IND vs AUS: Veteran Indian batter and skipper of the Indian test side, Rohit Sharma, might miss a few of the opening matches in the forthcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy owing to personal reasons. Reports suggest that Sharma has communicated his situation to the BCCI, though nothing has been made official from their end. The Indian team is scheduled to feature in the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy, which will be held from the 22nd of November, with the first test at Perth. Rohit is currently under a busy red-ball schedule, as he has currently featured in a two-match test series against Bangladesh and will also be seen gearing up to lead the Indian side against the Kiwis this October. If Rohit can resolve his issue before the BGT, then he might feature in all of the matches of the series, while if not, then Abhimanyu Easwaran, who is supposed to lead the India A team, might be brought in to replace the Indian opener. However, the team has the likes of Shubman Gill and KL Rahul, who have extensive experience in taking over the role of an opener in the absence of their skipper. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Rohit Sharma?s recent form in red-ball cricket </h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://admin.icccricketschedule.com/uploads/2024/10/Disappinting-form-for-the-Indian-skipper.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-148473" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Rohit Sharma struggled with the bat against Bangladesh (Image Credit: myKhel)</figcaption></figure>



After, Sharma recently helped India begin their quest for the third consecutive WTC final in 2025 with a comfortable win over Bangladesh with a 2-0 victory. Though this time around his form saw a major dip, as he averaged 10.50, though he was India?s best-ranked ICC test batter before the start of the series. India is at the top of the points table of the WTC, as his next assignment begins on the 16th of October with a three-match test series against New Zealand. With this home series, Sharma would be in the quest to restore his stunning form in red-ball cricket to mark his commanding presence in the BGT before he sets foot on Australian soil to secure a hat-trick of wins on Australian soil. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Rohit Sharma?s role in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy</h2>



The Indian skipper would be a very vital player for the Men in Blue in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25. Rohit?s ability on the back foot is what makes him a very important asset to the Indian team on Australian soil. Rohit is one of the finest players of a short ball, as he can be identified as the finest player of the pull shot, following the trademark of the great Aussie batter and skipper Ricky Ponting. Also, his aggressive intent is what hands his team a perfect start at the top of the order. The record for Rohit Sharma in Australia does not look great by his standards, as he has 408 runs scored over 7 Tests at an average of 31.38 without a century. However, when the Indian team in the WTC is considered, Rohit has been their highest scorer, with the most hundreds scored as well. 



ALSO READ: <a href="https://www.icccricketschedule.com/womens-t20-world-cup-2024-chances-of-india-womens-qualification-into-the-semi-finals-all-scenarios-explained/">Women?s T20 World Cup 2024: Chances of India Women?s Qualification into the Semi-finals: All scenarios explained</a>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Who can be Rohit?s deputy for the role of Indian skipper?</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://admin.icccricketschedule.com/uploads/2024/10/Bumrah-or-Pant-1024x534.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-148472" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Jasprit Bumrah or Rishabh Pant might be Rohit's deputy in the upcoming BGT (Image Credit: Cricket Times)</figcaption></figure>



Since there was no official player in the role of vice-captain of the Test team, India currently has no deputy player in the role in the longer format of the game against Bangladesh. However, many such players have been considered for the role, while they have the likes of Shubman Gill, India?s deputy across all other white-ball formats. While experienced hats like <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jasprit_Bumrah">Jasprit Bumrah</a> and Rishabh Pant are also placed into the side, who can be considered for such a role? "I wouldn't look at them as youngsters anymore. Yes, they are youngsters in terms of age and the amount of cricket they have played. But, I think overall, mentally and in their development as a cricketer, I think they have the leadership qualities that are required. You don't need to have a vice-captain that should be designated," claimed Abhishek Nayar on assigning the role of vice-captain to some player in the Indian team.

IND vs AUS: No Hitman in BGT!! Reports speculate that Indian skipper Rohit Sharma might miss a few matches in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy; search over deputy continues||

IND vs AUS: No Hitman in BGT!! Reports speculate that Indian skipper Rohit Sharma might miss a few matches in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy; search over deputy continues

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IND vs AUS Border-Gavaskar Trophy: India is all set to tour the Aussie island for a five-match series in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, named after the two legends of the game from both nations. India will tour Australia for a red-ball series after a three-year break in 2021, where India emerged the proud winners, while the series this time is scheduled from 22nd November at every iconic venue in Australia. The BCCI earlier this week announced the squad for the Indian travel that will travel to Australia for the BGT. Some notable omissions, along with some very fresh recruits, took the cricketing world by surprise. 



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 Last time India visited Australia, they included the likes of Cheteshwar Pujara, Ajinkya Rahane, and Shardul Thakur, who have been left out this time despite Pujara being in the best of forms with the bat both in the Ranji Trophy and the County Championship this season. Senior pacer <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mohammad_Shami">Mohammad Shami</a> is not yet available based on his recovery schedule from an injury he faced during the World Cup back in 2023. In his absence, the Indian pace deck will be led by ace bowler Jasprit Bumrah, as he will have the likes of Mohammad Siraj, Akash Deep, and Harshit Rana alongside him, none of whom have played a single red-ball match in the country. Raising questions on the same, former Indian selector for the BCCI back in 2020, Sunil Joshi slammed the selectors with harsh words over ignoring experience for such a vital series en route to the WTC. 



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ALSO READ: <a href="https://www.icccricketschedule.com/ind-vs-nz-kane-williamson-was-ruled-out-of-the-third-test-while-the-uncapped-pacer-has-been-drafted-into-indias-squad-for-the-third-wankhede-test/">IND vs NZ: Kane Williamson was ruled out of the third test, while the uncapped pacer has been drafted into India?s squad for the Third Wankhede Test</a> He directly took names of players, as he mentioned the likes of Shardul Thakur and T Natrajan among the players who could have had the experience India needed under such conditions. Alongside Pant, he also had the backs of Pujara and Hanuma Vihari, once an Indian player who had been left out of the squad for a long time now. His faith in the likes of Shardul Thakur, Pujara, and Natrajan?s experience seemed far more compelling than the inclusion of youngsters in Harshit Rana, NK Reddy, and lastly, promising batter Abhimanyu Easwaran.



ALSO READ: <a href="https://www.icccricketschedule.com/ind-vs-aus-border-gavaskar-trophy-with-steven-smith-destined-to-be-back-at-no-4-these-players-are-auditioning-for-the-opening-spot-in-the-australian-11/">IND vs AUS Border-Gavaskar Trophy: With Steven Smith destined to be back at No. 4, these players are auditioning for the opening spot in the Australian 11</a>

IND vs AUS Border-Gavaskar Trophy: ?Pujara, Shardul, and Natrajan, gone birds for India selection? Former Indian selector slams BCCI over inexperienced squad selection for the BGT 2024-25

ind-vs-aus-border-gavaskar-trophy-pujara-shardul-and-natrajan-gone-birds-for-india-selection-former-indian-selector-slams-bcci-over-inexperienced-squad-selection-for-the-bgt-2024

IND vs AUS: India?s campaign at the Border-Gavaskar Trophy is a highly anticipated contest, especially with the loss faced in the home test series against New Zealand. India would now be in the quest to secure a 4-0 victory in the BGT. The first test which is scheduled for the 22nd of November, will be held in Perth. The Indian skipper Rohit Sharma has not conveyed anything as of now, while Rohit revealed that he is unsure of continuing in the initial one or two BGT games owing to personal reasons. Instead of the skipper, promising Indian opener <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Abhimanyu_Easwaran">Abhimanyu Easwaran</a> has been added as an optional opener. However, great Indian cricketer, Sunil Gavaskar has shed light that in case Rohit Sharma misses out on the first test, Bumrah who has been seen as his deputy should step in as the skipper not only for the First test but the entire series. 



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 Detailed analysis says, that the new skipper would be under extreme scrutiny and pressure ahead of the first test, especially with the players down on morale due to their loss in the home series. Keeping Bumrah a skipper for all five matches would give him his dependency back. ?I have been reading that Rohit Sharma might not play the first two Tests of the Australia series. I feel that, in that case, the selection committee should appoint Jasprit Bumrah the captain of the side for the entire Australia tour, and tell Rohit Sharma that you will participate as a player in this series. For the first Test match, Rohit Sharma has to be there,? he added.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Gavaskar?s blunt remark on India can?t beat Australia 4-0 in the BGT </h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://admin.icccricketschedule.com/uploads/2024/11/Sunil-Gavaskar-New-1024x576.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-149252" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Sunil Gavaskar doubts India's chances to secure 4-0 victory at the BGT (Image Credit: Crictoday)</figcaption></figure>



India who are in need of securing a 4-0 victory in the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy, to fancy their chances properly into the World Test Championship. Gavaskar feels that the visitors won?t be able to advance comfortably with such results. However, the players should still focus on beating the Aussies and creating a unique record in the history of the BGT. ?No, I don?t. I actually don?t. India cannot beat Australia 4-0 in the Test series. If they do that, I would be over the moon if they do that. But 4-0. India can win 3-1, 4-0 is, don?t talk about the World Test Championship final. Now just focus on trying to win the series in Australia. Never mind whether you win 1-0, 2-0, 3-0, 3-1, 2-1. But go and win. Because that is how all of us Indian cricket fans are going to be back to feeling good again,? Gavaskar concluded.



ALSO READ: <a href="https://www.icccricketschedule.com/ind-vs-aus-border-gavaskar-trophy-pujara-shardul-and-natrajan-gone-birds-for-india-selection-former-indian-selector-slams-bcci-over-inexperienced-squad-selection-for-the-bgt-2024/">IND vs AUS Border-Gavaskar Trophy: ?Pujara, Shardul, and Natrajan, gone birds for India selection? Former Indian selector slams BCCI over inexperienced squad selection for the BGT 2024-25</a>

IND vs AUS: Former Indian great backs veteran pacer as India Test Captain for the entire Border-Gavaskar Trophy replacing Rohit Sharma seeking initial absence|

IND vs AUS: Former Indian great backs veteran pacer as India Test Captain for the entire Border-Gavaskar Trophy replacing Rohit Sharma seeking initial absence

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IND vs AUS 1st Test: The all-hyped India vs Australia test series is just a couple of days away, but the dilemma for the Indian side to pick the opening partner of Yashasvi Jaiswal is still up. Here, in this post, we will walk you through the possible opening options for India for the IND vs AUS 1st Test.



The Perth Stadium is all set to host the first test of the five-match test series between India and Australia. The market of predictions and expectations is on the heat and between all that, the Indian team dealt a blow of Shubman Gill getting ruled out of the first test due to the fracture in his finger.



Yashasvi Jaiswal is holding one end and the concerns are for his partner. Rohit Sharma, the Indian skipper is currently not available for the first test so BCCI was pretty aware of the situation and added a couple of opening options in the squad.



One of the options is Abhimanyu Easwaran, KL Rahul is the other one, and last but not least, the team can land a surprising partner of Jaiswal.



Let's take a look at all the options available one by one:



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Jaiswal's Partner to Open in the IND vs AUS 1st Test</h2>



1- Abhimanyu Easwaran: A Dehradun-born brilliant young talent with skyscrapers of runs and stats. His bat has mounted some big runs in first-class cricket and he has got his chance here in Australia. His First Class average is just below 50 with the highest score of 233.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://admin.icccricketschedule.com/uploads/2021/07/Abhimanyu-Easwaran.jpg" alt="IND vs ENG: Cheteshwar Pujara to RETURN, 3 Players who can replace Virat Kohli for India vs England test" class="wp-image-65386" /></figure>



He has scored three big hundreds in his last eight innings, but his form has been lost in his last four innings in Australia. In two warm-up matches between India A and Australia A, his scores were 7 &amp; 12, and 0 &amp; 17 which is raising concerns. However, he is most likely to open with Jaiswal in the IND vs AUS 1st Test.



2- <a href="https://www.espncricinfo.com/cricketers/kl-rahul-422108">KL Rahul</a>: In the press conference before the tour, Gambhir indicated about this option as well when he said, ?He?s kept wickets in One-Day format as well. So, imagine how many countries have players like KL who can actually open the batting and can bat at No. 6 as well? I feel that if need be, he can do the job for us. Especially if Rohit is not available for the first Test.?



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://admin.icccricketschedule.com/uploads/2021/08/KL-Rahul-in-Test.jpg" alt="KL Rahul" class="wp-image-66503" /></figure>



Keeping these things aside, KL Rahul doesn't have that good numbers in Australia. In the five matches he has played in Australia, his batting average is 20 which includes a century as well. However, he is a quality player and he can handle the swinging ball at the top, which makes him a good contender to open.



3- Rishabh Pant: The chances are negative for this selection but Rishabh Pant has opened the innings for India in the test format in the past and he can do it in Australia as well. But, the head coach Gautam Gambhir likes a left-hand-right-hand combination so this may be his least likely choice to open with.



4- Virat Kohli: No team would want to put their best weapon in the frontline when the opponent is Australia so this option is also not likely to happen but Gautam Gambhir may consider him as an option.



Nevertheless, Abhimanyu Easwaran is most likely to be the opening partner of Yashasvi Jaiswal and India's playing11 could be:



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">India's Probable Playing11</h2>



Abhimanyu Easwaran, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Sarfaraz Khan, Virat Kohli, KL Rahul, Rishabh Pant, Ravindra Jadeja, Ravi Ashwin, Jasprit Bumrah (C), Siraj, Akash Deep.



READ:<a href="https://www.icccricketschedule.com/ind-vs-aus-former-indian-captain-sheds-light-on-rohits-expected-return-as-team-india-is-in-need-of-leadership-at-the-border-gavaskar-trophy-2024-25/"> IND vs AUS: Former Indian captain sheds light on Rohit?s expected return as Team India is in need of leadership at the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25</a>

Who Could Partner Jaiswal to Open in the IND vs AUS 1st Test? Indepth Analysis!

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Indian skipper Rohit Sharma, who missed the first test in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, has been in the buzz ever since the beginning of the series. The World Cup-winning skipper, who was largely praised earlier in 2024 for having led the Indian side to a World Cup final and then winning a T20 World Cup, has faced serious criticism for his tactical decisions as well as leadership roles alongside his batting performances, which have been under scrutiny. 

The Indian batter has been under the radar since India’s 3-0 loss at home against New Zealand. The disappointing series has also raised discussions about the team’s overall batting depth and approach, placing additional scrutiny on his role within the squad.

<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rohit_Sharma">Rohit Sharma</a> skipped the first Test match of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Perth due to the birth of his second child. Jasprit Bumrah stepped up as the stand-in captain in his absence and led the team to an impressive victory. Bumrah’s leadership was widely praised, as ever since then, India has failed to put on a promising show in any of the matches that followed.

<h2 dir="ltr">3 reasons why Rohit Sharma should retire from Test cricket</h2>

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Is it time for Rohit Sharma to drop the curtains on his glorious career? (Image Credit: X)

<h3 dir="ltr">1: Inconsistent Performances</h3>

The legendary Indian opener, who has had a decorated career in limited-overs cricket, has never been equally promising while facing the red ball. However, the ongoing WTC marked some solid test performances from Rohit initially under home conditions as he turned into one of India’s leading run-getters before facing a serious dip in form. 

Though Sharma has been a consistent performer, mostly at home, he has often failed to perform in the SENA countries against top-quality bowling attacks. However, as of now, his inconsistency seems to be severely affecting the team’s overall performance in vital matches. 

<h3 dir="ltr">2: No impact in the leadership role in Tests</h3>

Though Rohit Sharma remains only the third Indian skipper to have won an ICC trophy with the side and his captaincy has received widespread recognition in the limited overs format, he has not had an impact in the longest format of the game. 

Sharma has often looked baffled and clueless over decisions to be made when it came to tactical presence for the longest format of the game, and possibly letting go of the role might help him focus on limited-overs cricket and the team to explore other players in a leadership role. 

<h3 dir="ltr">3: Opportunities for Emerging Players</h3>

Undoubtedly, India is one of the biggest powerhouse nations for cricketing talent, and letting go of a player like Rohit Sharma who is in his lows after having relished his decade-long career would only open new doors for such talented players to come in and portray their dominance in the longest format while representing India at the international front.

ALSO READ: <a href="https://www.icccricketschedule.com/-rohit-thank-you-for-your-service-massive-statement-comes-on-india-retirement-/">Thank You for your service Rohit, massive statement on Indian skipper's retirement speculation</a>

Skipper under scrutiny - Reasons Rohit Sharma should retire from Test cricket (Image Credit: X)

Indian skipper Rohit Sharma, who missed the first test in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, has been in the buzz ever since the beginning of the series.

Indian skipper Rohit Sharma has faced serious criticism for his tactical decisions as well as leadership roles alongside his batting performances, which have been under scrutiny

Three reasons why Rohit Sharma should retire from Test cricket

three-reasons-why-rohit-sharma-should-retire-from-test-cricket

The fifth and final test between India and Australia started on Friday at the Sydney Cricket Ground. The first day has completed, but the biggest story is the Indian captain, Rohit Sharma. The 37-year-old opted to sit out for the final test, and Jasprit Bumrah led in his absence.
His decision has raised concerns over his future in the Indian test team as he is also going through a very bad phase with the bat. However, according to some media reports, Rohit has played his last test for India at the MCG and might not return in white. The report from Indian Express indicates that selectors are looking beyond Rohit in test cricket.
There are chances that the Indian captain might announce his retirement after the ongoing SCG test. If it happens, India need someone to bat at the top or replace him. Here we will talk about three possible replacements for Rohit Sharma in tests.
<h2>Three Players who can replace Rohit Sharma in whites if he retires after the SCG test</h2>
1. Shubman Gill
Shubman Gill started as an opener in tests but shifted to no. 3 after India dropped Cheteshwar Pujara. But his numbers at no. 3 haven't done justice to his decision. India might need someone solid at the top, and Gill presents that technique. He can shift to the top of the order if Rohit retires from tests. He will give India a right-hand and left-hand option at the top with Yashasvi Jaiswal.
2. Abhimanyu Easwaran
Just like many Indian stars, Abhimanyu Easwaran is another name that has been knocking on the door of the Indian test side for the last couple of years now. He has been included in the squad many times but is still looking to get his maiden cap. He is a prolific scorer at the domestic level and is a gifted top-order batter. If given a chance, he can be a solid top-order batter. India can groom him into a good option to replace Rohit Sharma.
3. Nitish Kumar Reddy
This could be an out-of-the-box choice, but Nitish Kumar Reddy has certainly shown great composure for India in the ongoing BGT series. He has scored 294 runs at an average of 42 and is the third highest scorer in the series. He has shown that he has good technique to handle the bounce and pace. Currently, Reddy batting at no. 8 is not ideal for a talented batter like him. Just like Sam Konstas for Australia, he can be a fearless top-order batter if given a chance.

Rohit Sharma was dropped from the playing XI for the fifth and final test against Australia at the Sydney Cricket Ground.

3 Players who can replace Rohit Sharma at the top if he announces his retirement after the SCG Test

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Former Australia captain Ricky Ponting has picked his two finalists for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. The Punjab Kings head coach didn't shy away from naming India and Australia as two finalists but also stressed that Pakistan will be top contenders too. 
The ICC Champions Trophy 2025 is less than 20 days away from now. The eight-nation event will be taking place from 19th February, with hosts Pakistan taking on New Zealand in the opening game at the National Stadium in Karachi. 
All 8 teams participating in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 have been playing a consistent brand of cricket for the last few months. With the kind of form they are in, it is expected that it will be a breathtaking tournament to see. 
<h2>It's hard to go past India and Australia again - Ricky Ponting picked his finalists for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025</h2>
With all the teams set to give their best in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, Ricky Ponting picked his finalists for the tournament. He said that it's hard to go past India and Australia, highlighting how both teams have fared in ICC events. Speaking to ICC, he said: 
“It's hard to go past India and Australia again. Just think about the quality of players in both countries right now, and you look back in recent history when these big finals and big ICC events have come around, and inevitably, Australia and India are there somewhere." 
India and Australia also played in the final of the ICC World Cup 2023. Both the teams were exceptional in the tournament as they entered the final based on winning streaks before the Pat Cummins-led side won the game and lifted their 6th title in history. 
Ricky Ponting also went on to say that Pakistan will be one of the teams to watch out. He said that the Mohammad Rizwan-led side has sorted most of their things and will be dangerous in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025.
Also Read: <a href="https://www.icccricketschedule.com/most-runs-most-wickets-in-ind-vs-aus-t20i-series-2025/">Most Runs, Most Wickets in IND vs AUS T20I Series 2025</a>

Ricky Ponting names finalists for ICC Champions Trophy 2025  {PC:X}

Former Australia captain Ricky Ponting has picked his two finalists for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025

With all the teams set to give their best in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, Ricky Ponting picked his finalists for the tournament

India, Pakistan, Australia or South Africa? Ricky Ponting names finalists for ICC Champions Trophy 2025

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India head coach Gautam Gambhir talked about the team's game against Pakistan in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. He said that they won't go into the tournament focusing on just one game as they want to win every game in the event. 
The ICC Champions Trophy 2025 is all set to begin from 19th February in Pakistan, and India will be playing all their games in Dubai. The Rohit Sharma-led side will be opening their campaign in the tournament against Bangladesh as the match will be taking place on 20th February. 
After that, one of the biggest matches of India will come as they are all set to lock horns with arch-rivals Pakistan. The match will be taking place on 23rd February, and the stakes no doubt will be high as both the teams have engaged in some enthralling battles over the years. 
India vs Pakistan game arguably is one of the biggest games in cricket. The match in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 will be a blockbuster as India surely has some unfinished left. In the last Champions Trophy, Pakistan thumped India in the final to claim to win the tournament. And this time would be hoping to do same. 
<h2>We don't go to the Champions Trophy thinking the 23rd is the most important game - Gautam Gambhir </h2>
India head coach Gautam Gambhir was asked about the game against Pakistan. He said that they aren't going to ICC Champions Trophy 2025 thinking that game against Men in Green will be most important. He said that although they will take the game seriously and admitted that emotions will be high. Speaking to reporters, he said: 
"We don't go to the Champions Trophy thinking the 23rd is the most important game. All 5 matches are important. Our mission is to go to Dubai to win all the matches, but if that is one game in the middle of winning the Champions Trophy, we're going to take it as seriously as possible. 
"Also, when India and Pakistan play, the emotions will be high, but the contest remains the same. It is between bat and ball. For me, it remains the same." 
The ICC Champions Trophy 2025 will be extremely important for Gautam Gambhir as a head coach. He hasn't been at his best as a coach in the last few months, and there were reports that his fate as a coach will be decided on how India performs in the tournament.
<div class="article_optimizedContent__qYM_e article_articleContent__XBn4f">
Also Read: <a href="https://www.icccricketschedule.com/watch-virat-kohli-hilariously-drops-ball-as-he-attempts-to-throw-it-bowler-during-ranji-trophy-2024-25-/">Watch: Virat Kohli hilariously drops ball as he attempts to throw it bowler during Ranji Trophy 2024-25</a>
</div>

The ICC Champions Trophy 2025 is all set to begin from 19th February in Pakistan, and India will be playing all their games in Dubai.

India head coach Gautam Gambhir talked about the team's game against Pakistan in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025

IND vs PAK: "It is between..." Gautam Gambhir issues warning to Pakistan ahead of ICC Champions Trophy 2025

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India head coach Gautam Gambhir has come under the radar of the BCCI. This is because he travelled with his personal assistant during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 and now the governing body is all set to take a huge action against the coach. 
Gaurav Arora, the PA of Gautam Gambhir, had access to areas that were there only for team officials, selectors, and players. The reports claimed that he also travelled in the same car with selectors and was present in the BCCI's hospitality box in Adelaide. 
Gautam Gambhir's PA also was present in the breakfast areas which were there only for players. This all hasn't gone well with BCCI, who recently issued strict guidelines, and one of the SOPs mentioned that players won't be allowed to have their personal assistant along with them. 
<h2>BCCI has barred Gambhir's PA from staying in the same hotel as the Indian team - Source</h2>
Now it has been revealed that it was Gautam Gambhir, who was travelling with the personal assistant. But now, as per the reports in Crickblogger, it is learned that the BCCI has banned India's head coach's PA from staying in the same hotel as the Indian team. 
A source close to BCCI confirmed the same and stated: "In response, the BCCI has barred Gambhir's PA from staying in the same hotel as the Indian team, accessing VIP boxes in stadiums, and using the team bus. He can't travel with the team," 
"Why was his PA sitting in the car specified for national selectors? They can't even discuss things in private with an unknown third person in the car. Why was he allotted space in the BCCI's hospitality box inAdelaide? How did he have breakfast in the cordoned-off area of a five-star facility that is just earmarked for the team members?" 
Gautam Gambhir has come under massive scanner ever since he was appointed as the head coach of the team. The performances of the team have been well below par. It remains to be seen what will be his future as the head coach of the team.
Also Read: <a href="https://www.icccricketschedule.com/watch-virat-kohli-hilariously-drops-ball-as-he-attempts-to-throw-it-bowler-during-ranji-trophy-2024-25-/">Watch: Virat Kohli hilariously drops ball as he attempts to throw it bowler during Ranji Trophy 2024-25</a>

India head coach Gautam Gambhir has come under the radar of the BCCI

Gautam Gambhir has come under massive scanner ever since he was appointed as the head coach of the team.

Gautam Gambhir exposed! BCCI bans India head coach from…

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IND vs ENG 5th T20I: The thrilling five-match T20I series between India and England is set for an exciting conclusion at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai. Despite India securing the series win, both teams will aim to end on a high note. While England will look to salvage pride, India might experiment with their bench strength. Fantasy cricket enthusiasts can expect another high-scoring contest, making team selection crucial for Dream11 players.
<h2>Match Details</h2>
Date: Sunday, February 2   Time: 7:00 PM IST   Venue: Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai   Live Streaming: Star Sports, Hotstar
<img class="img-additional" src="https://admin.icccricketschedule.com/uploads/images/202501/image_430x256_679cfa1bcdc2f.jpg" alt="">
<h2>Pitch Report &amp; Weather Conditions  </h2>
Wankhede Stadium is known for its batting-friendly surface, where teams generally prefer chasing due to the dew factor. Fast bowlers might get an early swing, but overall, a run-fest is expected. The average first-innings score in recent T20s here has been around 170-180. With clear skies and moderate temperatures, weather conditions are ideal for cricket.
<h2>Team News &amp; Possible Playing XIs</h2>
<h3>India</h3>
India might give opportunities to players who haven’t played much in this series. Mohammed Shami is expected to feature, while Washington Sundar and Dhruv Jurel could also get a look-in. The focus will be on Sanju Samson, who has struggled with form in the series.
Predicted XI: Sanju Samson (WK), Abhishek Sharma, Tilak Varma, Suryakumar Yadav (C), Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dube/Ramandeep Singh, Rinku Singh, Axar Patel, Varun Chakravarthy, Mohammed Shami/Arshdeep Singh, Ravi Bishnoi/Harshit Rana
<h3>England</h3>
England might rotate their pacers, with Jofra Archer likely to be rested ahead of the ODI series. Gus Atkinson could replace him, while Rehan Ahmed may get a chance if England decides to include an extra spinner.
<img class="img-additional" src="https://admin.icccricketschedule.com/uploads/images/202501/image_430x256_679cfa1641ee7.jpg" alt="">
Predicted XI: Phil Salt (WK), Ben Duckett, Jos Buttler (C), Jacob Bethell, Harry Brook, Liam Livingstone, Jamie Overton, Brydon Carse, Gus Atkinson, Adil Rashid, Saqib Mahmood
<h2>Key Players to Watch</h2>
Suryakumar Yadav (India) The Indian skipper returns to his home ground, where he has an excellent record. He has struggled in the series so far, but a match-winning performance in familiar conditions could be on the cards.  
Ben Duckett (England) Duckett has played a couple of impressive knocks in the series. His ability to counter spin and pace makes him a key player in England’s batting lineup.  
<h2>Dream11 Fantasy Tips</h2>
Captain Choices: Tilak Varma, Suryakumar Yadav   Vice-Captain Choices: Jos Buttler, Liam Livingstone   Differential Picks: Varun Chakravarthy (for spin-friendly conditions), Brydon Carse (for his all-round abilities)   Risky Picks: Sanju Samson (due to inconsistent form), Mark Wood or Jofra Archer(maybe rested)  
<h2>Dream11 Team – Grand League  </h2>
Wicket-Keeper: Jos Buttler (vc) Batters: Suryakumar Yadav, Ben Duckett, Tilak Varma (C) Allrounders: Hardik Pandya, Liam Livingstone, Jamie Overton, Brydon Carse Bowlers: Arshdeep Singh/Harshit Rana, Varun Chakravarthy, Mark Wood
With both teams looking to finish strong, the IND vs ENG 5th T20I promises to be another exciting contest. Fantasy players should consider the pitch conditions, team combinations, and key player form before finalizing their Dream11 lineup. Stay tuned for live action from Wankhede as India and England battle it out for one last time in this series!

India and England face off in the final T20I at Wankhede. With key players returning and changes expected, Dream11 users must strategize wisely. Fantasy picks include Suryakumar Yadav, Jos Buttler, and Mohammed Shami.

India and England clash in the 5th T20I at Wankhede, with Dream11 fantasy players eyeing key picks for a high-scoring contest.

IND vs ENG 5th T20I Dream11 Prediction, Match Preview, Fantasy Tips & Grand League Team

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India batter Virat Kohli was back in the Ranji Trophy after 12 long years as he played for his state team, Delhi, in the game against Railways. The match between the two teams concluded on Saturday (1st February) at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi. 
Virat Kohli playing for Delhi in the Ranji Trophy seemed like a festival as a huge amount of people arrived at Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi to see their favourite batter play. More than 15000 people were in the stands, and it was the first time that the Ranji game witnessed such huge crowds. 
Virat Kohli grabbed all the spotlight as he fans every moment to cheer and made the crowd chant "Kohli, Kohli". The batter was also seen getting engaged with fans as he involved two different sections of crowds in a competition of who would be shouting louder. 
With a lot of fans turning up to see him, it was expected he would set the stage on fire with the bat and give his fans a gift in return. But that wasn't the case as the batter failed to get going and score just 6 runs before he was removed by Himanshu Sangwan. 
Himanshu Sangwan sent the offstump of Virat Kohli for a ride as the batter got bowled. The India batter didn't get to bat in the second innings as Delhi won the game by a massive margin of innings and 15 runs to bag important points in the Ranji Trophy 2024-25. 
Even though Virat Kohli struggled to score runs, he made sure that he entertained the crowd. The batter also came up with a hilarious gesture during the match, and it left many in splits as the video went viral on the internet within seconds. 
In the video that has gone viral on the internet, Virat Kohli can be seen throwing the ball to the bowler. However, as he attempts to throw the ball, it slipped out of his hands and went back. This even made the batter laugh as the ball went past him. 
Also Read: <a href="https://www.icccricketschedule.com/most-runs-most-wickets-in-ind-vs-aus-t20i-series-2025/">Most Runs, Most Wickets in IND vs AUS T20I Series 2025</a>
<h2>Watch: Ball slips out of the hands of Virat Kohli, makes batter laugh </h2>

Virat Kohli playing for Delhi in the Ranji Trophy seemed like a festival as a huge amount of people arrived at Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delh

India batter Virat Kohli was back in the Ranji Trophy after 12 long years as he played for his state team, Delhi, in the game against Railways.