Perera became only the third Sri Lanka cricketer to score a T20 international century after Tillakaratne Dilshan and Mahela Jayawardene in the last 14 years. New Zealand held a winning 2-0 lead in the series after winning the first match by eight runs and the second by 45 runs.

New Zealand needed to achieve their highest run chase in T20s to complete a clean sweep of the series and was given a good start by Rachin Ravindra who made 69 from 39 balls. But it fell just short, held to 211/7.

FIRST CENTURION OF 2025.

– Kusal Perera smashed 101 (46) with 13 fours and 4 sixes Vs New Zealand. pic.twitter.com/xKIFN9MdHy

— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) January 2, 2025

The Black Caps began at a pace to match Sri Lanka, reaching 60/0 in the six-over power play. But Asalanka slammed the brakes on the New Zealand innings when he dismissed Ravindra, Mark Chapman (9) and Glenn Phillips (6) in quick succession.

Asalanka had figures of 3/25 after those dismissals but Daryl Mitchell hit four consecutive sixes from his final over to wreck his analysis and bat New Zealand back into the game.

Wanindu Hasaranga then dismissed Mitchell Hay (8) and Michael Bracewell (1) in the 16th over to tip the match back in the visitors’ favor. Asalanka took a superb diving catch to remove Bracewell and managed his bowlers well in a superb all-round performance.

“I think it’s a good win for us,” Asalanka said. “I think throughout the series we’ve played good cricket but couldn’t manage to get a win. Finally we got it. I hope this is a momentum shift for us. Adapting to these conditions has been a key for us.”

New Zealand came to the last over, bowled by Binura Fernando, needing 22 to win. After taking six runs from the first three balls, one of which was a wide, Zak Foulkes hit the fourth ball for six, leaving New Zealand needing 10 from the last two balls.

It was too much and the New Zealand batters managed only three more runs. The start of the match was delayed by 30 minutes by a wet outfield and when it began Sri Lanka lost the toss but had the chance to bat first on a good pitch at Saxton Oval.

The tourists lost both openers, Pathum Nissanka and Kusal Mendis, inside the power play. But Perera powered up the Sri Lanka innings in an outstanding batting performance, hitting 13 fours and four sixes in his 101 from 46 balls.

One of the keys to victory was the 75 runs Perera and Asalanka hit between the 14th and 18th overs which proved vital in making the run chase just too much for New Zealand. The teams meet in the first of three one-day internationals in Wellington on Sunday.

For Zimbabwe, Sean Williams top-scored with 154 while captain Craig Ervine and all-rounder Brian Bennett notched up centuries in their first innings. Ben Curran, who is younger brother of England all-rounders Sam Curran and Tom Curran, notched up a fifty in his debut innings as well.

Afghanistan replied with a massive total with captain Hashmatullah Shahidi scoring 246 and Rahmat Shah scoring 234. The duo put on record 364 runs for the third wicket. Wicketkeeper Afsar Zazai also notched up 113.

The second Test from Thursday will only be the fourth Test between the two sides ever. In the previous three Tests, Afghanistan has won one, Zimbabwe one while the last game ended in a draw.

Afghanistan will be playing second test match against Zimbabwe at Queen Sports Club, Bulawayo tomorrow at 12:30 PM AFT. The first match between the two sides was drawn.#GloriousNationVictoriousTeam #AFGvsZIM pic.twitter.com/YEzBelEXtN

— Afghanistan Cricket Board (@ACBofficials) January 1, 2025

Here are all the details about Zimbabwe vs Afghanistan 2025 2nd Test…

When is Zimbabwe vs Afghanistan 2025 2nd Test going to take place?

The Zimbabwe vs Afghanistan 2025 2nd Test will start from Thursday, January 2.

Where is Zimbabwe vs Afghanistan 2025 2nd Test going to take place?

The Zimbabwe vs Afghanistan 2025 2nd Test will be held at the Queens Sports Club in Bulawayo.

What time will Zimbabwe vs Afghanistan 2025 2nd Test Day 1 start?

The Zimbabwe vs Afghanistan 2025 2nd Test Day 1 will begin at 130pm IST. The toss for the match will be held at 1pm.

Where can I watch Zimbabwe vs Afghanistan 2025 2nd Test on TV in India?

The Zimbabwe vs Afghanistan 2025 2nd Test will not be available LIVE on TV in India.

How can I watch livestreaming of Zimbabwe vs Afghanistan 2025 2nd Test in India?

The Zimbabwe vs Afghanistan 2025 2nd Test will be available for livestreaming on FanCode website and app.

Zimbabwe vs Afghanistan 2025 2nd Test Predicted Playing 11

Zimbabwe: Ben Curran, Joylord Gumbie (wk), Brian Bennett, Takudzwanashe Kaitano, Craig Ervine (c), Sean Williams, Sikandar Raza, Newman Nyamhuri, Blessing Muzarabani, Richard Ngarava, Trevor Gwandu

Afghanistan: Sediqullah Atal, Abdul Malik, Rahmat Shah, Azmatullah Omarzai, Hashmatullah Shahidi (c), Shahidullah Kamal, Afsar Zazai (wk), Zia-ur-Rehman Naveed Zadran, Zahir Khan, Allah Ghazanfar

Head coach Gautam Gambhir walked out to face the media on the eve of the SCG Test on Friday. Gambhir refused to reveal the final playing 11 of the Indian side even when he was asked whether captain Rohit Sharma will be available for the game.

“We will take Playing XI call after looking at pitch tomorrow,” Gambhir said when asked if Rohit Sharma will be part of team for SCG Test.

Gambhir, however, confirmed that pacer Akash Deep has been ruled out of the final Test due to a stiff back. Bengal and Lucknow Super Giants pacer Akash had taken five wickets from two Tests in Brisbane and Melbourne so far. He was a bit unlucky to not get more as multiple catches were dropped off his bowling during the two games.

“Akash Deep is out with back issue,” India coach Gautam Gambhir said in the pre-match press conference in Sydney.

Gambhir said the playing XI would be decided after taking a look at the pitch. The 28-year-old right-arm pacer bowled a total of 87.5 overs across two Test matches and his niggle could be a result of the heavier than usual workload he has endured.

Either Harshit Rana or Prasidh Krishna could make it to the eleven in place of Akash.

AKASHDEEP RULED OUT OF THE SYDNEY TEST MATCH…!!! pic.twitter.com/GRsmF4jyT8

— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) January 2, 2025

Australia to hand debut to Beau Webster, drop Mitchell Marsh

Pat Cummins-led Australia have also made a big change for the crucial fifth Test at the SCG. Out-of-form all-rounder Mitchell Marsh has been dropped and will be replaced by debutant Beau Webster.

The Tasmanian youngster has been viewed as a better option at No. 6 in the order in place of Marsh. Webster has averaged 57.10 in first-class cricket since March 2022, while also picking up 81 wickets at 31.70.

“Mitchy obviously hasn’t quite got the runs, and perhaps wickets this series,” Cummins told reporters on Thursday. “So we felt like it was time for a freshen up and Beau’s been great.

“It’s a shame for Mitchy, because we know how much he brings to the team, but feel like now it’s a good week for Beau to get a chance,” Cummins added.

Meanwhile, if Rohit Sharma is dropped for the SCG Test, Shubman Gill could return to the playing 11 with KL Rahul returning to the opening slot along with Yashasvi Jaiswal.

India vs Australia 5th Test Predicted Playing 11

India: KL Rahul, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Shubman Gill/Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Rishabh Pant, Ravindra Jadeja, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Washington Sundar, Harshit Rana/Prasidh Krishna, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj

Australia: Sam Konstas, Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Steve Smith, Travis Head, Beau Webster, Alex Carey (wk), Pat Cummins (C), Mitchell Starc, Nathan Lyon, Scott Boland

The Indian captain has only managed 31 runs in the 5 innings so far in the on-going with India 1-2 down in the series and in a must-win situation at the SCG if they home to retain the BGT. To complicate the matter, a news report leaked the conversation between head coach Gautam Gambhir and the rest of the team after India’s 184-run loss in the Boxing Day Test at the MCG earlier this week.

Gambhir blasted the Indian players and reportedly said, ‘bas bahut ho gaya’ after Team India lost 7 wickets for 34 runs in the final session on Day 5 of the 4th Test. The rift between coach Gambhir and skipper Rohit Sharma is out in the open now.

There is speculation that SCG game could be Rohit Sharma’s final Test match as selectors and the BCCI may ask the Indian opener to retire from the longest format of the game after averaging just 11 in 2024. Gambhir came out to face the media on the eve of the SCG Test on Thursday and was asked point-blank if Rohit Sharma will be playing the game.

Gambhir sensationally didn’t confirm if Rohit will be in the playing 11 for the Test match. “We will take Playing XI call after looking at pitch tomorrow,” Gambhir replied to the question asking about the Indian skipper’s availability for the final Test of the series.

Wow. Gautam Gambhir doesn’t confirm if Rohit Sharma is playing tomorrow when asked directly if the captain’s playing. While Rohit is at warm ups shadow-practicing his drive while kicking the football around with his teammates #AusvInd pic.twitter.com/qhogr69p0b

— Bharat Sundaresan (@beastieboy07) January 2, 2025

The former India opener didn’t hold back when asked about the news report leaking dressing room conversations. “Debates between a player and a coach should stay between them – any conversations in the dressing room should stay in the dressing room,” Gambhir said.

“Indian cricket will be in safe hands till honest people stay in the dressing room. Only thing that keeps you in the dressing room is performance,” he added.

“There were honest words and honesty is important,” he asserted.

Gambhir also said he did not have any discussion with senior batter Virat Kohli and skipper Rohit Sharma except for strategies on how to win the Test matches. “Every individual knows what are areas to work on. We have only had one conversation with them (and that is) how to win Test matches,” he said.

This will not be the first time that an Indian captain has walked away from international cricket in the middle of a Test series. Mahendra Singh Dhoni announced his retirement from Test cricket back in 2014 to hand over the reigns to Virat Kohli.

If India do decide to drop Rohit Sharma for the SCG Test, then pace bowler Jasprit Bumrah seems to be the likely replacement. Bumrah led Team India to a win in the first Test vs Australia at Perth.

With India gearing up for the pivotal SCG Test, the stakes couldn’t be higher. A victory is crucial for India to maintain their chances of securing a spot in the World Test Championship Final against South Africa. KL Rahul, who has shown solid form with the bat during this Border-Gavaskar Trophy series, is a vital player in India’s lineup, particularly given the challenges faced by the top-order batsmen throughout the series.

KL Rahul has accumulated 259 runs in 4 matches during this Test series against Australia, averaging 37.00, making him one of the more reliable performers in India’s top order. The 32-year-old was promoted to open alongside Yashasvi Jaiswal in place of captain Rohit Sharma for the first three Tests, though Rohit returned to the opening role in the Melbourne Test.

On the eve of the New Year’s Test, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese hosted both the India and Australia teams on January 1. The Sydney Test is also significant for the observance of ‘Jane McGrath Day’ on Day 3, an initiative aimed at raising awareness and funds for breast cancer research.

Australia currently leads the series 2-1, having gained a strong advantage with a commanding 184-run victory in Melbourne’s fourth Test. The Pat Cummins-led squad has outperformed India in crucial moments, leaving captain Rohit Sharma and his team with immense pressure as they head into Sydney.

A loss or draw at the SCG would see India lose the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, which they have held since 2017. With so much on the line, the SCG Test is set to be a fierce contest as India fights to stay competitive in the series and preserve their supremacy in this historic rivalry.

Kohli had an aggressive moment when he bumped into Konstas with his shoulder, leading to a brief verbal exchange. However, the 19-year-old Konstas displayed remarkable composure when reflecting on the incident, stating that ‘these types of things happen in cricket’.

Virat Kohli fell victim once again to the elusive fifth stump ball, continuing his ongoing struggle with deliveries outside the off-stump, while Sam Konstas delivered one of the most remarkable debuts in cricket history, hitting Jasprit Bumrah, a modern great, for a couple of boundaries.

The beginning of 2025 has seen players from both India and Australia share light-hearted moments, as they rang in the New Year together following an invitation from the Australian Prime Minister.

The viral post:

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Billy Konstas (@billy_konstas)

In addition to this, Virat Kohli also met other Australian cricketers during the Indian team’s visit to the Australian Prime Minister on New Year’s Day. Both India and Australia celebrated the occasion just days before their final Test in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 series at the Sydney Cricket Ground.

Jasprit Bumrah also interacted with the Konstas brothers, as the start of 2025 highlighted cricketers’ ability to put aside on-field tensions and enjoy lighter moments during special occasions.

Sam Konstas’ family with Jasprit Bumrah.

– Jhye Richardson with a cameo. pic.twitter.com/wldpAptaF2

— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) January 1, 2025

India and Australia will aim to kick off 2025 on a strong note, much like they did in 2024, as the race for a spot in the WTC Final 2025 continues to be highly competitive between the two teams.

In his post, he expressed that both teams had already provided the Australian public with an unforgettable cricketing summer.

He wrote on X, “The Australian and Indian teams have already given us an incredible summer of cricket.”

The Australian and Indian teams have already given us an incredible summer of cricket. pic.twitter.com/oqVDOOr5Bm

— Anthony Albanese (@AlboMP) January 1, 2025

He also added in a different post, “When the fifth test starts on Friday, the SCG will be a sea of pink in support of the great work of the McGrath Foundation. Go Australia!”

When the fifth test starts on Friday, the SCG will be a sea of pink in support of the great work of the McGrath Foundation. Go Australia! pic.twitter.com/SxE8NsQgos

— Anthony Albanese (@AlboMP) January 1, 2025

PM Anthony Albanese and his fiancee Jodie Haydon had hosted a New Year’s reception at Kirribilli House on Wednesday.

As per a report in The Sydney Morning Herald, Albanese also shared some remarks about India’s leading fast bowler, Jasprit Bumrah, who has claimed 30 wickets across four matches in the ongoing series.

“We could pass a law here that says he has to bowl left-handed or off one step. Every time he has come onto bowl has been very exciting,” NDTV quoted Albanese as saying in The Sydney Morning Herald in the 90-minute function.

India vs Australia BGT 2024-25:
The Indian cricket team, captained by Rohit Sharma, will take on the Australian team, led by Pat Cummins, in the fifth and final Test at the renowned Sydney Cricket Ground starting from January 3, 2025. This match will determine whether India secures a spot in the World Test Championship final, with a victory being essential for qualification. Australia currently leads the series 2-1, following a draw in the Brisbane match.

While there are various scenarios in which India can make it to the WTC 2025 final, the race for the last spot is intense, with India, Australia, and Sri Lanka competing for the top position, now that South Africa has been knocked out.

Welcoming 2025 with Open Arms and a Grateful Heart – Happy New Year Everyone pic.twitter.com/ChptFcYr4t

— Babar Azam (@babarazam258) January 1, 2025

Star batters Babar Azam and Virat Kohli were left out of the nominations for the ICC Men’s ODI Cricketer of the Year 2024. Instead, the list highlights exceptional players from Sri Lanka, Afghanistan, and the West Indies, each of whom had a significant impact in the 50-over format this year.

Sri Lanka’s Wanindu Hasaranga was one of the most dominant bowlers in white-ball cricket in 2024. The leg-spinner’s performances, including a career-best 7/19 against Zimbabwe, cemented his place as one of the standout bowlers of the year. His consistent ability to pick wickets against teams like Afghanistan, West Indies, and India enhanced his stature as a key figure for Sri Lanka.

Afghanistan’s Azmatullah Omarzai impressed with both bat and ball. He kicked off the year with a stunning 149* against Sri Lanka and continued to contribute significantly in victories over South Africa and Bangladesh. His all-round performances played a crucial part in Afghanistan’s historic ODI series triumph over South Africa.

Kusal Mendis, the former Sri Lankan captain, had a remarkable 2024, averaging over 50 in ODIs. Mendis scored a career-high 143 against India and was excellent behind the stumps, completing 19 dismissals. His all-around contributions were instrumental in Sri Lanka’s success in the 50-over format throughout the year.

The video, shared by Cars For You on their YouTube channel, was filmed at Mumbai airport. In the clip, Sachin Tendulkar is seen leaving the airport with his wife, heading towards the parking area. The cricketer is escorted by airport security to ensure smooth passage and prevent any disruptions.

WATCH VIDEO BELOW:

In the video, Sachin’s wife takes her seat on the co-passenger side of the Range Rover, while Sachin opens the tailgate to place their luggage. He then moves to the driver’s seat and drives off into the SUV. The model featured is the SV PHEV version of the Range Rover. This marks the first time we’ve seen Sachin behind the wheel of a Range Rover in all these years.

While black, white, and emerald green are popular choices for the Range Rover, Sachin Tendulkar chose an eye-catching Sedona Red colour for his SUV. It appears that the interior has been tailored to his specifications, which likely added to the overall cost of the vehicle.

Since the introduction of the latest generation Range Rover, many Indian celebrities have switched back to the British brand from their previous German choices. The SUV offers a premium design along with an extensive array of luxury features. Additionally, the local assembly of certain variants has led to a reduction in prices, making it more appealing to buyers.

The SV model of the Range Rover features captain seats, 24-way adjustable heated and cooled executive rear seats, a 13.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system, dual 13.1-inch rear entertainment screens, a Meridian 3D surround sound system, and more.

The SUV also comes equipped with high-end features such as ADAS, leather upholstery, electrically adjustable seats for both the front and rear, a multifunctional steering wheel, and more.

The model featured in the video is the SV PHEV, a Plug-in Hybrid version. It is powered by a 3.0-litre, 6-cylinder Ingenium petrol engine, which is combined with an electric motor to produce a total output of 542 PS. The engine is paired with an automatic transmission, and power is distributed to all four wheels. Sachin Tendulkar’s vehicle is valued at Rs 4.9 crore, ex-showroom.

Range Rover SUVs have gained significant popularity among Indian celebrities. Stars like Ranveer Singh, Ranbir Kapoor, Sushmita Sen, Kangana Ranaut, Salman Khan, Sanjay Dutt, and Shilpa Shetty are among the proud owners of this luxurious vehicle. Besides the Range Rover, Sachin Tendulkar’s car collection includes models like the BMW M 340i, BMW 7-Series, BMW i8, BMW X5 M, Lamborghini Urus S, and several others.

Kambli stepped out of the hospital wearing India’s new ODI jersey and was greeted by his well-wishers. With the support of his loved ones, he was able to walk and wave at fans, signalling a positive recovery. He also wished everyone a Happy New Year and urged fans to avoid alcohol.

The 52-year-old cricketer from Mumbai played 121 international matches for India between 1991 and 2000. Though he began his Test career on a strong note, his off-field habits impacted his performance.

Kambli accumulated 1084 runs in just 17 Tests, averaging an impressive 54.20, and scored four centuries, including a double ton against England at Wankhede Stadium in 1993.

The left-handed opener also had a significant career in ODIs, amassing 2477 runs in 104 matches at an average of 32.59. He recorded two centuries and 14 fifties in the shorter format, with his final international appearance coming in the 2000 Champions Trophy final against Sri Lanka.

Kambli made a significant impact in domestic cricket, amassing nearly 10,000 runs in first-class matches at an average of 59.67, and 6,476 runs in List A cricket at an average of 41.24. He also scored 46 centuries in domestic competitions and played his final professional match in 2004.

WATCH VIDEO BELOW:

BREAKING – Vinod Kambli discharged from hospital pic.twitter.com/DT3vc0VXsC

— Akshat Jain (@AkshatJain69727) January 1, 2025

The ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) has been a difficult ride for the side has struggled to get the right combination in the face of an aggressive and highly-driven Australian team. The visitors will be playing the must-win fifth and final Test here from Friday.

The on-field roller-coaster is causing some off-field issues as well with murmurs of unrest in the dressing room beginning to grow. It is learnt that Gambhir is not on the same page with most of the players in the team and the communication isn’t as good as it used to be during the time of Ravi Shastri and Rahul Dravid.

Skipper Rohit Sharma has maintained that he speaks individually to the players about selection issues. But after Gambhir took charge in July, Rohit, it is said, hasn’t actually given clarity to some of the not-so-junior players about why they were being excluded at times from the side.

His own poor form hasn’t helped Rohit’s cause. But it is also reliably learnt that Gambhir, who is considered a more assertive person, hasn’t earned a lot of confidence from the group of players, who aren’t as old as Kohli or Rohit but are also not rookies like Harshit Rana or Nitish Reddy.

“There is a Test match to be played and then there is Champions Trophy. If the performance doesn’t improve, even Gautam Gambhir’s position wouldn’t be safe,” a senior BCCI official told PTI on conditions of anonymity.

GAUTAM GAMBHIR IS NOT HAPPY WITH TEAM INDIA’S PLAYERS

– Gautam Gambhir is not happy with how the players were doing their own thing in the name of “Natural Game”, instead of playing according to the situation. Gambhir said “Bahut Ho Gaya” in his speech. (Express Sports). pic.twitter.com/sv8gnelJyz

— Tanuj Singh (@ImTanujSingh) January 1, 2025

Gambhir’s equation with the selection committee is also not particularly clear at this point. There are players in the team, who are feeling insecure because of his proclivity to experiment with the playing eleven. In the ongoing BGT, a punt like Nitish Reddy has worked out brilliantly but the handling of Shubman Gill is still being debated.

BCCI secretary Jay Shah has now been elevated to the ICC chief’s position and the Board will have his full-time successor only after January 12. Once that administrative stability is in place, the BCCI brass will have some thinking to do.

Till Shah was in-charge of BCCI, he called the shots. Former India seamer Roger Binny, who is the current president of the Board, hasn’t been seen taking any policy related calls.

Gautam Gambhir wasn’t first choice as head coach

But if India’s performance is not drastically better in the Champions Trophy in February-March, Gambhir will certainly have his wings clipped.

“He was never BCCI’s first choice (it was VVS Laxman) and some of the well-known overseas names didn’t want to coach all three formats, so he was a compromise. Obviously, some other compulsions were also there,” the official said.

Gambhir has already been asked a few tough questions after the 0-3 defeat at home to New Zealand and if the Border-Gavaskar Trophy is also lost, it can all go downhill for the feisty former opener from Delhi’s Old Rajinder Nagar.

Already there is a school of thought that Gambhir should only be given charge of the T20 team, a format in which he has been a successful captain and then mentor for both Kolkata Knight Riders and Lucknow SuperGiants.

One question that is being asked in the corridors of power is whether he has been able to offer any solutions to Virat Kohli with regards to his never-ending dismissals in the outside off-stump channel? By the look of things, the answer to that seems to be an emphatic no.

“Gautam, all his life, while playing in England and Australia, would dab the ball towards slip and gully. So, he knows exactly what Kohli’s problem is. He has seen that as a player (in 2014) and as a commentator and now as a coach.

“If he knows what is wrong, he should tell him,” a former India great, with the experience of more than 90 Tests, said.

‘Support staff’ for support staff

The BCCI mandarins are also keeping a tab on certain other developments about one of the key members of the support staff, who is being accompanied at all the venues by his personal assistant.

It is leant that the person in question used to have FOP (Field Of Play) access during the IPL where he would stride into the playing arena after games in a franchise jersey. In Australia, his presence in the box dedicated to BCCI members hasn’t really been appreciated, according to a top source.

Brisbane Heat’s Will Prestwidge appeared to have sent the ball over the boundary line with a shot to long-on off Dan Lawrence’s delivery. However, Maxwell pulled off a jaw-dropping effort, managing to flick the ball back in mid-air before returning to the field and completing the catch with secure hands.

WATCH VIDEO BELOW:

GLENN MAXWELL!

CATCH OF THE SEASON. #BBL14 pic.twitter.com/3qB9RaxHNb

— KFC Big Bash League (@BBL) January 1, 2025

Maxwell, widely recognized as the Big Show, has the power to turn a match on its head with his explosive batting and clever bowling. On the field, he also brings an added edge to his team with his exceptional athleticism and fielding skills.

The powerful hitter was let go by IPL franchise Royal Challengers Bangalore before the 2025 mega auction, following a significant drop in form during the previous season, despite his strong performances in earlier editions of the lucrative T20 league.

However, RCB’s setback could turn into an advantage for Punjab Kings, as the Preity Zinta-owned franchise successfully secured the Australian all-rounder for INR 4.2 Crores. Maxwell had a successful stint with the Dharamshala-based team from 2014 to 2017, and once more in 2020, before RCB secured his services in 2021.

A move back to PBKS could mark a turnaround for the Australian dynamo in India, as he looks to silence his critics once again.

According to a report by The Indian Express, there has been growing tension within the Indian dressing room, particularly regarding team selection. The report reveals that Gautam Gambhir had repeatedly pushed for the inclusion of Cheteshwar Pujara before the first Test against Australia in Perth. However, his requests were overlooked by the selection committee, chaired by Ajit Agarkar. Even after India won the Perth Test, Gambhir continued to advocate for Pujara’s inclusion.

Pujara, with 103 Test matches to his name and an average of 43.60, played a crucial role in India’s previous series wins in Australia but hasn’t been part of the team since the 2023 World Test Championship final.

India’s ongoing struggles with the top-order batting have been apparent in the current series, and before it began, Australian bowler Josh Hazlewood expressed relief that Pujara wasn’t part of the squad.

Gambhir’s tenure as head coach has been marred by further issues, with reports indicating that he has had disagreements with the selectors and the captain regarding the selection of the playing XI for the Australia series. Specifically, his choices to include Harshit Rana and Washington Sundar were reportedly met with differing opinions within the Indian camp.

Additionally, Gambhir has expressed frustration over how the players have been unable to implement strategies effectively on the field.

The ex-captain of the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) was spotted enjoying a lively beachside party on New Year’s Eve. A viral video captured Dhoni and his wife, Sakshi, dancing and soaking in the festive vibes.

WATCH MS Dhoni dance with wife Sakshi Dhoni HERE…

Cutest Video of the day

Mahi Sakshi #MSDhoni pic.twitter.com/3qa3hE4VEw

— Chakri Dhoni (@ChakriDhonii) January 1, 2025

Sakshi also shared a touching moment of Dhoni lighting a Chinese lantern that floated into the night sky, illuminated by fireworks as the clock struck midnight on January 1. The couple attended the celebrations at Morjim Beach, adding to the cheerful atmosphere.

MS Dhoni celebrating New Year 2025 at Goa @MSDhoni #MSDhoni #HappyNewYear2025 pic.twitter.com/Ltrbo1Gm4t

— DHONI Era (@TheDhoniEra) January 1, 2025

Photos of Dhoni, dressed in a casual printed shirt and trousers, posing with Sakshi and their daughter, Ziva, quickly went viral on social media, bringing smiles to fans everywhere.

Earlier, Dhoni was seen at the Ranchi airport on his way to Goa with his family. Before this, the Chennai Super Kings captain celebrated Christmas at home, hosting a party where he donned a Santa Claus outfit, as revealed in photos shared by Sakshi.

Since retiring from international cricket in 2020, the 43-year-old Dhoni has focused on spending more quality time with his loved ones. Festivals and holidays have become a priority, with Dhoni often seen vacationing with family and friends in India and abroad.

In addition to these celebrations, Dhoni has made golfing an annual tradition, often playing with friends in the United States. He was even spotted on the course with re-elected US President Donald Trump, underscoring his enduring global appeal.

Reflecting on his glorious journey since making his international debut two decades ago, Dhoni explained during a recent interaction how his manager often suggested leveraging social media for public relations and how he would stay away from it.

“I have never been a big fan of social media, throughout I had different managers and they used to keep me pushing. I started playing in 2004, so Twitter and Instagram was getting popular and the managers were saying you should do some PR build, this and that, but I had the same answer… if I play good cricket I don’t need PR,” Dhoni said on the latest episode of ‘Tread Talks’ of Eurogrip Tyres.

He added, “So it was always if I have something I will put if I don’t have I won’t. I take stress away, I am not worried about who has how many followers, who is doing what because I know if I take care of cricket then everything will else will take care of itself.”

Warner began his IPL journey with Delhi Capitals (formerly Delhi Daredevils) in 2009, playing with them until 2013. In 2014, he was bought by Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH), who named him captain in 2015. Under his leadership, SRH won their first IPL title in 2016.

Warner’s time with SRH came to an unpleasant end when he was stripped of the captaincy and excluded from the playing XI during IPL 2021. He later joined Delhi Capitals in the IPL 2022 mega-auction, where he spent three years. In IPL 2023, he took on the role of captain for the team.

It appears that Warner’s IPL career has come to an end, and he could become a consistent presence in the PSL moving forward. At present, he is playing for Sydney Thunder in the 2024/25 Big Bash League season.

David Warner has retired from international cricket:
David Warner announced his retirement from international cricket in 2024 and now focuses solely on franchise-based competitions. The former Australia vice-captain concluded his international career with 112 Test matches, 161 One Day Internationals, and 110 T20Is. Warner was a key member of the Australian teams that won the 2015 and 2023 ODI World Cups. He also contributed to Australia’s victory in the 2023 World Test Championship. In addition, Warner was part of the team that claimed Australia’s first-ever T20 World Cup title in 2021.

Bumrah, who is shortlisted for the ICC men’s Cricketer of the Year award for the Sir Garfield Sobers Trophy and also the ICC men’s Test Cricketer of the Year award, has moved up from his previous tied high of 904 with Ravichandran Ashwin. His tally of 907 rating points now places him joint-17th in the all-time list with yesteryear spinner Derek Underwood of England.

The Year 2024 was all about Jasprit Bumrah !!

All 110 wickets by Jasprit Bumrah in 2024 Int & IPL Compilation pic.twitter.com/C9Bbfvj365

— Dilip (@Dilipchoudharyy) January 1, 2025

The list is led by England seamers Sydney Barnes (932) and George Lohmann (931) who played more than a century ago while Imran Khan (922) and Muttiah Muralidaran (920) are third and fourth. Cummins advances in all three lists: Australia captain Pat Cummins, who is joint-fifth with Glenn McGrath in that list with 914 rating points, is another one to gain in the latest rankings update after helping win the fourth match of their ICC World Test Championship series against India in Melbourne.

The first weekly update of 2025 that also considers performances in the first Test between South Africa and Pakistan in Centurion and the first Test between Zimbabwe and Afghanistan in Bulawayo, sees Cummins achieve a career-best third position in the all-rounders’ list, bettering the fifth position he attained in August 2019.

His scores of 49 and 41 have also lifted him 10 places to 97th among batters and his three wickets in each innings have helped him inch up one place to third position among bowlers with 837 rating points.

South Africa’s Marco Jansen has attained a career-best fifth position after his second innings haul of six for 52 helped him past 800 rating points for the first time while Pakistan seamer Mohammad Abbas has re-entered the rankings in 23rd position after taking seven wickets in the match.

Naseem Shah (up six places to 33rd) and Dane Paterson (up eight places to 46th) have progressed because of their performances in Centurion while Scott Boland of Australia (up seven places to 38th) and Brian Bennett of Zimbabwe (up 48 places to 94th) have also moved up the bowling rankings.

Saud Shakeel achieves career-best ranking

In the Test Batting Rankings, Pakistan’s left-hander Saud Shakeel is up to a career-best sixth position after scoring 84 in the second innings. Steve Smith has advanced three places to seventh after scoring 140 while India opener Yashaswi Jaiswal’s scores of 84 and 82 have helped him reach fourth position with a career-best 854 rating points.

South Africa opener Aiden Markram’s Player of the Match effort of 89 and 37 in Centurion places him in 16th position after gaining eight places while India’s Nitish Kumar Reddy is up 20 places to 53rd after his valiant century at number eight.

Sean Williams’ innings of 154 has taken him up to 19th place with 653 points – the highest by a batter form Zimbabwe since Brendan Taylor reached 684 back in 2014.

Afghanistan’s Rahmat Shah and Hashmatullah Shahidi in the limelight

The Afghanistan pair of Rahmat Shah (234) and Hashmatullah Shahidi (246) both surpassed their country’s previous highest individual score and were rewarded with gains to 52nd and 57th positions, respectively.

In the ICC men’s T20I Player Rankings, Pathun Nissanka of Sri Lanka is up three places to sixth among batters while Mitchell Santner of New Zealand (up five places to ninth) and Matheesha Pathirana (up eight places to 26th) have moved up the bowling rankings after the first two matches of their T20I series which hosts New Zealand lead 2-0.

“He’ll be fine. He will push through,” Carey told the media in Sydney on Wednesday.

Big news for Australia, Alex Carey says Mitchell Starc will push through pain to play in Sydney. He’s also backed Mitch Marsh’s place in the side. @9NewsAUS @wwos

— Sam Djodan (@samdjodan) January 1, 2025

The Australian selectors will likely take a call on Starc’s fitness closer to the Test but Carey said he had no concerns whatsoever about his teammate’s fitness. “I’ve played with Starcy (Mitchell Starc) for a long time now and he is one of the toughest cricketers that I’ve played with. He’ll grimace and grab his rib without a doubt at times but he’ll be ready for the contest.”

A victory or a draw in the fifth Test here is paramount for the hosts as it will help them regain the Border-Gavaskar Trophy for the first time since 2014-15. However, if India win the game, they will retain the trophy, winning the series for a record-extending fifth straight time.

If Starc were to be rested, fellow pacer Jhye Richardson would likely be called in as his replacement. The 28-year-old last played a Test in December 2021, taking five second-innings wickets in the pink-ball Ashes clash against England at the Adelaide Oval.

Asked about the prospect of getting a call-up, Richardson told Cricket Australia website that he was not thinking too much about the selection. “It’s hard to think about that (prospect of playing the next Test). You can’t spend too much energy wondering about what’s going to happen with selections.

“(I’m) trying to not think about it too much but if the opportunity arises, I’ll do my best to grab it.”

Kohli had a forgettable 2024 with the bat in all three formats of the game in international cricket. He averaged 24.52 in Test cricket, 19.33 in ODIs and 18 in T20I cricket before announcing his retirement from the shortest format of the game after winning the T20 World Cup 2024 title in West Indies.

In a viral video on social media, Kohli was seen on the streets of Sydney holding hands with Anushka Sharma along with Karnataka cricketers Devdutt Padikkal and Prasidh Krishna on New Year’s Eve. Other India cricketers like Rishabh Pant, Harshit Rana and Shubman Gill enjoyed the NY Eve fireworks at the Sydney Harbour Bridge.

WATCH Virat Kohli and Anushka Sharma on New Year’s Eve in Sydney HERE…

Virat Kohli, Anushka Sharma and Devdutt Padikkal & Prasidh Krishna at the Sydney for New Year’s celebrations. pic.twitter.com/FC8ahlCVan

— Tanuj Singh (@ImTanujSingh) December 31, 2024

India’s loss in the Boxing Day Test against Australia has reignited debates about the Test careers of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli. Both batters have faced criticism for their underwhelming performances, but former cricketer Sanjay Manjrekar has drawn a clear distinction between their contributions to Test cricket. According to Manjrekar, Kohli’s stature as a modern-day Test great warrants more patience compared to Rohit Sharma.

“There’s no comparison between Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli as Test batters. Virat is in a league of his own—a great Test batter. Rohit is a good Test batter, but his legacy lies in white-ball cricket. Virat deserves a longer rope,” Manjrekar said on Star Sports.

He also questioned the role of India’s batting coach in addressing Kohli’s ongoing struggles, emphasizing the need to resolve issues with a player of his caliber.

Kohli’s Test career, spanning 122 matches, includes 9,207 runs with 30 centuries. He remains India’s most successful Test captain, leading the team to historic wins, including overseas series victories in Australia. In contrast, Rohit has played 67 Tests, scoring 4,302 runs. Despite a few remarkable innings, his Test achievements pale compared to his dominance in white-ball formats.

Rohit’s recent form as a Test batter and captain has been particularly concerning. In the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy, he has managed just 31 runs across five innings at an average of 6.20 — the worst for a visiting skipper in an Australian Test series. The Boxing Day Test compounded his struggles, with Rohit dismissed for just 9 runs off 40 balls while chasing 340 on the final day. Since September, he has scored only 164 Test runs at an average of just over 10.

While Kohli’s Test credentials offer a buffer against criticism, Rohit’s recent performances have intensified scrutiny, highlighting the disparity in their Test careers and the growing challenges facing Indian cricket.

Indians are not in serious danger of losing the Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT), something that they have held on to for the last 10 years heading into the fifth and final Test which starts at the Sydney Cricket Ground on Friday.

Now news has emerged that head coach Gautam Gambhir cracked the whip in the MCG dressing room soon after Team India’s massive loss in the fourth Test. According to a report in Indian Express newspaper, Gambhir said, “Bahut ho gaya (I’ve had enough),” to the entire team after the loss.

Gautam Gambhir wanted Cheteshwar Pujara for the BGT, but selectors turned it down. (Express Sports). pic.twitter.com/oAMdkDsJ8N

— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) January 1, 2025

Gambhir’s recent speech, though indirect, highlighted Indian players prioritizing their ‘natural game’ over situational demands. Since taking over as coach on July 9, Gambhir reportedly allowed the team autonomy for six months but has now decided to assert control. He warned players that those who fail to adhere to the team strategy would be shown the door.

The former India opener was referring to Rishabh Pant, who was out to two indiscriminate shots in the MCG Test. Pant was caught in the deep in the second innings off part-time off-spinner Travis Head, when the order of the day was defence and playing for a draw.

With the team trailing 1-2 in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy and the World Test Championship final spot at risk, Gambhir has made his expectations clear. The Indian Express report indicated he emphasized the disconnect between intent and team interest, criticizing players for deviating from discussed plans. He also pointed to ongoing batting struggles since the Bangladesh series last September.

Key moments were scrutinized, including Virat Kohli chasing a wide delivery on the final day of the Melbourne Test, Rishabh Pant’s reckless dismissals, Rohit Sharma’s inconsistency, and Yashasvi Jaiswal’s ill-advised shot under pressure. These incidents highlighted a lack of discipline that has plagued the team.

Gautam Gambhir wanted Cheteshwar Pujara in team

Reports suggest the dressing room atmosphere has been tense for some time, even before the first Test in Australia. Gambhir had advocated for Cheteshwar Pujara’s inclusion, but selectors dismissed the idea, fuelling further discord. Additionally, Rohit Sharma’s delayed arrival and his struggles with form have added to the instability. Meanwhile, players with captaincy ambitions have reportedly tried to position themselves as pivotal figures, creating further divisions.

One senior player, seen as a self-appointed ‘Mr. Fix-It’, has been reluctant to trust younger players with leadership roles, aiming to position himself as an interim option. Though there is no overt rift, the team lacks cohesion. Gambhir’s selections, such as Harshit Rana and Washington Sundar, were contentious but not disastrous, while omissions like Akash Deep for the pink-ball Test drew criticism.

Rohit, known for meticulous planning and support for teammates, has struggled to extend his influence on this tour. Questions have also arisen about the effectiveness of Gambhir’s handpicked support staff. Sunil Gavaskar openly questioned the role of Abhishek Nayar, suggesting Gambhir himself could take on batting guidance.

Adding to the tension, Ravichandran Ashwin’s mid-tour departure sparked speculation, with his father citing ‘humiliation’ as a possible reason. While Ashwin downplayed the incident, it fuelled rumors of discontent.

Despite the challenges, individual brilliance has kept India in contention for the series. The team’s potential to secure a draw in the final Test and retain the Border-Gavaskar Trophy suggests it is not entirely fractured but struggles to balance individual expression with collective discipline.

Reacting to Chahar’s post, the former India cricketer humorously implied that the pacer had already been influenced by Mumbai’s lifestyle. Chahar is set to play for Mumbai Indians (MI) in the upcoming IPL season.

After a seven-year stint with Chennai Super Kings (CSK), Deepak Chahar was bought by Mumbai Indians (MI) for ₹9.25 crore at the IPL 2025 auction. Recently, Chahar visited Aalim Hakim’s salon in Mumbai.

Ambati Rayudu and Deepak Chahar both joined CSK in 2018 and spent several years together in the same dressing room. Rayudu, who had been with MI for eight years, was later picked by Chennai.

Ambati Rayudu, the right-handed batter, announced his retirement from international cricket on May 29, 2023. Post-retirement, he participated in various global tournaments like the Major League Cricket and the Caribbean Premier League.

Deepak Chahar’s Excitement for Mumbai Indians

Deepak Chahar expressed excitement about his new journey with Mumbai Indians (MI) after being bought by the franchise for IPL 2025. Though he cherished his long association with Chennai Super Kings (CSK), he mentioned no regrets about the switch. Chahar noted that he would miss playing with MS Dhoni but was eager to represent another successful franchise like MI, who also have five IPL titles.

Speaking to JioCinema after the auction, Chahar said, *“I’m quite happy. I had hoped to continue with CSK, but no regrets. Now, I’ll be playing for another great franchise which has won five IPL trophies. I’ll obviously miss playing with MS Dhoni. Mumbai Indians is a great franchise, so I’m really looking forward to playing for them.”*

Chahar’s IPL Career Statistics
Chahar has been a key performer in the IPL, with 77 wickets from 81 matches at an economy rate of 7.98. His consistent performance over the years has made him one of the sought-after pacers in the league.