Ravichandran Ashwin on Rishabh Pant: A Rare Tribute to a Unique Talent

Cricket players such as Rishabh Pant are unfathomably valuable in the Indian cricket world. That's why Ravichandran Ashwin doesn't often make a whole YouTube video about just one player, but for someone such as Pant, he made an exception. This person's talent for hitting amazing shots against the bowlers, and also being able to hang there when things get hard, is what makes him stand out.

This was exemplified in the fifth Border-Gavaskar Trophy Test between India and Australia, where Pant displayed both facets of his game. In the first innings, he scored a gritty 98-ball 40, followed by a scintillating 33-ball 61 in the second. While the second-innings blitz earned widespread acclaim, Ashwin reminded fans of the importance of Pant’s fighting knock in the first innings. “One opinion about Rishabh was that he plays a lot of shots, and he needs to fight it out in Test cricket. I’ve always grown up hearing that you have to fight it out. In Sydney, he played two different knocks in one single game. He got hit everywhere and scored a 40.

It will be the least spoken innings of Rishabh Pant. It is very unfair,” Ashwin said on his YouTube channel. The veteran spinner also hailed Pant as one of the best Test batters since the inception of the World Test Championship (WTC), a significant compliment in itself. Yet, Ashwin’s focus on Pant’s often-underrated defensive technique caught the most attention

ALSO READ: Indian wicketkeeper-batter can be rested from England series

Ravi Ashwin talking about Rishabh Pant. 🇮🇳pic.twitter.com/gKp0YHnDD4

— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) January 10, 2025

Pant’s Defence: An Underrated Asset

Ashwin said that Joe Root has been on another level when it comes to batting lately. Over the past seven years, batting's really changed. A Test cricket? It's apparently concentrated on how you handle the game moment by moment. After he scored a fantastic fifty in the second innings, everyone started cheering for him. They ended that awful first innings and just focused on how well he played the second time.Ashwin highlighted that Pant’s defence is among the best in world cricket, an attribute rarely discussed in Indian cricketing circles. “We must realise that Rishabh Pant rarely gets out playing a defence. He’s got one of the best defences in world cricket. Defence has become a challenging aspect. He has the best defence with a soft hand. I have bowled to him a lot in the nets. He doesn’t get out; he doesn’t edge, and he doesn’t get LBW. He has the best defence. I have tried telling him this,” Ashwin said.

The Need for a Middle Ground

Ashwin said he's got all the moves, reverse sweep, slog sweep, every single one, but the catch is they're all unfathomably risky. He definitely has the skills to achieve many points every match if he can play 200 balls, without any difficulty. But what's really important is balancing it out. If he can combine it all, the individual is going to hit 100 runs every match, definitively.He just needs to think through that balanced play style.

Ashwin emphasized the importance of proper guidance for Pant to unlock his full potential.“We have to tell him properly what he has to do if he has to bat solid or bat with intent. He hasn’t scored a lot of runs, but he didn’t play like someone without runs. He has a lot of time on his hands. Rishabh Pant is yet to realise his fullest potential,” Ashwin concluded.

Rishabh Pant's spectacular mix of being aggressive and technically skilled makes him a very interesting player in world cricket. Ashwin's thoughts clearly show that there's still so much more potential in Pant's game that hasn't been fully used yet. If Pant manages to find just the right balance, he could reach even larger achievements in his Test career.Pant's manner of playing is bold and attracts a lot of attention but it's that combo of skills that keeps everyone watching him.

Rishabh Pant Career Stats

Batting & Fielding

The five-match Border Gavaskar Trophy series comes to a close and the likes of Devdutt Padikkal, Prasidh Krishna, and Abhimanyu Easwaran will all fly back to India and join their respective domestic teams to partake in the knockout phase of the 2024-25 Vijay Hazare Trophy from January 9 in Vadodara. Washington Sundar, who was a key part of the visiting Indian team down under might be able to feature from the semi-finals onwards if Tamil Nadu gets to that stage.

See also: "Mark my words.." Ravi Shastri's bold claim on Virat's struggling Test future

Abhimanyu travels a day earlier than Padikkal and Prasidh

It is expected that both Padikkal and Prasidh will fly out from Sydney with the rest of the Indian squad on Wednesday. But surprisingly, Abhimanyu was recalled a day earlier by the Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB), and a flight was booked for him so that he was able to join his state squad in Vadodara after stops in Singapore and Ahmedabad.  

Abhimanyu will take part in the training drills with his Bengal squad ahead of their pre-quarter-final fixture against Haryana. Akash Deep, the other CAB player in the Indian squad sustained a back niggle which kept him out of the fifth and final Test. Understandably so, he will not play any role for Bengal for the remainder of the tournament. 

Padikkal and Prasidh to join Karnataka squad by Januray 10

Karnataka is slated to play their quarter-final game against Baroda on January 11. It is believed that both Padikkal and Prasidh are expected to be back in the squad no later than January 10. Initially included solely in the India A team that was participating in a preparatory tour before the Border-Gavaskar series, Padikkal was later incorporated into the Test squad due to Rohit Sharma's delayed arrival resulting from the birth of his son. Padikkal played a role in India's victory by 295 runs in Perth; however, he was not selected for any of the following Test matches.

The back injury of Akash Deep opened the door for Prasidh Krishna in the fifth and final Test in SCG. He was a standout performer with the ball in Bumrah's absence and finished with six wickets comprising the dismissal of Steve Smith in both innings.  

Virat Kohli's struggle came to a close as India lost the Border Gavaskar Trophy Test series for the first time in over a decade. The Indian batting legend could only manage 190 runs across nine Test innings at a very modest average of 23.75. Apart from his stellar century in Perth which came in favorable batting conditions, Kohli looked all at sea while combating a hostile Aussie pace attack.

His weakness while playing deliveries outside off-stump was severely exposed and the Australian quicks exploited his weakness to the fullest. The manner in which he was dismissed across all eight innings sparked immediate concerns regarding his longevity in the red-ball arena.

See also: Kohli's plot to evade taxes exposed after astonishing revelation of his offshore properties in the UK

Shastri backs Kohli amidst poor form slump

Kohli's decline in form has been a major source of concern for Team India in recent times.  A string of poor performances has lowered his Test batting average to 24.52 in 2024. But former cricket coach turned commentator, Ravi Shastri has offered a few words of encouragement to the struggling ace batter. 

He believes Kohli will come good and when the time is right, he will unleash his fury and produce the goods for India as he used to do during his prime days. In a conversation with CODE Sports, Shastri makes a bold remark on Kohli's Test future and suggests that it may not come as a surprise to him if he sees Kohli again on Australian shores.

"Mark my words. I won't be surprised if we see Virat Kohli playing Test cricket again on Australian soil."

Without a doubt, Kohli is a living legend of the game. He encountered a similar drop in form in the white-ball arena and later turned it around by concluding the 2023 ODI World Cup campaign on a high averaging in excess of 50. But aged 37, time seems to be running out and with the likes of Jurel, Sarfaraz, and Patidar waiting in the ranks, it is highly unlikely we may see him dominate the Aussies in their own backyard again. 

Cricket Australia didn't ask Sunil Gavaskar to present the Border-Gavaskar Trophy to Pat Cummins, Australia's captain, even though the trophy is named after him and Allan Border. This decision was a disappointment for cricket fans. Right at the ceremony where they gave out the awards, they had Gavaskar just standing at the side of the field without taking part.

It disappointed many people who enjoy cricket.

Gavaskar also shared that, as an Indian, he would have been honored to share the stage with his close friend Allan Border to present the trophy. "I would have been happy to do it alongside Allan. It's a bilateral series that symbolizes the friendship and rivalry between our two nations," he said.

Cricket Australia's Explanation

Cricket Australia (CA) has mentioned some details about inviting Sunil Gavaskar for a special task. They were planning to have him give the Border-Gavaskar Trophy to Jasprit Bumrah but only if India had won the Sydney Test, or at least managed a draw, which would mean they keep the trophy because they won the last series.

CA also shared that they had actually told Gavaskar beforehand about this entire plan. They even said, it might have been a good idea to have both Allan Border and Sunil Gavaskar come up on stage. That's what a spokesperson from CA said when they discussed it.

Australia beat India 3-1 in the latest Border-Gavaskar Trophy series, taking victories in Adelaide, Melbourne, and Sydney. The series is a strikingly large event in Test cricket and happens every two years, with the host country switching between India and Australia. It began in 1996-97 and honors cricket icons Sunil Gavaskar and Allan Border.

While India secured the first win in Perth, the game in Brisbane ended with no winner.

Cricket Australia Admits Their Mistake

Later that evening, Cricket Australia acknowledged their error in not having Gavaskar on the podium for the presentation ceremony, which only included Allan Border. In a statement to the media, CA expressed regret:

"We admit it wasn't an ideal situation, and it would have been better if both Allan Border and Sunil Gavaskar had been invited to present the trophy together."

Cheteshwar Pujara: The Missing Piece in India's Border-Gavaskar Trophy Campaign

Reports have surfaced suggesting that Indian Men's Team Head Coach Gautam Gambhir recommended the inclusion of Cheteshwar Pujara for the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy. However, the BCCI Selectors declined his request during the team selection meeting prior to the tour. This decision has gained significance as India's batting performance in Australia this year has been underwhelming.

India's Batting Struggles in Australia

During the series, major names such as Rohit Sharma, Rishabh Pant, and Virat Kohli just couldn't make a mark like they usually do. Kohli did hit a century in his second turn during the first game but his game has been up and down, especially with getting out on balls outside off-stump which reminds everyone of when he used to struggle with that before.

This inconsistent hitting from them is a strikingly large reason why India hasn't been doing great in the series.

ALSO READ:India's 2025 Cricket Calendar: England Series, Champions Trophy, Asia Cup, and Australia Tour Fixtures

Pujara's Role and Strengths

Pujara is famous for wearing down bowlers and creating strong partnerships, which makes him a key player to steady the batting lineup. The team really misses having someone who can help make things steady between the top and middle players like he does, especially in the current series. It's a major issue that they're thinking about bringing Cheteshwar Pujara back into the group because he's great at holding an innings together with his top-notch defensive skills.

🚨 GAUTAM GAMBHIR WANTED PUJARA IN TEAM INDIA FOR BGT 🚨

- Gautam Gambhir wanted Cheteshwar Pujara in Team India's Squad for Border Gavaskar Trophy but the selectors shot it down. Even after Perth Test Match, Gambhir was still talking about Pujara. (Express Sports). pic.twitter.com/NZRqas1UyK

— Tanuj Singh (@ImTanujSingh) January 1, 2025

Pujara's Past Performances in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy

2018-19 Series in Australia

Pujara was a total leader in the 2018-19 Border-Gavaskar Trophy and you notice it. He obtained 521 runs in just seven innings over four matches, which had everyone talking. He obtained three centuries and also scored fifty runs, boasting an average of 74.42. Among his best performances were:

A marathon 193 in the third Test at the Sydney Cricket Ground, which consumed 373 balls and ensured a draw.

A gritty 123 in the first match.

A remarkable 106 during the Boxing Day Test at the MCG.

2020-21 Series in Australia

During the 2020-21 series, Pujara hit a total of 271 runs. The Brisbane Gabba test was an important game, where his score of 56 from 211 balls showed how tough and gritty he could be, playing a major role in India's key win by staying strong against constant, very fast bowling.

Pujara's Test Career in Numbers

Pujara is a really solid and reliable batsman in Test cricket, having played 103 matches. He's scored 7,195 runs from 174 innings, which averages out to 44 runs every game he plays. Among those runs, he's hit 19 hundreds and 34 fifties, with his top score being a very high 206 runs without getting out against England. His track record seriously shows how valuable he is on the team.

India's Struggles in the 2024-25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy

Today, India is losing 2-1 in the series, and they are having a hard time with batting. Even though they tried putting Shubman Gill and Rohit Sharma in key roles, both of them didn't manage to do well consistently. The match in Brisbane that ended in a draw really showed how the middle-order can't hold together and make the most of the chances they get.

Gambhir's Concerns and Australian Bowlers' Perspective

Gambhir's very upset because the batting's been awful for a long time and he told the team how bad it was. He was very upset that the players were apparently concentrated on demonstrating their own skills instead of playing as a team. Gambhir kept saying they must hold to the plan they agreed on before the meeting, and not only make content as they go.

He made it extremely unmistakeable that working together is significantly more important than trying to be a solo star.

Josh Hazlewood, the Australian bowler, was very happy that Pujara wouldn't be playing. Hazlewood really meant exactly what he said, that Pujara had a major effect because of how he could just stay at the crease forever, make the bowlers tired, and was always good when playing in Australia. He is someone who bats time and makes you earn his wicket every time, is actually how Hazlewood put it, showing that he really thought Pujara mattered a lot for India winning.

Hazlewood's comments before the series really shone a light on how crucial Pujara was.

The Australian media's portrayal of Virat Kohli has recently shifted from admiration to criticism, particularly following his on-field altercation with Australian debutant Sam Konstas during the Boxing Day Test. This incident has led to a series of critical articles and headlines targeting Kohli's behavior

The West Australian newspaper made waves during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024 with a controversial back-page headline targeting Virat Kohli. Titled "Clown Kohli", the headline featured an edited image of Kohli with a clown nose, mocking the Indian star cricketer.

The back page of tomorrow’s The West Australian. 🤡🤡🤡@westaustralian @TheWestSport pic.twitter.com/3BaiB3SOQi

— Jakeb Waddell (@JakebWaddell) December 26, 2024

On Day 1 of the fourth Border-Gavaskar Trophy Test, Kohli had a tense moment with 19-year-old debutant Sam Konstas. This exchange drew criticism from several former players, who felt his actions on the field were out of line. Following the incident, the back page of The West Australian newspaper has gone viral, featuring a mocking headline referring to Kohli as 'Clown Kohli' alongside a photo of him with a clown nose. They also claimed Kohli 'escaped' a ban that could have sidelined him for the final Test of the series.

ALSO READ:Sam Konstas to Miss IPL 2025 After Impressive Debut

So what happened between Kohli and Konstas?

During the opening day of the fourth Test in Melbourne, the two players collided while moving across the pitch after the 10th over. It looked as if Kohli may have deliberately changed his path to bump into Konstas, leading to heavy criticism from former cricketers who deemed it unnecessary. While it’s unclear if this was intentional, the incident has sparked a lively debate on social media, with fans split on what to make of the shoulder bump between Kohli and Konstas in this series.

#AUSvIND #konstas & #Kohli collide into each other on the pitch. Look like, Kohli went for it deliberatelypic.twitter.com/6QAHUDZfWH

— Umair Javed (@umairjaved1591) December 26, 2024

Early Admiration and Praise

In the early stages of his career, Virat Kohli’s aggressive batting style and competitive spirit drew admiration from Australian cricket commentators and journalists. His fearless approach and ability to thrive under pressure were seen as qualities synonymous with Australia’s own cricketing ethos.

For example, during a memorable series in Mohali, Kohli delivered a thrilling performance that left even the Australian commentators in awe, despite the fact that it posed a significant challenge to their team. His innings were often described as a masterclass in controlled aggression, showcasing his knack for seizing the moment in high-stakes encounters.

This admiration laid the foundation for Kohli’s reputation as a cricketer who could match Australia’s intensity and mindset, earning respect from both fans and critics alike.

Virat Kohli received a welcome befitting a king from the Australian media—but why only him? And will this be his final tour of Australia? Find out in today's #Aakashvani 👇 https://t.co/oWNltEPayM pic.twitter.com/eJ8VmBa0tw

— Aakash Chopra (@cricketaakash) November 15, 2024

Indian Skipper Rohit Sharma attended the press conference today ahead of training in Melbourne before the Boxing Day Test which starts on 26 December. Skipper Rohit talked about the pitches Team India was given to practice in Melbourne. He said those pitches were used pitches for Big Bash. Today they got a fresh wicket to practice on and he said we will go and see the pitch and train accordingly.

Rohit on Series being tied at 1-1

Skipper Rohit Sharma said, "We have played some really good cricket. We have been fortunate that we won the Test in Perth. When you get bowled out for 150 runs you feel like you are under pressure. And then the attitude from the boys that they turned up and bowled out Australia for 104 shows up the attitude of not giving up till the last day of the Test match. When you tour abroad you know that you have to put those extra effort and some attitude as well which we showed in that Test match."

See Also:- ICC Champions Trophy 2025: Complete Fixtures Announced

"In Adelaide, we were a little bit behind the game. We didn't play well and I admitted that too. And then in Brisbane there wasn't much cricket only 180 and 90 overs were bowled. So, after three matches I had to look out at it being 1-1 it's a fair reflection of how both teams have played. Both teams have played solid cricket. The remaining two Tests are so important now for both teams. We want to break it down for just Melbourne now and we can focus on what we can achieve here. We should get our things right, play well, bat and bowl well, and take some good catches as well."

Rohit praises Bumrah's confidence and impact

Rohit Sharma on being asked about Jasprit Bumrah's impact on the series said, "It's very easy not say anything. Because he knows everything and he knows how he operates very plain and simple. He doesn't try to complicate things with his own stuff and keeps it nice and simple. He has so much belief in his skillset that there is not much discussion we need to have with him. I have been watching him for a long time. I have captained him for a long time so I know how he thinks. What he is trying to do makes it really easier for me not to think too much while he is bowling. Only because he is so clear in his mind. Whether he gets wickets or he doesn't he is so confident with his skillset that the conversations that happen during the game gives me that confidence that what the guy is trying to do. There is nothing much I can add there. So. it's very simple with him and it's always nice to have somebody like him in your team. When he is in such form the job of the other bowlers also becomes a little bit easier. All they need to do it to maintain that pressure. So, when it comes to Bumrah it is crystal clear ideas and plain and simple thoughts. It's nice to see that a lot of people from the opposition camp talk about him. How to handle him and stuff like that but usually those are the discussions that happen everywhere and like I said the impact he had on the series so far is massive. I hope he continues to do that because these two games are very very important for us."

Cricket Australia has confirmed that the young Sam Konstas will make his head in the Boxing Day Test starting in Melbourne on December 26. At 19 years and 45 days old, Konstas will become the fourth youngest Australian player to debut in Test cricket. Only Ian Craig, current Australian captain Pat Cummins, and Tom Garrett made their debuts at an age younger than his. The good news was conveyed to Konstas by Australia's selector on duty Tony Dodemaide on Tuesday morning but advised him to wait till Christmas Day for an official announcement of the rest of the XI after the closure of Cummins' pre-match press conference.

See also: Tanush Kotian added to India's squad for Border Gavaskar Trophy

Australian head coach Andrew McDonald excited to see him in action

Konstas' MCG debut was officially confirmed in a press conference attended by Australian head coach Andrew McDonald post-training on Tuesday. McDonald heaped countless praise on the youngster and believes that he has a wide range of shots in his armory to tackle the impending threat from a quality Indian pace attack. 

"We said from the get go, when leading into the summer, that we wouldn't shy away, and age was no barrier. And what he's shown is an array of shots, the ability to put pressure back on to opponents and he gets his opportunity. We're really excited for him."

Furthermore, McDonald stated that age was never seen as a consideration and indicated that his selection was purely based on merit. The NSW-born Konstas offered promising glimpses of his true batting exploits when he slammed a defiant 107 off 97 in a two-day practice game against India in Canberra. 

Worrying signs for Head and Australia ahead of the MCG Test 

Things haven't been progressing all that well for the star Australian batter Travis Head since his minor quad strain while batting in Australia's second innings in Brisbane. Very recently, Head was seen in action on Tuesday when he took part in some running and fielding drills and also practiced his batting in the nets. 

The Australian head coach confirms that there is some worry surrounding Head's fitness but remains confident of his recovery before the Boxing Day Test. 

"Has he got some things to work through? Yeah, he has, so that's what you would have seen. There's no concern at the moment. Has he been officially ticked off? I'm not sure. I didn't see the sort of back-end of his training session there, but I'm pretty confident he'll play. I think he looked good with the bat in hand so obviously skills are in good order. It'll just be basically what risk is associated with that. He had a small strain on the quad. But no concerns from my end. He's been able to be running, so I think he'll be fully functional come the game time."

Later after the end of his grueling training session on Tuesday, Head engaged in a lengthy debate with McDonald and Australia's physio Nick Jones with the latter reportedly rubbishing concerns surrounding his quad strain injury. In addition, McDonald also confirmed two more changes leading into the fourth Test with Konstas replacing Nathan McSweeney and Scott Boland replacing the injured Josh Hazlewood.

AUS vs IND Match Preview

With the five-match series hanging on the balance, Australia will face India in the fourth Test on Boxing Day. Both teams hope to gain an insurmountable advantage. The match begins on Thursday at the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground.

AUS vs IND Match Details

Australia vs India – 4th Match, Test Match

Venue: Melbourne Cricket Ground, Richmond

Date & Time: 26th December 2024 at 05:00 AM IST 

Live Streaming: Disney+Hotstar

AUS vs IND Venue Stats

AUS vs IND Pitch Report

The Melbourne offers a flat, hard surface. The pitch is true, with good pace and bounce, as well as the bowlers will have a lot of movement in the new ball. Bowlers will also notice good seam movement, especially with the new ball in play.

AUS vs IND Weather Report

The climate in Richmond is likely to be cloudy, with some rain on the following two days.

AUS vs IND Last Five Matches

AUS vs IND Head-to-Head Stats

Injury News

No Injury. Will be added when there is an update.

Also Read: SunRisers Hyderabad's fresh signee named to Sri Lankan ODI squad for New Zealand tour

AUS vs IND Probable Playing XIs:

Australia Probable Playing XIs

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

India Probable Playing XIs

Rohit Sharma(C), Yashasvi Jaiswal, Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, KL Rahul, Rishabh Pant(WK), Nitish Reddy, R Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, Akash Deep

Topmost Picks for AUS vs IND Dream11 Prediction:

Top Picks – India

• Yashasvi Jaiswal – Virat Kohli hasn't been in the best of form this season, averaging slightly more than 25 in the 9 games played in 2024.
• Jasprit Bumrah – Bumrah has been the leading wicket-taker in the series with 12 scalps at an average of just 11.25.

Top Picks – Australia

• Usman Khawaja – Khawaja has an impressive record at the MCG, where he averages more than 42 runs.
• Scott Boland – Scott Boland’s 51 wickets against India at an average of 26.94 make him a potent weapon.

Suggested Playing XI N0.1 for AUS vs IND Dream11 Team:

KL Rahul(VC), Rishabh Pant, Alex Carey, Steve Smith, Travis Head(C), Nitish Reddy, Mitchell Starc, Pat Cummins, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, Akash Deep

Suggested Playing XI N0.2 for AUS vs IND Dream11 Team:

KL Rahul, Virat Kohli, Alex Carey, Steve Smith, Travis Head, Nitish Reddy, Mitchell Starc(VC), R Jadeja, Pat Cummins, Jasprit Bumrah(C), Mohammed Siraj

Captain and Vice-Captain Options:

Captain – Travis Head, Jasprit Bumrah

Vice-captain – KL Rahul, Mitchell Starc

Wicketkeeper – KL Rahul

AUS vs IND Probable Winners:

Australia and India were close competitors in this series, as evidenced by the 1-1 tie. However, despite a strong start, India has struggled to maintain a competitive advantage. Australia was hampered by the weather in Brisbane but appeared to be the superior team. India's dependence on Jasprit Bumrah is obvious, as are the cracks in both teams' batting lineups. A close contest is likely, but Australia possesses more weapons at its disposal. It is also expected to win a toss soon! Considering the team combination, Australia is expected to win this match.

Indian Pacer Mohammed Shami won't be added to Team India's squad for the last two Tests due to swelling in his left knee. BCCI released a press release regarding Mohammed Shami's fitness update after being asked by Skipper Rohit Sharma about the fast bowler's progress at the end of the Gabba Test.

The BCCI Medical team has been working closely with Mohammed Shami at the Centre of Excellence on his recovery and rehabilitation after his right heel surgery. Shami has completely recovered from this heel problem.

See Also:- Who is new Indian Test call-up Tanush Kotian?

BCCI Statement On Medical and Fitness Update of Mohammed Shami

Shami bowled 43 overs in the Ranji Trophy match for Bengal against Madhya Pradesh in November. Following this, he played in all nine games of the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy (SMAT), where he also engaged in additional bowling sessions on the sidelines to build his bowling volume in order to get ready for the Test matches.

However, his left knee has exhibited minor swelling due to increased joint loading from his bowling workload. The swelling is on the expected lines, owing to the increased bowling after a prolonged period.

Based on the current medical assessment, the BCCI Medical Team has determined that his knee requires more time for controlled exposure to bowling loads. Consequently, he has not been deemed fit for consideration for the remaining two Tests of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy.

Shami will continue to undergo targeted strength and conditioning work under the guidance of the medical staff at BCCI’s Centre of Excellence and build his bowling loads needed to meet the demands of the longest format of the game. His participation in the Vijay Hazare Trophy will depend on the progress of his knee.