The Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 is just less than a week away from starting. Meanwhile, Travis Head is preparing aggressively, which brings back heartbreaking moments for Indian cricket fans. Australia are ready to host the five-match Test series against India in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25. India won all the last four Border-Gavaskar Trophy challenges, twice in India and twice in Australia. 

So, there is no doubt that the baggy greens are desperate to win the home Test series and end their Border-Gavaskar Trophy drought since the 2016/17 season. Perth Stadium is set to host the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024/25 opener, which will begin on November 22. Both Australia and India are desperate to make a good start in this crucial Test series, which is a part of the 2023-2025 ICC World Test Championship. 

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Travis Head smashing in the nets

The 30-year-old Australian cricketer Travis Head was practicing aggressively. He played some big shots in the nets and was enjoying the moment. It shows his desperation for the upcoming Test series. While it is circulating on social media on November 19, it hurts the Indian cricket fans more.

T20 nhi Test khelna hai bc 😭 pic.twitter.com/kkUtk6kJfb

— Ritik ✍🏻 (@smith___49) November 19, 2024

Travis Head was the reason for India's failure to win the CWC 2023 title

Head was the major reason for India's failure to win the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023. Ahmedabad hosted the tournament final on November 19, 2023. While the unbeaten India batted first, Head took a great catch to dismiss the dangerous-looking Indian captain Rohit Sharma, who scored 47 off 31 balls with the help of four fours and three sixes. The Aussie cricketer ran back and then dived to grab that big opportunity, which ultimately changed the moment of the match. 

Chasing down the 241-run target, Travis Head opened with David Warner. While Australia lost their first three wickets for 47 runs, Head fought hard and kept the game on with Marnus Labuschagne. Head had some lucky moments to survive the new balls, and then the left-handed batter dominated. He scored 137 off 120 balls with 15 fours and four sixes.

When Mohammed Siraj dismissed Head, Australia were only two runs away from the 2023 World Cup victory. Head and Labuschagne had a 192-run partnership for the fourth wicket, and Labuschagne was not out for 58 runs off 110 balls. 

A century in the #CWC23 Final!

Take a bow, Travis Head 👏#INDvAUS pic.twitter.com/cMStdnUV4Y

— ICC (@ICC) November 19, 2023

On Tuesday, January 9th, Indian fast bowler Mohammed Shami received the prestigious Arjuna Award from President Droupadi Murmu in New Delhi, marking a significant recognition for his outstanding performances in 2023. Shami, a right-arm pacer, played a pivotal role in India’s success in both Tests and ODIs throughout the year.

Recognized as the 13th cricketer from India to receive the Arjuna Award since 2013, Mohammed Shami joined the ranks of cricket luminaries such as Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, and MS Dhoni. His exceptional bowling in 2023 contributed significantly to India’s journey to the final of the ICC World Test Championship and the ICC World Cup.

Shami’s standout performances were particularly evident in ODIs, where he claimed an impressive 43 wickets in just 19 games. His remarkable bowling in the ICC World Cup 2023, where he emerged as the leading wicket-taker with 24 wickets in 7 games, played a crucial role in India’s formidable bowling attack during the tournament.

Expressing his gratitude for receiving the Arjuna Award, Shami deemed it the most significant achievement of his life. Reflecting on his journey from Amroha to Indian cricket, he emphasized his passion for the sport and the unwavering support of his family. Shami expressed his commitment to playing to the best of his abilities for the country whenever called upon.

Looking ahead, as India gears up for the T20 World Cup 2024, Shami, despite not featuring in T20Is since the 2022 World Cup, remains open to the possibility of representing the team. Acknowledging the uncertainty about his inclusion, he emphasized the importance of performing well in the IPL to build momentum. Shami affirmed his readiness to play if called upon by the team management.

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Following his absence from cricket post the ICC World Cup 2023 due to an ankle injury, Shami is set to make a comeback during the home Test series against England, commencing on January 25th. His return is eagerly anticipated, considering his formidable bowling prowess and its potential impact on India’s performance in upcoming tournaments.

On November 19, 2023, the Indian Men’s cricket team experienced a gut-wrenching defeat against Australia in the ODI World Cup Final, marking an unforgettable and heart-breaking moment in the nation’s cricket history. The magnitude of sorrow and agony reverberated across the country as Indian Cricket Team (ICT) fans grappled with disbelief over the unexpected turn of events. Tears flowed freely among several players, reflecting the deep disappointment as the otherwise formidable Team India fell short against the mighty Australians, who displayed exceptional character and outclassed them in every aspect to secure their sixth ODI World Cup title.

The aftermath of the defeat was captured in numerous images and videos, portraying contrasting emotions—Australia celebrating another international triumph and India grappling with the harsh reality of another International Cricket Council (ICC) event slipping through their fingers in the knockout stages. This loss extended Team India’s agonizing wait for an intercontinental trophy beyond a decade.

One particularly poignant video that recently went viral features the iconic Indian batsman, Virat Kohli. The legendary player, adorned with the number 18, was awarded the Man of the Tournament in the ODI World Cup 2023, emerging as the highest run-scorer. Notably, Kohli had previously clinched the ODI World Cup in 2011 under the captaincy of the esteemed Mahendra Singh Dhoni, securing glory for India on home soil.

Virat Kohli’s Heroic Odyssey: The Heartbreak and Triumph of India’s ODI World Cup 2023 Journey

Kohli’s cricketing prowess shone brightly throughout the tournament, displaying a seamless fusion of technique and aggression. His centuries were showcases of batting brilliance, leaving opponents in awe. Surpassing Sachin Tendulkar’s record further added to Kohli’s enduring cricketing legacy. Despite the final setback, Kohli’s class remains undiminished, and his contributions serve as a testament to his unparalleled skill and unwavering dedication to the game.

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As fans reflect on this unforgettable ODI World Cup, India’s journey becomes a permanent fixture in cricketing history. The heartbreak endured in Ahmedabad serves as a poignant reminder of cricket’s unpredictable nature, where the path to glory intertwines the contrasting emotions of triumph and despair.

Highly acclaimed Indian fast bowler Mohammed Shami garnered praise for his exceptional showing in the ICC Men’s ODI World Cup 2023, finishing as the tournament’s top wicket-taker with 24 dismissals, despite sitting out the initial group stage matches. Despite India’s loss in the final to Australia, Shami’s noteworthy performances, notably his impactful spell against New Zealand in the crucial semifinal, solidified his position in the annals of Indian cricket history.

This stellar World Cup became a defining moment in Shami’s tumultuous career, and now, the fast bowler is poised to be honored with the prestigious Arjuna Award for Outstanding Performance in Sports and Games on January 9, 2024. Named after the legendary archer Arjuna from the Mahabharata, the Arjuna Award stands as one of India’s highest sporting honors, recognizing athletes who consistently demonstrate exceptional skills, sportsmanship, and dedication.

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For Shami, this honor not only acknowledges his achievements but also celebrates the collective success of the Indian cricket team, where his pivotal role contributed to numerous triumphs. Shami’s journey, marked by personal challenges and setbacks, reflects resilience and determination, as he overcame obstacles, including a brief sidelining due to family matters.

Supported by his family and peers, Shami’s resurgence brought glory to the nation, and the forthcoming Arjuna Award ceremony serves as a momentous occasion to celebrate his enduring contributions to cricket and recognize his profound impact on Indian cricket.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has proposed the name of Indian pacer Mohammed Shami for the prestigious Arjuna Award this year, as reported by PTI. Despite his notable absence from the initial list of nominations, the BCCI made a special appeal to the Sports Ministry advocating for Shami’s inclusion in the esteemed awards.

At 33 years old, Shami played a crucial role in India’s runner-up finish in the ODI World Cup, delivering an exceptional performance. He emerged as the top wicket-taker during the tournament, securing an impressive 24 wickets in just seven matches. Notably, Shami’s entry into the playing XI after the initial four games showcased outstanding performances, with a remarkable average of 5.26.

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In addition to his ODI World Cup success, Shami is expected to be part of the Indian squad for the upcoming two-match Test series against South Africa. The series is scheduled to kick off with a boxing day Test on December 26 in Centurion, followed by a second match in Cape Town starting on January 3.

The selection process for this year’s sports awards, including the Arjuna Award, will be determined by a 12-member committee appointed by the Sports Ministry. This panel comprises six former international athletes, namely Dhanraj Pillay, Kamlesh Mehta, Akhil Kumar, Shuma Shirur, Anjum Chopra, Tripti Murgunde, and Farman Pasha, who bring their expertise from various sports disciplines to the decision-making process.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has reportedly extended an offer for Rahul Dravid to continue as the head coach of Team India. Dravid, who took over from Ravi Shastri in 2021, had initially signed a two-year contract that concluded after the ICC World Cup 2023. During his tenure, Team India achieved the number one rank in both Tests and ODIs, secured victories in the Asia Cup, and triumphed in a Test series against Australia.

Despite these successes, India faced setbacks, including losses in Test and ODI series in South Africa and an unexpected defeat in an ODI series against Bangladesh. The team also exited the T20 World Cup with a significant loss in the semifinals against England and suffered defeat in the World Test Championship final against Australia earlier this year.

Amidst concerns about consistency, reports initially suggested that the BCCI might not extend Dravid’s coaching stint. However, following Team India’s impressive performance in the World Cup, where they exhibited an entertaining and aggressive style of play, winning ten consecutive matches to reach the final for the first time since 2011, the situation appears to have changed.

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According to ESPNcricinfo, the BCCI is eager to secure continuity by offering an extension to Rahul Dravid. The board reportedly approached the legendary cricketer last week, and if he accepts the offer, his first assignment will be the challenging tour of South Africa, which includes three T20Is, three ODIs, and two Tests. If Dravid continues, it is anticipated that he will retain the same group of assistant coaches from 2021, including Vikram Rathour (batting coach), Paras Mhambrey (bowling coach), and T Dilip (fielding coach).

However, recent reports suggest that Rahul Dravid may not be inclined to continue as the head coach, possibly due to a desire to stay close to his family. There are also rumors of discussions with two IPL franchises for a coaching role. The final decision on Dravid’s coaching future is awaited, bringing an element of suspense to this critical juncture for Indian cricket.

Jasprit Bumrah, who garnered attention with his stellar performances during the successful World Cup campaign, has recently shared a cryptic Instagram story. The Indian pacer, making a remarkable comeback after recovering from a back stress fracture that kept him sidelined since September 2022, played a pivotal role in the team’s journey to the World Cup final.

In the tournament, Bumrah emerged as a linchpin in the Indian bowling attack, consistently taking wickets and showcasing his ability to perform under pressure. With an impressive tally of 20 wickets, he ranked among the top wicket-takers, displaying proficiency in both powerplay and death overs.

Notably, Bumrah maintained an efficient economy rate and an average of 18.65, with his best figures being 4/39. His control over the ball was evident with four maiden overs, a commendable feat in the context of high-scoring ODIs. Additionally, he led in delivering the most dot balls, highlighting his capacity to build pressure on opponents.

Bumrah’s contributions were instrumental in India’s march to the World Cup final against Australia on November 19, 2023. Partnering with fellow pacer Mohammed Shami, they formed the backbone of India’s bowling unit, propelling the team to an impressive ten-match winning streak.

Following these accomplishments, Bumrah’s recent cryptic Instagram story has stirred excitement among fans, where he succinctly expressed, “Silence is sometimes the best answer.”

In the gripping clash between India and New Zealand on July 10, 2019, during the World Cup semifinal, Martin Guptill’s dramatic run-out of MS Dhoni marked the pinnacle of the match, bringing an end to the illustrious career of the Indian cricket icon. Although Guptill has moved forward, the memory still lingers, accompanied by a barrage of disdainful messages from passionate Indian fans.

Renowned for his white-ball cricket prowess in New Zealand, Guptill has become a lasting figure in India as the player who dashed the hopes of a billion Indians, attributing the crucial moment to sheer chance. Speaking during the 2023 Legends League Cricket in Dehradun, representing the Urbanisers Hyderabad squad, he shared his perspective on the pivotal moment. Acknowledging the improbable precision of his throw with only one and a half stumps visible, he modestly labeled it a stroke of luck.

Guptill’s Precision Run-out and the Fateful Moment That Altered India’s World Cup Destiny

“It happened so quickly in the moment. All I remember was seeing the ball go up, and then I thought, oh no, it’s coming more towards me. So, I put the skates on to get on with that run. I knew there was no chance of a throw at the stumps, but I just tried to have a shot and only had one and a half stumps to aim at, and I just got lucky. The stars aligned, and it was a perfect throw. In other words, the whole of India doesn’t like me. I get plenty of hate mails from there,” said Guptill, as quoted by Hindustan Times.

The run-out proved to be the turning point that dashed India’s hopes of winning the World Cup. In the semifinal, after setbacks losing Rishabh Pant and Hardik Pandya, Dhoni partnered with Ravindra Jadeja, fostering hope in India’s chase of 240 against New Zealand. Their cautious approach led to a resilient 116-run stand for the seventh wicket across 17.2 overs. However, Jadeja fell victim to Trent Boult’s deceptive slower delivery, leaving Dhoni as the last bastion in the tense battle.

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Facing a sharp bouncer from Lockie Ferguson, the seasoned Ranchi batter’s response fell slightly delayed, edging the ball behind square. In a daring move, he risked a second run as no fielder guarded that spot. Guptill, stationed at fine leg, sprinted in, deftly retrieved the ball, and executed a precise strike at the stumps. Dhoni’s dive fell inches short of the crease as the ball dislodged the bails, sealing his dismissal and India’s hopes.

Sri Lanka Cricket Clarifies Wanindu Hasaranga and Dushmantha Chameera’s World Cup Squad Status in Official Statement on Friday (November 24).Both players were initially considered for the World Cup squad, with Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) expressing optimism about their recovery for the later stages of the tournament. However, the surprise exclusion of both from the final squad raised eyebrows, especially as they were part of the provisional squad.

Subsequently, Chameera was brought in as an injury replacement for Lahiru Kumara. The recent statement from SLC sheds light on the behind-the-scenes actions during the World Cup squad selection. According to the released statement, SLC had intended to include both Hasaranga and Chameera but faced resistance from the Ministry of Sports and Youth Affairs.

Sri Lanka Cricket’s Allegations Against the Ministry of Sports:

The statement revealed, “Following the selection meeting, on the same day, Sri Lanka Cricket sent the squad seeking approval of the National Sports Selection Committee, which comes under the Ministry of Sports and Youth Affairs. In response, the Ministry of Sports and Youth Affairs sent a letter to Sri Lanka Cricket on September 26, 2023, seeking medical clearance to approve the inclusion of Wanindu Hasaranga, Dushmantha Chameera, and Dilshan Madushanka.”

SLC had planned to send the injured players to India with the intention of playing them at a later stage in the tournament after their recovery. However, this plan was thwarted by the Sri Lankan ministry, which insisted on medical clearance for the players.

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In addition to addressing the squad selection issue, Sri Lanka Cricket accused the Ministry of Sports of providing misleading information about the utilization of the National Sports Fund. The release stated discrepancies between the documents obtained by SLC and the media release by the ministry, pointing out that the ministry had spent money on 67 activities instead of the 47 mentioned in their media release on November 13, 2023.

Pakistan all-rounder Imad Wasim has officially retired from international cricket, bringing an end to his illustrious career with immediate effect. The left-arm spinner and lower-order batter, who made the announcement via a social media post, represented Pakistan in 55 ODIs and 66 T20Is. His last appearance for Pakistan was in April during a T20I against New Zealand in Rawalpindi.

“In recent days I have been doing a lot of thinking about my international career and I have come to the conclusion that now is the right time for me to announce my retirement from international cricket,” expressed Imad. “I would like to thank the PCB for all their support over the years – it has truly been an honour to represent Pakistan.

“Each of my 121 appearances across the ODI and T20I formats was a dream come true. It’s an exciting time for Pakistan cricket going forwards with new coaches and leadership incoming. I wish all involved every success and I look forward to watching the team excel.

“I am now eager to concentrate on the next phase of my playing career.” – Imad Wasim

“Thank you to the Pakistan fans for always supporting me with such passion. A final thank you to my family and friends who have been so important in helping me achieve at the highest level. I now look forward to focusing on the next stage of my playing career away from the international stage.”

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Imad, now 34, played a significant role in Pakistan’s Under-19 World Cup victory in 2006, later captaining the side in 2008. He made his T20I debut in 2015 against Zimbabwe in Lahore, marking the return of international cricket to Pakistan. In ODIs, he claimed 44 wickets and scored 986 runs, while in T20Is, he took 65 wickets and scored 486 runs. His best bowling performance, 5 for 14, remains identical in both formats.

Currently part of Karachi Kings’ roster in the PSL, Imad has also featured in various T20 leagues worldwide, including the Hundred, CPL, and LPL. Born in Swansea, Wales, he initially played his early cricket in the UK.