Indian cricket board was initially looking to have him on board for the coaching role in the senior Indian team, however, he turned down the proposal. It has been come to notice that the former Indian skipper, Rahul Dravid, wasn?t the first choice for high profile job.



Rahul Dravid?s tenure as Indian head coach has gotten underway last night when India faced New Zealand in Jaipur. The new Indian T20I skipper Rohit Sharma registered a win against kiwis by five wickets in the opening match.



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Ponting in a conversation with Grade Cricketers Podcast has revealed that the Indian officials during the Indian Premier League (IPL) reached out to him regarding the roles of team India.?



The Aussie former World cup winning captain denied the offer from the BCCI as he has to give up on his already signed commitments including Delhi Capitals (DC) coaching roles.



?But [in this job] I am living in India for 300 days a year. Yeah, look I had a couple of conversations with some people during the IPL about it,? Ponting said while speaking on The Grade Cricketer podcast.



He further added that the people who approached him were pretty determined to make the deal work.



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?You know the people I spoke to were pretty hell-bent on trying to find a way to make it work because the first thing I said was ?I just can?t give up that time, it will mean I can?t coach in the IPL, I?ll have to give up [Channel] 7 stuff in the summer, it just can?t work?,? he added.



Ricky Ponting has been associated with Delhi based IPL franchise for a couple of years now. Under his watchful eyes, DC has qualified for the playoffs three consecutive times and even made its maiden final appearance during 2020 IPL.



<h2>Ricky Ponting was surprised after Dravid took up reins of the Indian side:</h2>



The Aussie cricking legend was left astonished after he heard of Rahul Dravid taking over as India?s head coach.?



?I?m surprised that Dravid has taken it up as well. There was a lot of chat about how happy he was in his Under-19 role he had. I?m not sure about his family life but I?m sure he has got young kids. So I?m surprised that he took it,? he added.



Several experts believe that Rahul Dravid would have been the only choice for the BCCI had he not shown his reluctance to take over as India?s head coach in the past. Dravid loved his work at NCA and the results are no secret.



The reports suggest that the BCCI has previously approached Dravid several times for similar agenda, however, the former cricketer turned down the offer citing he can?t stay away from his family for long.



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Before Rahul Dravid BCCI approached Ricky Ponting for team India?s head coach role

before-rahul-dravid-bcci-approached-ricky-ponting-for-team-indias-head-coach-role

The time is ticking for India captain Rohit Sharma in Test cricket. As per the reports in PTI, it is learned that the opening batter is all set to play his last match in red-ball cricket at the Sydney Cricket Ground, which will be the last match of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25, provided few conditions. 
Chairman of Selectors Ajit Agarkar is in Melbourne, and he will soon be having a conversation with Rohit Sharma related to his future in Tests. As per the reports, if India fails to reach the final of the series, then the last match of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 will be the last match for India's captain.
This comes after Rohit Sharma's struggles in the Test cricket of last. In the last 8 games, the opening batter has scored just 155 runs at an average of 11.07 and his struggles are visible in the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25, where he has managed just 22 runs from 5 innings. 
After playing two games in the middle order, Rohit Sharma moved back to the top order in the ongoing Melbourne Test. However, the move didn't pay off, as the skipper was back in the hut after facing just 5 balls. He attempted a half-hearted pull shot and was caught by Scott Boland with ease. 
<h2> Rohit Sharma felt uncomfortable while batting in the middle order in the second and third Test matches</h2>
The reports also added that Rohit Sharma felt uncomfortable while batting in the middle order in the second and third Test matches. However, to accommodate him back as an opener, Shubman Gill was dropped from the team for the ongoing game as Washington Sundar replaced him as an all-rounder. 
With their place for the ICC World Test Championship very far away, it is fair to say Rohit Sharma won't be playing any more Tests after the ongoing game. To make it into the final, India will have to win both the remaining games. However, with the way things are going in the ongoing match, Australia look like clear favourites. 
There also have been some other sections of reports that have claimed that a big announcement will be around the corner after the Melbourne Test concludes. It is learned that there will be some big news coming from Indian cricket, especially if the team loses the game. 
If the reports related to Rohit Sharma's retirement after the Sydney Test are true, it's safe to say that the batter will have a great opportunity to turn things around in the remaining three innings. If he sets the stage on fire in three innings, chances are he will continue leading the team.
Also Read: <a href="https://www.icccricketschedule.com/how-much-is-virat-kohli-s-match-fee-what-will-he-get-after-a-20-percent-penalty-at-the-mcg-/#google_vignette">How much is Virat Kohli's match fee? What will he get after a 20 percent penalty at the MCG?</a>

As per the reports in PTI, it is learned that Rohit Sharma is all set to play his last match in red-ball cricket at the Sydney Cricket Ground

Rohit Sharma to retire after Sydney Test, Ajit Agarkar set to talk to captain about his future

rohit-sharma-to-retire-after-sydney-test-ajit-agarkar-set-to-talk-to-captain-about-his-future-

Jasprit Bumrah bowled the worst spell of his career in the Tests during the fourth Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25. The match between the teams is taking place at the Melbourne Cricket Ground in Melbourne. 
Jasprit Bumrah was taken for a lot of runs in the Tests against Australia. The fast bowler returned with the figures of 4/99 in the 28.4 overs. This saw him achieving a wanted record to his name as, for the first time, he gave away more than 90 runs in an innings in his career in Tests. 
Jasprit Bumrah also was hit for four sixes during his spell. It was for the first time in 4562 deliveries that six was hit against him. Sam Konstas slammed the fast bowler for two sixes, while Steve Smith and Mitchell Starc also hit one six each against the premier fast bowler. 
This was only the second time that more than one six in an innings (after England's first innings in 2018 at the Oval) was hit against the fast bowler. This was the first time three or more sixes were hit against the fast bowler. 
<h2>Jasprit Bumrah has been the leading wicket-taker in the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25</h2>
Jasprit Bumrah has been the leading wicket-taker in the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25. The fast bowler has looked a class apart in the series. He picked fifer in Perth and followed it up with the four-fer in Adelaide. The pacer picked 6-fer wickets in Gabba and then four-fer in Melbourne.
Jasprit Bumrah, in the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25, has taken 25 wickets at an average of 13.12 with five-wicket hauls. With the way he is going, he is expected to take more wickets in the series and it won't be a surprise if he goes past 35-mark in the series. 
Coming to the match, Australia had another dominating outing in the ongoing fourth Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25, underway at the Melbourne Cricket Ground in Melbourne. 
They came up with a terrific effort with bat and ball on Day two to put India under pressure. The hosts ended their first innings on 474 and then took five Indian wickets. At stumps, India was 165 for five and is still behind 310 runs.
Read Also: <a href="https://www.icccricketschedule.com/gautam-gambhir-and-rohit-sharma-ordered-to-drop-mohammed-siraj-following-his-worst-performance-/">Gautam Gambhir and Rohit Sharma ordered to drop Mohammed Siraj following his worst performance</a>

Jasprit Bumrah bowled the worst spell of his career in the Tests during the fourth Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25

Shocking! Jasprit Bumrah bowls the worst spell of his career and achieves two unwanted feats

shocking-jasprit-bumrah-bowls-the-worst-spell-of-his-career-and-achieves-two-unwanted-feats-

Former Indian skipper Sunil Gavaskar has ordered skipper Rohit Sharma and head coach Gautam Gambhir to drop Mohammed Siraj for the next game of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. He said that the team should include Harshit Rana and Prasidh Krishna in the team at Sydney. 
Mohammed Siraj has been one of the poor performers for India in the ongoing series against Australia. The fast bowler has failed to provide support to Jasprit Bumrah in the ongoing series, which has been the main reason behind the team's struggles with the ball. 
With Mohammed Siraj failing to take wickets and restrict run flow, all the burden has come on Jasprit Bumrah. The fast bowler has been single-handedly carrying the bowling lineup of the team and is the leading wicket-taker in the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 with 25 wickets to his name. 
Mohammed Siraj has also leaked a lot of runs and his poor effort is the reason why Australia has piled up over 400 runs in the last two games. In the Melbourne Test, he failed to take a single wicket and gave away 122 runs in the 23 overs that he bowled. 
Sunil Gavaskar feels that Mohammed Siraj needs a break and team management needs to tell him that they are dropping him on the basis of his poor performances. While speaking to Star Sports, he explained: 
"I think Siraj, perhaps, needs a little bit of a break. In the sense that, I am not saying a break, he needs to be told that he is left out of the team for non-performance. There has to be a situation where you can’t beat around the bush." 
<h2>If you want to make two changes. Prasidh Krishna and Harshit Rana to support Jasprit Bumrah - Sunil Gavaskar wants Mohammed Siraj to be dropped </h2>
Sunil Gavaskar mentioned that Gautam Gambhir and Rohit Sharma need to directly say to Mohammed Siraj they are dropping him. The batting great also batted for the inclusion of Prasidh Krishna and Harshit Rana. He explained: 
"But I think Siraj needs to be told ‘look, you are not bowling as well as we expected you to on pitches that have been helpful’. That is something that needs to be told. If you want to make two changes. Prasidh Krishna and Harshit Rana to support Jasprit Bumrah. By all means, do that," he concluded.
Do Read: <a href="https://www.icccricketschedule.com/yashasvi-jaiswal-went-past-virat-kohli-to-join-sachin-tendulkar-in-an-elite-list-of-indians-with-his-glorious-82-at-mcg/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Yashasvi Jaiswal went past Virat Kohli to join Sachin Tendulkar in an elite list of Indians with his glorious 82 at MCG</a>

Former Indian skipper Sunil Gavaskar has ordered skipper Rohit Sharma and head coach Gautam Gambhir to drop Mohammed Siraj for the next game of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy

Gautam Gambhir and Rohit Sharma ordered to drop Mohammed Siraj following his worst performance

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In the 2nd day of the Melbourne Boxing-Day Test-match of the 2024-25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy series, the Indian Cricket Team has hit the axe on their own feet. In reply to Australia's first inning score of 474 runs, the Indian batters helped their team reach the score of 153-2 at one point and they were on course of reaching a big score in their first-inning. 
However, in the 41st over, young Indian opening batter Yashasvi Jaiswal got run out after playing a good knock of 86 runs. Lack of co-ordination with Virat Kohli on the other end meant he youngster missed out on the opportunity to slam his 2nd ton versus the Aussies in the ongoing BGT series. On one hand, the threat of a follow on being enforeced is looming over the Indian Team while on the other hand, the run out of Jaiswal sparked a heated argument between Cricket experts Irfan Pathan and Sanjay Manjrekar and the video of the same has gone viral on social media platforms. 
The Men in Blue ended the 2nd day of the Melbourne test at the score of 164 runs for the loss of five wickets and they are still trailing the Kangaroos by 310 runs. Post the conclusion of the 2nd day, Sanjay Manjrekar and Irfan Pathan were discussing the run out of Jaiswal in the post match show of Star Sports. Manjrekar on one hand was seen criticising Kohli while the opinions of Irfan were completely opposite.
Watch the full video <a href="https://x.com/Musafirr_hu_yar/status/1872543107272806770?t=08VDV_x1Pzgs82fX6qIX2g&amp;s=19">here</a>
<h2>Manjrekar had some harsh words to say about Kohli</h2>
First, Sanjay Manjrekar put forward his perspective and said, 
<blockquote>
"The ball was coming at a slower speed, I don't think that Virat would have got run-out in that situation. It was the call of Jaiswal and this run was probably not a free one but Jaiswal was the one who was running at the danger-end not Virat. It was his (Virat's) childish mistake that he looked back and decided that it was not a run. If Yashasvi's judgement was wrong then he would have got dismissed on the non-striker's end."

</blockquote>
<h2>Irfan Pathan hit back at the comments of Manjrekar</h2>
Initiating a counter attack on the views of his fellow commentator, Irfan said, 
<blockquote>
"He (Kohli) was probably not confident about taking that run because the ball went to fielder in a quick manner. Kohli, who was standing at the non-striker's end also has the right to deny a run call if he feels he's at the risk of getting run-out."

After this, Manjrekar said, "If you don't want to let me talk, then it's okay.
</blockquote>
Do Read: <a href="https://www.icccricketschedule.com/steve-smith-goes-past-sachin-tendulkar-and-kohli-sets-the-record-for-the-most-number-of-centuries-in-border-gavaskar-trophy/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Steve Smith goes past Sachin Tendulkar and Kohli, sets the record for the most number of centuries in Border-Gavaskar Trophy</a>

Irfan Pathan (L) and Sanjay Manjrekar (C) in the post match show of Star Sports alongside Jatin Sapru (R) | Image: X (Cricket NDTV)

Cricket Experts Irfan Pathan and Sanjay Manjrekar got involved in a heated exchange with each other on live television following the run out of Yashasvi Jaiswal

Watch:Irfan Pathan and Sanjay Manjrekar get involved in a heated argument over the run out of Yashasvi Jaiswal on live TV

watch-irfan-pathan-and-sanjay-manjrekar-get-involved-in-a-heated-argument-over-the-run-out-of-yashasvi-jaiswal-on-live-tv

India batter Virat Kohli has been the centre of attraction in the ongoing fourth Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 against Australia. The match between the teams is taking place at the Melbourne Cricket Ground in Melbourne. 
Virat Kohli has become the target of Australian media ever since India has reached the Melbourne. He was involved in a fight with Australian media and then, during the ongoing match, was also seen having a heated exchange with young opener Sam Konstas. 
Virat Kohli and Sam Konstas bumped shoulders while moving across the pitch between over, and after that, were seen having a heated argument. This saw Batter facing a lot of criticism for having a go at a young player who was making his debut for Australia. 
The Australian media, along with various Australian experts and former cricketers, went hard at Virat Kohli. Not only this, even the crowd was against the senior India batter as he got boos when the premier batter walked out to bat on the Day Two of the ongoing Test. 
<h2>Virat Kohli looked very solid at the crease and it seemed that he would reply to all the critics in style</h2>
Virat Kohli looked very solid at the crease and it seemed that he would reply to all the critics in style and with his bat. He looked in great touch as he played some crisp shots in his innings and with the way he was going, it was expected that he would get a big score.
Virat Kohli was highly cautious against the balls outside off early on his innings and, along with Yashasvi Jaiswal, added over 100 runs partnership. But the demons of the outside off stump came to haunt him again as he was back in the hut after a valuable start. 
Virat Kohli was removed by Scott Boland as he poked at the ball outside off and was caught by Alex Carey behind the stumps. The premier Indian batter was back in the hut after 36 runs, but what caught the attention of many was he fought with the crowd on his way back. 
Do Read: <a href="https://www.icccricketschedule.com/yashasvi-jaiswal-went-past-virat-kohli-to-join-sachin-tendulkar-in-an-elite-list-of-indians-with-his-glorious-82-at-mcg/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Yashasvi Jaiswal went past Virat Kohli to join Sachin Tendulkar in an elite list of Indians with his glorious 82 at MCG</a>
As he was going inside the dressing room, some of the fans near the entrance told him something. The batter, however, came up back and shared some words with the fans before going back in extreme anger. You can see the video below:

India batter Virat Kohli has been the centre of attraction in the ongoing fourth Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 against Australia

Watch: 'Angry' Virat Kohli fights with fans at MCG after getting out for 36 runs

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In what proves to be a massive and a remarkable achievement, Australian Cricket Team's elite batsman Steven Smith has broken the legendary Sachin Tendulkar's prestigious record following his splendid hundred in the ongoing 4th test-match of the 2024-25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy at the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG). Batting at the fourth spot in the batting-order, the former Aussie skipper slammed an incredible ton, helping the Kangaroos gain the upper-hand in the do-or-die encounter at the iconic stadium. 
The 35-year-old who failed to meet the expectations of the Australian fans in the Adelaide and Perth Test-Matches, rediscovered his magic with the bat with the help of a wonderful ton in the Gabba Test-match. He didn't let his good momentum go away, slamming yet another important century and helped the Kangaroos post a huge first inning score in the Melbourne Boxing-Day Test-match. In this process, the former Australian skipper also broken Tendulkar's record of slamming the highest number of centuries in the history of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy series.
<h3>List of batters to have slammed the highest number of centuries in the history of Border-Gavaskar Trophy Series</h3>
<table id="table-m561o8g4" border="1" style="width: 100.732%; height: 112px;">
<tbody>
<tr id="row0" style="height: 10px;">
<th id="col0" style="width: 46.9242%; height: 10px;">Batter</th>
<th id="col1" style="width: 23.0329%; height: 10px;">Innings</th>
<th id="col2" style="width: 30.0429%; height: 10px;">Hundreds</th>
</tr>
<tr id="row1" style="height: 20px;">
<td id="col0" style="width: 46.9242%; height: 20px; text-align: center;">Steve Smith</td>
<td id="col1" style="width: 23.0329%; height: 20px; text-align: center;">41</td>
<td id="col2" style="width: 30.0429%; height: 20px; text-align: center;">10</td>
</tr>
<tr id="row2" style="height: 20px;">
<td id="col0" style="width: 46.9242%; height: 20px; text-align: center;">Sachin Tendulkar</td>
<td id="col1" style="width: 23.0329%; height: 20px; text-align: center;">65</td>
<td id="col2" style="width: 30.0429%; height: 20px; text-align: center;">9</td>
</tr>
<tr id="row3" style="height: 20px;">
<td id="col0" style="width: 46.9242%; height: 20px; text-align: center;">Virat Kohli</td>
<td id="col1" style="width: 23.0329%; height: 20px; text-align: center;">47</td>
<td id="col2" style="width: 30.0429%; height: 20px; text-align: center;">9</td>
</tr>
<tr id="row4" style="height: 20px;">
<td id="col0" style="width: 46.9242%; height: 20px; text-align: center;">Ricky Ponting</td>
<td id="col1" style="width: 23.0329%; height: 20px; text-align: center;">51</td>
<td id="col2" style="width: 30.0429%; height: 20px; text-align: center;">8</td>
</tr>
<tr id="row5" style="height: 22px;">
<td id="col0" style="width: 46.9242%; height: 22px; text-align: center;">Michael Clarke</td>
<td id="col1" style="width: 23.0329%; height: 22px; text-align: center;">40</td>
<td id="col2" style="width: 30.0429%; height: 22px; text-align: center;">7</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
Prior to his inning of 140 runs at the MCG, Smith had scored the same number of BGT tons as Kohli &amp; Tendulkar. So, elite Indian batter Virat Kohli also has an opportunity to go past the little master and match Smith if he slams a hundred in the Boxing-Day Test.
<h2>Steve Smith goes past Joe Root with his century in Melbourne</h2>
Records keep flowing from the bat of Elite Australian batter Steve Smith and with the help of 34th Test ton in Melbourne, he has now become the player who has scored the most centuries in the history of Test cricket versus the Indian Team i.e 11 centuries.
Before Smith, this record was in the name of England's Joe Root who has slammed 10 incredible tons versus the Men in Blue. Apart from him, the likes of Ricky Ponting, Vivian Richards and Gary Sobers have also scored 8 centuries each against India.
Also, Smith has now equalled Brian Lara, Sunil Gavaskar, Younus Khan and Mahela Jayawadene in terms of scoring the most centuries in the history of the five-day format. All of these legendary players had scored 34 centuries in Test cricket. This is also Smith's 46th century in his international career.
Do Read: <a href="https://www.icccricketschedule.com/yashasvi-jaiswal-went-past-virat-kohli-to-join-sachin-tendulkar-in-an-elite-list-of-indians-with-his-glorious-82-at-mcg/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Yashasvi Jaiswal went past Virat Kohli to join Sachin Tendulkar in an elite list of Indians with his glorious 82 at MCG</a>

Steven Smith of Australia celebrates scoring his 34 test ton in the Boxing-Day Test-match versus India at the MCG | Image: Getty Images

Steven Smith of Australia has broken multiple records with the help of his 34th Test century in the Boxing-Day Test-match versus Team India

Steve Smith goes past Sachin Tendulkar and Kohli, sets the record for the most number of centuries in Border-Gavaskar Trophy

steve-smith-goes-past-sachin-tendulkar-and-kohli-sets-the-record-for-the-most-number-of-centuries-in-border-gavaskar-trophy

Indian players Mohammed Siraj and Virat Kohli were at their aggressive best during Day 1 of the ongoing fourth Test against Australia. The Melbourne Cricket Ground in Melbourne is hosting the Boxing Day Test between the teams. 
Virat Kohli and Mohammed Siraj made sure that they gave the Australian team a taste of their own medicine. The duo were seen continuously going into the head of the opposition batters, in particular Sam Konstas and Marnus Labuschagne. 
As they were all over the Australia batters, Mohammed Siraj had a light conversation with Marnus Labuschagne. It was then that Virat Kohli ordered the pacer to keep the intensity high and told him not to laugh. The batter was passing inputs to the pacer, and it was caught on the stump mic. 
Virat Kohli was heard telling pacer Mohammed Siraj, "Has ke baat nahi karna inse (Don't smile while talking to them)," However, after when Mohammed Siraj  exchanged words with Australian batter Marnus Labuschagne. You can watch the video below: 
<h2>Australia started the fourth Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 on high</h2>
Coming to the match, Australia started the fourth Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 on high. The hosts had a great day with the bat at the Melbourne Cricket Ground in Melbourne. They were off to a brutal start with the bat, thanks to debutant Sam Konstas (60). 
The 19-year-old took the attack to the Indian bowlers, in particular Jasprit Bumrah, from the start and raced away to his half-century. He, along with Usman Khawaja (57), added 89 runs for the opening partnership before Marnus Labuschagne (72) joined Khawaja, and the duo put on 65 runs. 
Steve Smith (68*) also slammed a vital half-century and kept batting till the end. India made a slight comeback after the wicket of Marnus as they picked quick wickets. Alex Carey (31) also came up with a handy effort as Australia ended day one with Smith and skipper Pat Cummins at 311 for six crease.
<h2>"Has ke baat nahi karna inse - Virat KOhli to Mohammed Siraj</h2>

Indian players Mohammed Siraj and Virat Kohli were at their aggressive best during Day 1 of the ongoing fourth Test against Australia.

Watch: "Has ke baat nahi karna inse"- Virat Kohli orders Mohammed Siraj to go hard at MCG

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India captain Rohit Sharma was actively involved in the game during the fourth Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 against Australia. The match between the two teams is taking place at the Melbourne Cricket Ground in Melbourne. 
Rohit Sharma was left pretty frustrated in the first two sessions of the match as Australia had a great time with the bat. The Pat Cummins-led side came up with a magical batting effort, especially from the top four batters Sam Konstas, Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne and Steve Smith, who all slammed half-centuries. 
Rohit Sharma tried different things, but nothing seemed to be going his way as Australia's batters kept smashing runs. This also saw India's captain going hard at his players, and young opener Yashasvi Jaiswal was at the receiving end of the thrashing. 
It happened during Ravindra Jadeja's over when the all-rounder was bowling to Steve Smith. The Australian batter defended the ball, which went straight to Yashasvi Jaiswal, who was standing near the wicket at the square leg region. He came up with a bizarre effort, and this didn't go well with Rohit Sharma. 
 <a href="https://x.com/mufaddal_vohra/status/1872075886947881321" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Virat Kohli vs Sam Konstas</a>
As the ball went towards Yashasvi Jaiswal, instead of fielding, he jumped and saved himself. This made Rohit Sharma angry as he was seen telling the batter: "Ay Jaisu, Gully cricket khel raha hai kya? Niche baith ke reh. Jab tak ball khelega nahi, uthne ka nahi. Niche baith ke reh." You can see the video below: 
However, after the first session, India made a strong comeback as they picked up a few quick wickets and brought themselves back into the game. Jasprit Bumrah, who was taken for cleaners in the first session, picked three wickets and brought some hope for relief for fans. 
Australia at stumps were 311 for six. Steve Smith was unbeaten at 68. India and captain Rohit Sharma will be hoping that they pick early wickets on Day 2 and come up with a better performance with the bat.
Also Read: Do Read: <a href="https://www.icccricketschedule.com/big-blow-for-india-virat-kohli-suffered-punishment-for-his-physical-altercation-with-australia-debutant-sam-konstas-at-the-mcg/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Big Blow for India: Virat Kohli suffered punishment for his physical altercation with Australia debutant Sam Konstas at the MCG</a>
<h2>Watch: Rohit Sharma scolds Yashasvi Jaiswal </h2>

India captain Rohit Sharma was actively involved in the game during the fourth Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 against Australia

Watch: Rohit Sharma attacks Yashasvi Jaiswal with "Jaisu, gully cricket khel raha hai kya?"

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Australia batter Sam Konstas opened up about his fight with Virat Kohli during Day 1 of the ongoing fourth Test against India, which is taking place at the Melbourne Cricket Ground in Melbourne. He said that he was doing his gloves and the senior batter accidentally bumped him. 
The Boxing Day Test between India and Australia started on a high note as day one of the game witnessed an enthralling day of cricket. Not only this, the tensions were high as well as Indian players had their go at the Australian players, and it lifted the crowds. 
One of the highlights of Day 1 came between Virat Kohli and Sam Konstas. The two were engaged in a heated argument in the first session of the day. It was then the Australian debutant started taking attacks on the Indian bowlers and slammed them all over the park. 
Sam Konstas, in particular, slammed Jasprit Bumrah all over the park. He played unorthodox shots and reversed-scooped him for six. While the battle between pacers and batter was going high, Virat Kohli was having a go at a batter behind the stumps. 
But the tensions flared up after the 10th over of the innings. After the over ended, Virat Kohli and Sam Konstas bumped shoulders while moving across the pitch between overs. Immediately after that, they shared a heated exchange of words before Usman Khawaja and umpire Michael Gough interrupted to separate the batters. 
<h2>"I was just doing my gloves. I think he accidentally bumped me - Sam Konstas on fight with Virat Kohli</h2>
This became a massive headline, but Australia batter Sam Konstas has now opened up about the entire incident. He said that Virat Kohli accidentally bumped him but mentioned that he, too, was trying to get into the contest. 
Sam Konstas revealed that he was trying to bring out the best version of himself. He feels that things getting heated up brought the best out of him, and he wants to carry on the confidence in the second innings. Speaking to reporters, he explained: 
"I was just doing my gloves. I think he accidentally bumped me. I think that's just cricket, just the tension. For me, I was just trying to get into the contest. 
"I was just trying to bring the best version of myself against whoever I was facing. It got heated at times, but that's good for me. I feel it brings the best out of me. Hopefully, it carries on in the next innings.". 
Konstas was the shining light for Australia on Day 1. The batter played aggressively and scored 60 runs off 65 balls, which ensured Australia got off to a brutal start with the bat.
Do Read: <a href="https://www.icccricketschedule.com/big-blow-for-india-virat-kohli-suffered-punishment-for-his-physical-altercation-with-australia-debutant-sam-konstas-at-the-mcg/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Big Blow for India: Virat Kohli suffered punishment for his physical altercation with Australia debutant Sam Konstas at the MCG</a>

Australia batter Sam Konstas opened up about his fight with Virat Kohli during Day 1 of the ongoing fourth Test against India.