Former Indian pacer and present chairman of the BCCI’s men’s national selection committee, Ajit Agarkar became 47 years old on December 4, 2024. On his 47th birthday, we are going back to the memory when the right-arm pacer destroyed the Australian batting line-up and set a memorable Test win at Adelaide Oval in Adelaide.

It was the second Test of the four-match Test series between the hosts Australia and the visitors India in the 2003-04 season. After the Australian captain Steve Waugh chose to bat first, Australia scored 556 runs, thanks to Ricky Ponting’s double century (242). 

Dravid and Laxman rescued India

In reply, India were once struggling at 85/4 before Rahul Dravid and VVS Laxman produced another unforgettable 303-run partnership for the fifth wicket. While Dravid scored 233 runs, Laxman scored 148 runs. India ultimately scored 523 runs before they were all out. 

Ajit Agarkar took six wickets

Australia started their second innings with a lead of 33 runs. While the fans were expecting a draw result in that Test match, Ajit Agarkar’s bowling performance stunned the cricket world. Before the lunch of the fourth day of that Adelaide Test, Agarkar dismissed the opener Justin Langer (10) and Ricky Ponting (0). While Ponting scored a double-century in the first innings, Langer scored a half-century in that innings. 

Later, Ashish Nehra and Anil Kumble took one wicket each, while Sachin Tendulkar picked up two wickets in his seven balls. Then, Agarkar destroyed the late batting orders, as the right-arm pacer picked up four wickets in his four overs. He dismissed Andy Bichel (1), Simon Katich (31), Jason Gillespie (3), and Stuart McGill (1).

India won the Adelaide Test by four wickets

After picking up two wickets in the first innings of the Test match, Agarkar finished the third innings with the bowling figures of 16.2-2-41-6. His destructive bowling resulted in Australia being bundled out for 196 runs. Although the 230-run target wasn’t easy for the visitors India in the fourth innings, Rahul Dravid once again batted strongly and got support from the other end to claim a historic four-wicket win. Dravid ended the game with the winning boundary and remained not out for 72 runs. 

While Dravid deservingly won the Player of the Match award, Agarkar’s contribution was equally important to that historic victory. It was Agarkar’s only Test five-wicket haul as he claimed 58 wickets in 26 Tests. 

The Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) brings together the best players from Australia and India for a highly anticipated Test series. Several players have made their mark on the rivalry's history with match-winning performances over the years.

Regarding bowling, various notable bowlers from India and Australia have turned the contest around throughout the years in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. Here's a list of the top five memorable bowling displays by the Indian roster in the down under, through the timelines of this highly acclaimed bilateral red-ball series.

Kapil Dev: 8/106 in Adelaide 1985-86

Kapil Dev's 8/106 in the 1985 Adelaide Test is still the finest Test bowling performance by an Indian bowler in Australia. Kapil bowled with remarkable control against a rigid Australian batting order, limiting them to just 381 runs in the first innings. He was known for his accurate seam movement and swing bowling, which made Australian hitters nervous.

The furious fast bowler removed practically every Australian batter and stood out for a solitary performance that placed India in a position to win the Test. Despite India taking the lead with a commanding 520/10 as a response, the match finished in a tie, with Kapil named the man of the match.

Anil Kumble: 8/141 in Sydney 2003-04

Anil Kumble was famed for his never-say-die mentality, and his 8/141 spell in Sydney in 2004 demonstrates his perseverance. Bowling on a flat Sydney field, Australia had already scored a staggering 474 in response to India's 705. Kumble's spell came on a track that gave nothing to the bowlers, but he still made an impression.

He broke vital partnerships and continued to chip away at Australia's batting order. While the game ended in a tie, Kumble's eight wickets were the most important in preventing Australia from running away with it. His performance demonstrated his ability to bear the brunt of India's bowling assault, particularly in difficult international circumstances.

Ajit Agarkar: 6/41 in Adelaide 2003-04

Ajit Agarkar recorded a career-best performance of 6 for 41 in the 2003 Adelaide Test, which proved crucial in India's memorable four-wicket victory. His wickets included Ricky Ponting, whose departure for a duck was critical in shattering the opposition's resistance.

Agarkar's famous session is sometimes overlooked by Rahul Dravid's superb 233 in the same game, but it was his bowling that secured India's rare overseas victory.

Also Read: Top 5 Indian Batting Innings from the BGT played in Australia

Mohammed Siraj: 5/73 in Brisbane 2020-21

Mohammed Siraj's 5/73 in Australia's second innings was his first five-wicket haul in Test cricket, coming in only his third outing. Siraj, despite having little experience, led an injury-depleted Indian bowling attack that lacked seasoned bowlers like Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Shami, Umesh Yadav, and Ravichandran Ashwin and up to the task by bowling with control and aggressiveness.

Siraj's success came despite personal sadness, as he had lost his father during the tour but elected to remain in Australia to serve on national service. Siraj's accomplishment reflected India's perseverance and depth. Siraj's victory exemplified India's squad's tenacity and depth throughout the victorious 2020-21 Border-Gavaskar Trophy campaign. 

Jasprit Bumrah: 6/33 in Melbourne 2018-19

In 2018, Jasprit Bumrah led India to their first-ever victory in a Boxing Day Test Down Under. The right-arm seamer took 6/33 as Australia were bowled out for 151 in response to India's 443/7 declaration. This spell contained everything. There were seamed-up deliveries, bouncers, yorkers, and Shaun Marsh's famed slow yorker.

This display of "complete fast bowling" by the world-class seamer who deserved to seal the first rank of the bowlers' roster at that time. These are still the best Test figures by an Indian at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. Bumrah also took three wickets in the 2nd innings, with Australia failing to chase 399.

Former Pakistan captain Rashid Latif has joined a growing chorus of former cricketers questioning the decision of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to appoint Suryakumar Yadav as India’s new T20I captain over Hardik Pandya. Despite Hardik’s impressive credentials, including leading the Gujarat Titans to an IPL title and serving as Rohit Sharma’s deputy during India’s successful T20 World Cup campaign, the BCCI opted for Suryakumar Yadav. This decision has sparked widespread debate within the cricketing community.

BCCI’s bold captaincy decision

The BCCI’s choice of Suryakumar Yadav as the new T20I captain came as a surprise to many, especially given Hardik Pandya’s leadership experience and success in the IPL. Hardik was widely expected to succeed Rohit Sharma as the T20I captain. However, chief selector Ajit Agarkar cited fitness concerns as the primary reason for preferring Suryakumar for the captaincy role. Agarkar’s statement has led to mixed reactions, with some agreeing with the focus on fitness and others questioning the justification.

“No, here they (the claims) just hand him a certificate saying he isn’t fit and there are concerns about his fitness. There are plenty of players who weren’t super fit but still became great captains. So, I think it was just an excuse. Because if Surya wasn’t around, then Rishabh (Pant) would have been the captain since you have to look at the future,” Latif said.

Additionally, Hardik Pandya lost his T20I vice-captaincy to the young and promising Shubman Gill. The selection committee explained that this decision was part of their strategy to groom young players for future leadership roles.

Rashid Latif’s criticism

Rashid Latif, known for his outspoken opinions, has openly criticized the BCCI’s reasoning. Latif dismissed the fitness concerns as mere excuses for bypassing Hardik Pandya for the captaincy. He argued that if fitness is genuinely an issue, the selectors should provide an unfit certificate for Hardik. Latif’s comments reflect a broader skepticism about the decision-making process within the BCCI.

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In a press conference held before India’s departure for the Sri Lanka tour, Ajit Agarkar addressed the media, reiterating that fitness played a significant role in the decision to appoint Suryakumar Yadav over Hardik Pandya.

“Hardik’s skill-sets are difficult to find and fitness is difficult to find. we have got a bit more time and we can look at a few things. Fitness was a clear challenge and we wanted someone who was likely to be available more often,” Agarkar said.

“We have taken general feedback from the dressing room also,” he added.

Despite this explanation, the debate continues, with many former players and fans expressing their dissatisfaction with the BCCI’s choice.

India all-rounder Hardik Pandya saw his world turn upside down as the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) announced the squad for the tour of Sri Lanka. Expected to be named the team’s new T20I captain after the retirement of Rohit Sharma, Pandya faced a surprising turn of events with the new management structure.

Gautam Gambhir, the new head coach, and chief selector Ajit Agarkar, had different plans, handing the T20I leadership to Suryakumar Yadav, while Shubman Gill was named vice-captain.

Gambhir and Agarkar’s influence

Reports suggest that Gambhir’s arrival as head coach played a significant role in this decision. Unconvinced by Hardik’s consistency and fitness, Gambhir preferred Suryakumar for the captaincy role. A report from PTI also highlighted that Chief Selector Agarkar had doubts about Hardik’s tactical awareness, a crucial attribute for successful captaincy.

“Gambhir’s entry as India’s head coach obviously put a spanner in Pandya’s national captaincy prospects,” the PTI report stated. “Even the selection committee led by Ajit Agarkar wasn’t completely convinced that he is tactically as sound as one expects an international skipper to be.”

The road ahead for Pandya

Pandya’s leadership ambitions have faced a massive roadblock. However, in cricket, it isn’t over till the last ball is bowled. To keep his captaincy dreams alive and make a point, Hardik needs to deliver a terrific performance in the Sri Lanka T20Is. Additionally, he can’t rely solely on international games; he will have to play domestic cricket to improve his below-par international appearance percentage of 50 percent across the two white-ball formats over the last 19 months.

See Also: Women’s T20 Asia Cup 2024, Match 04: Sri Lanka beat Bangladesh by 7 wickets – Cricket Winner

To remain in contention for the Champions Trophy next year, Pandya must participate in the Vijay Hazare Trophy for Baroda in December. Indian cricket is always full of twists and turns, and Hardik’s journey is far from over.

Outgoing batting coach Vikram Rathour from Team India recommended Rinku Singh’s inclusion in the Test squad. Rathour praised Rinku for his temperament, seeing him as a perfect fit for Test cricket.

During his time as Team India’s batting coach under Rahul Dravid’s guidance, Rathour closely watched Rinku’s progress. Despite Rinku’s success in white-ball cricket, particularly as a T20I finisher, Rathour believed he possessed the skills and technical prowess needed for Test cricket.

“One of the players to have moved up the ladder in the past two seasons is Rinku Singh, who has played two ODIs and 20 T20Is, but can’t be called a regular in the national side yet. He is a fantastic finisher in short-format cricket, but also averages 54.70 after 69 first-class innings,” Rathour told PTI, 

From IPL star to international debut

Rinku became well known during IPL 2023 and played his first international T20 matches against Ireland last year. He also started playing ODIs during the series against South Africa in December 2023.

Although Rinku didn’t secure a spot in Team India’s 15 member squad for the T20 World Cup 2024, he traveled as a reserve player, sparking disappointment among fans and experts. BCCI chief selector Ajit Agarkar acknowledged that omitting Rinku was a tough decision for the committee.

Rathour’s vision for Rinku in Tests

Rathour highlighted that while Rinku has made a name for himself in T20Is, he envisioned the batter thriving in Test cricket as well.

“When I see him bat in nets, I can’t find any technical reasons why Rinku cannot be a successful Test batter,” Rathour said. “I understand he has made his name as a terrific finisher in T20 cricket, but if you look at his first-class record, he is averaging in high 50s.

“He is also blessed with a very calm temperament. So all these factors indicate that, if given an opportunity, he can develop into a Test cricketer.”

In his T20I 20 appearances, Rinku has scored 416 runs at a strike rate of 176.27, including two fifties. It remains to be seen if he will receive an opportunity in Test cricket in the future.

In a recent turn of events, former Indian cricket captain and former BCCI president, Sourav Ganguly, has expressed his keen interest in taking up the role of head coach for the Indian cricket team. This announcement comes as the BCCI prepares to appoint a new coach, with Rahul Dravid’s tenure set to conclude after the T20 World Cup 2024. Ganguly’s potential return to the team in a coaching capacity has sparked widespread interest and discussion within the cricketing community.

Ganguly’s Enthusiasm for Coaching

Ganguly’s passion for the game and his desire to contribute to the team in a new role adds an intriguing dimension to the selection process for the next head coach of Team India.

Speaking to the media in Kolkata, Ganguly shared his enthusiasm for coaching the Indian team.

He stated, “I would love to coach the Indian team. If he wants to do it, I think he will be a very good candidate.”

See Also: Controversy erupts over T20 World Cup 2024 pitches after Sri Lanka’s 77 against South Africa

Rahul Dravid’s Tenure Ending

Rahul Dravid, who took over the coaching reins in November 2021, has had a significant impact on the team. Under his guidance, India has seen several successes, including a historic Test series win in Australia. As his tenure comes to an end, the focus now shifts to finding a successor who can build on Dravid’s legacy and lead the team to further glory.

Gautam Gambhir as a Potential Candidate

Adding to the discourse, Ganguly endorsed former Indian batsman Gautam Gambhir as a potential candidate for the coaching role. Gambhir, during an event at Medeor Hospital in Abu Dhabi, expressed his eagerness to coach the Indian team.

He remarked, “There is no bigger honor than coaching your national team. You are representing 140 crore Indians and those across the globe as well.”

When comparing Ganguly and Gambhir as potential head coaches, several factors come into play. Ganguly’s extensive experience in leadership roles and his deep-rooted connection with Indian cricket make him a strong contender. On the other hand, Gambhir’s fresh perspective and recent playing experience could bring a new dynamic to the team. Both have their unique strengths, making the selection process highly interesting.

Confidence in the Indian Team

Ganguly has expressed his confidence in wicket keeper-batter Rishabh Pant, highlighting his potential to perform well in the World Cup.

“He (Rishabh Pant) will play well. He is a good player. The World Cup has not yet started, India is playing its warm-up matches. On 5th June, they are playing their first game. They will do well, they are a good side,” Ganguly affirmed. Pant’s aggressive batting style and agile wicket-keeping make him a key player for India’s campaign.

India’s T20 World Cup 2024 Campaign

As of now, the Indian cricket team is in a strong position, with a blend of experienced players and promising youngsters. Recent performances in various formats have been commendable, and the team is well-prepared for the upcoming challenges, including the T20 World Cup 2024.

India is set to commence their T20 World Cup campaign on June 5 against Ireland at the Nassau County International Cricket Stadium in New York. As anticipation builds for the tournament, the discussions around coaching personnel and the team’s prospects add further intrigue to the cricketing landscape.

As anticipation builds for the tournament, the discussions around coaching personnel and the team’s prospects add further intrigue to the cricketing landscape.

Amidst speculations and debates surrounding Virat Kohli’s strike rate, the chief selector of the Indian cricket team, Ajit Agarkar, has stepped forward to address the concerns ahead of the T20 World Cup squad announcement. Kohli’s performance in IPL 2024 had raised questions about his strike rate, but Agarkar’s recent statements have shed light on the selectors’ perspective.

Ajit Agarkar’s Clarification

Contrary to the widespread discussions, Ajit Agarkar clarified that Virat Kohli’s strike rate was never a concern for the selection committee. In a press conference, Agarkar emphasized the significance of Kohli’s experience and leadership in the upcoming T20 World Cup, dismissing the notion that IPL strike rates directly translate to international success.

See Also: Ajit Agarkar explains reasons behind exclusion of Rinku Singh and KL Rahul from T20 WC squad

Differences Between IPL and International Cricket

Agarkar highlighted the stark differences between IPL and international cricket, emphasizing the unique pressures and demands of representing the national team on the global stage. While IPL serves as a valuable platform for talent showcase, the dynamics of international tournaments require a different skill set and mindset.

Importance of Experience in the T20 World Cup

In a high-stakes tournament like the T20 World Cup, Agarkar stressed the importance of seasoned campaigners like Virat Kohli. Despite concerns about strike rates, Kohli’s wealth of experience and ability to anchor the innings provide crucial stability to the team’s middle order, balancing the squad’s composition.

“We have not been discussing his strike rate. There’s a difference between IPL and international cricket. You need experience. We have got enough balance and power in the team. You look and try take positives from what is happening in IPL. The pressure of a World Cup game is different,” Agarkar said in the press conference.

Kohli’s Performance in IPL 2024

Virat Kohli’s performance in IPL 2024 further solidified his credentials as a top-tier batsman, currently ranking as the second-leading run-scorer in the tournament. With 500 runs in 10 matches at a strike rate of 147.49, Kohli’s consistency and adaptability have been instrumental for his franchise and bode well for India’s World Cup aspirations.

India’s T20 World Cup Campaign

India’s T20 World Cup journey commences on June 5 against Ireland, marking the beginning of their quest for glory in the tournament.

Amidst speculation and scrutiny, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) sparked controversy with its decision to exclude Rinku Singh from the 15-member squad for the upcoming T20 World Cup 2024. Singh’s omission has raised eyebrows within the cricketing community, given his promising performances in IPL 2023 and T20Is for the Indian cricket team.

BCCI Chief Selector’s Explanation

Ajit Agarkar, the chief selector of BCCI, shed light on the decision-making process behind Singh’s exclusion. In a press conference, Agarkar clarified that the decision did not reflect Singh’s performance or conduct. Instead, it was based on considerations of team composition and balance.

See Also: Know the reason behind Irfan Pathan’s disappointment over MS Dhoni

“It’s probably the toughest thing we had to discuss [in the selection meeting]. He has done nothing wrong. It’s again the combination as Rohit said we’re not quite sure the conditions we will get,” Agarkar said in the press conference at BCCI HQ on Thursday (May 2).

Agarkar emphasized the importance of balancing the squad, prioritizing versatility and adaptability. Including players like Axar Patel, chosen over Singh, reflects the selectors’ strategic approach to building a well-rounded team capable of handling diverse match situations.

“There were a couple of wrist spinners, Kuldeep and Chahal who were included to give Rohit more options. Axar again as a batting all-rounder. It’s just unfortunate. I don’t think there is anything to do with Rinku Singh and it’s not his fault that he missed out. It’s more the 15 that we felt,” the BCCI chief selector explained.

“We just thought another bowling option might be handy going forward in the tournament. He is still one of the travelling subs, it’s a little bit tough on him but at the end of the day you can only pick 15,” Agarkar concluded.

Analysis of Rinku Singh’s Omission

In 15 T20I matches for India, Rinku Singh has scored 356 runs with an average of 89, while he boasts a strike rate of 176. The 26-year-old also has two fifties to his name in India colours.

Despite Singh’s impressive track record, including notable contributions in IPL and T20Is, his exclusion underscores the tough decisions faced by selectors in finalizing the squad. While Singh was named among the reserves, the competition for a spot in the final fifteen was intense, ultimately resulting in his omission.

Role of Other Players in Squad Selection

Agarkar elaborated on the selection process, highlighting the preference for players like Rishabh Pant, and Sanju Samson over KL Rahul as first-choice wicket-keepers. Factors such as batting position and versatility influenced the selection of these players over others.

“KL is a terrific player, the thing we were looking at is someone who can bat in the middle. Rishabh is batting at 5 for DC. We felt these two (Samson and Pant) are better. It wasn’t whether KL Rahul is better or Rishabh Pant or Sanju Samson better. It was about the batting slots (hence Pant and Samson were picked),” Agarkar said. 

Hardik Pandya’s Role and Vice-Captaincy

Agarkar addressed questions regarding Hardik Pandya’s role in the squad and his appointment as vice-captain. Pandya’s fitness and performance in the ongoing IPL were key considerations, with the hope that he would continue to contribute significantly, especially with his bowling prowess.

“Nothing discussed regards to vice captaincy. He has come agfter a longish layoff. He has gotten through all the games for MI and we have got another month and a little bit till we play our first game. Hope is that he builds on that form. There’s no replacement on what he brings to the team, especially with the ball. His fitness is critical and so far he has gone well in the IPL,” the BCCI chief selector explained.

India’s squad for T20 World Cup 2024

Rohit Sharma(C), Hardik Pandya (VC), Yashasvi Jaiswal, Virat Kohli, Suryakumar Yadav, Rishabh Pant, Sanju Samson, Shivam Dube, Ravindra Jadeja, Axar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav, Yuzvendra Chahal, Arshdeep Singh, Mohammed Siraj, Jasprit Bumrah

Travelling reserves: Rinku Singh, Shubman Gill, Khaleel Ahmed, Avesh Khan

India, a cricket-crazy nation, eagerly awaits the announcement of its squad for the T20 World Cup 2024. Reports suggest that the selection panel, led by former cricketer Ajit Agarkar, is scheduled to convene with India’s captain, Rohit Sharma, in the coming days. The squad announcement is anticipated to take place on May 1, providing the selected players with ample time to prepare for the tournament commencing in early June.

Selection Panel Meeting with Rohit Sharma

The impending meeting between the selection panel and Rohit Sharma holds immense significance. It serves as a platform for discussions, where the captain’s insights and preferences are considered while finalizing the squad.

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Announcing the squad well in advance allows the selected players to focus on their preparations and builds team cohesion, which is essential for a successful campaign in the World Cup.

Expected Squad Members

Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma are among the confirmed picks for the squad, ensuring a formidable batting lineup. Additionally, seasoned players like Jasprit Bumrah and Kuldeep Yadav add depth to the bowling department.

The competition for the wicket-keeper and finisher roles intensifies with the emergence of contenders like KL Rahul and Sanju Samson. While Rishabh Pant’s stellar form secures his position as the first-choice keeper, the battle for the secondary spot promises intrigue.

All-rounders’ Dilemma

The selection problem extends to the all-rounders, particularly Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dube, and Rinku Singh. Despite concerns over Pandya’s recent form, his inclusion seems probable, leaving a tough decision between Dube and Singh.

With pitches in the Windies expected to favor spinners, the dilemma arises between opting for a third spinner or including the promising Tilak Varma. While established spinners like Kuldeep Yadav and Ravindra Jadeja are likely choices, the debate over the final spinning option ensues.

As anticipation mounts for the official announcement, the speculations surrounding India’s T20 World Cup 2024 squad give cricket enthusiasts plenty to ponder.

Excitement is building among cricket enthusiasts as the Indian cricket team prepares to unveil its squad for the upcoming T20 World Cup, slated to be co-hosted by the West Indies and the United States. With the selection meeting dates confirmed and key players’ availability being assessed, anticipation is at an all-time high.

Selection Meeting Dates Confirmed

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has narrowed down the window for its crucial selection meeting, aiming to finalize the squad well ahead of the May 1st deadline set by the International Cricket Council (ICC) for all participating teams to submit their T20 World Cup squads. According to reports from Jagran News, the selection meeting will likely occur on April 27th or 28th.

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Focus on Rohit Sharma’s Availability

One of the key factors influencing the timing of the selection meeting is the availability of star cricketer Rohit Sharma. Coinciding with an Indian Premier League (IPL) match featuring Mumbai Indians on April 27th in Delhi, Rohit Sharma’s presence in the capital city presents an opportune moment for the selectors to assess his fitness and form firsthand. As one of the most experienced players in the Indian squad, Sharma’s availability holds significant weight in the selection process.

Ajit Agarkar’s Return for the Selection Meeting

Adding to the significance of the selection meeting is the return of BCCI chief selector Ajit Agarkar from his vacation in Spain. With Mumbai Indians scheduled to play their next IPL match on April 30th against Lucknow Super Giants, Agarkar’s presence during the April 27th or 28th window ensures that the selectors can deliberate and finalize the squad with thorough consideration.