The Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) 24–25 series, tied at 1–1 after three matches, has created a lot of excitement for the Boxing Day Test starting on 26 December. This match is very important for both teams. But what’s making the news isn’t just the cricket — it’s how the Australian media is twisting stories to upset the Indian cricket team.

Virat Kohli’s Controversy with Channel 9 Reporter

The drama started right after the Indian team arrived in Melbourne. Virat Kohli, traveling with his family, noticed a female reporter from the Australian media trying to film his family. Kohli politely asked the media not to record his family, saying, “You can film me, but not my family,” and requested that the video be deleted due to a breach of privacy, especially when someone is filming his family without permission. However, the Australian media exaggerated the story, portraying it as a sign of Kohli losing his temper, even labeling him as a bully for allegedly targeting a female reporter. This narrative was set by the Australian press.

Jadeja Criticized for Not Taking Any Questions from Australian Media

Ravindra Jadeja attended a press conference after India’s first net session in Melbourne. He chose to answer questions in Hindi, which led to the assumption that Jadeja was avoiding questions from the Australian media by speaking in Hindi. This made him the next target of criticism. The Australian media claimed that Jadeja’s decision to speak in Hindi was meant to “insult” them following the Kohli incident. This view quickly spread, even though Jadeja often speaks in his native language to communicate more effectively.

Akash Deep Criticized for Avoiding Australian Media

The latest story involved Akash Deep, who spoke at a press conference. Not very confident in English, he answered all questions in Hindi. Both Indian and Australian media were present, and after the drama on the last day, the Indian team’s media manager gave permission for Australian media to ask questions. The question was asked by an Indian journalist on behalf of Channel 7, an Australian media house, to keep things balanced. There should have been no issue with this, and everyone should have been happy with that. However, the Australian media is creating new narratives, claiming that India has been continuously sending Hindi speakers to the last two press meetings to disrespect their press by avoiding English questions.

The Australian media is crafting these stories to put pressure on Team India before the Boxing Day Test. This clearly reflects their frustration and fear of losing, especially after India avoided the follow-on in the third Test and fought hard to secure a draw.

Uttar Pradesh-born Indian pacer Mohammed Shami will be rested ahead of Bengal's opening Vijay Hazare Trophy fixture against Delhi starting tomorrow in Hyderabad. Shami was originally drafted in the 20-member squad for Bengal for this List-A tournament but will have to wait out of the first game. 

Despite making a resounding return to domestic cricket, Shami is far from regaining his full fitness. Shami's swelling around the ankle region appears to be the main cause of concern for the Indian skipper Rohit Sharma. With one eye on a potential return to the India Test squad for the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy, Rohit does not want to take any chances with Shami and wants him to be "200%" fit before he can be considered. 

See also: Watch: Lyon, Cummins heart-warming gesture to Ashwin on his retirement

Shami under the close supervision of NCA

Shami has been under the close eye of the Centre of Excellence under NCA ever since he underwent ankle surgery in London this February. Following his successful ankle surgery, Shami made a cautious return to the domestic arena and scripted some notable performances for his domestic side. But after a few performances, complaints of his knee problems soon came to light thus giving us an indication that the pacer is not fully ready to hit the ground running just yet.  

Speaking at a press conference after the Gabba Test, Rohit threw light on Shami's ongoing struggles with his ankle and indicated that the management will only take a call on his selection once he proves his full fitness. Moreover, he also expects the medical experts from the NCA to weigh in on this matter and provide him with regular updates on Shami's overall fitness.  

"I understand he's playing a lot of cricket back home, but there have been some complaints about his knee as well. So, there is no way we want to take that chance unless we are like, not 100%, 200% sure, we're not going to take any risk. But yeah, like I said in the last press conference, the door is open if those guys at the NCA feel that he is okay to go and recover and play, we'll be happy to have him."

The road ahead for Mohammed Shami

Upon his return, Shami has been performing actively in the domestic circuit making a handful number of appearances for Bengal in the Ranji Trophy and the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy. He was on track to making a comeback in the Bangladesh home test series but aggravated a knee problem while at rehab, which forced the BCCI to err on the side of caution. 

Shami is closely under observation of Nitin Patel, the head of sports science at the Centre of Excellence. Under Patel's leadership, the team has been traveling nationwide to assess his development and keep the management informed of his status.

Should Shami fail to achieve full fitness for the penultimate BGT Test in Melbourne or the final BGT Test commencing on January 3—both of which appear increasingly improbable—his next objective will be to prepare for India's Champions Trophy campaign scheduled for early next year.

Today, Ravichandran Ashwin officially announced his retirement from international cricket following the Brisbane Test, which ended in a thrilling draw. The announcement, made alongside Rohit Sharma during a press conference, marked the end of an unforgettable chapter in Indian cricket. The moment was emotional, not only for Ashwin but for cricket fans around the world. Before the press conference, Ashwin was seen talking with Virat Kohli, and a warm hug between them spoke volumes about the bond they shared. Ashwin began his statement, “I pardon for not taking your questions. I am here to announce my retirement from international cricket.” After his announcement, tributes poured in from all over the cricketing world. Fans, former teammates, opposition players, and cricket experts all took a moment to appreciate Ashwin’s incredible impact on the game. 

Ashwin’s Legacy: Top Career Achievements

Ravichandran Ashwin’s career is marked by more than just impressive statistics. Here are the top achievements that define his career:

• 2nd Highest Wicket-Taker in Test Cricket for India: With 537 wickets, Ashwin became India’s second highest wicket-taker in Test cricket, with only Anil Kumble ahead of him on the list.
• ICC Player of the Year (2016): Recognized for his all-round brilliance across formats.
• Fastest Indian to 300 Test Wickets: Highlighting his consistency and skill

See Also: Ravichandran Ashwin retires from international cricket

Ashwin’s Top Memorable Moments

Ashwin’s career was filled with memorable performances. Here are some iconic moments that stand out:

• 2013 Champions Trophy Final: Ashwin bowled the final over under immense pressure, helping India clinch victory in a thrilling finish.
• 2022 T20 World Cup vs. Pakistan: His sharp cricketing mind shone through as he left the ball close to the leg stump in a tense moment, playing a key role in the team’s success.

Ashwin’s Impact Beyond Achievements

Ashwin’s legacy goes beyond records and accolades — he was integral to many of India’s most significant wins. His influence on the game and the lasting inspiration he provided to millions of fans will continue to echo throughout the cricketing world.

The IPL 2025 mega auction, held on November 24 and 25 in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, made headlines for its record-breaking bids and strategic team-building. The Lucknow Super Giants stunned everyone by securing Rishabh Pant for an unprecedented ₹27 crore, making him the most expensive player in IPL history. Punjab Kings showcased their aggressive intent, acquiring Shreyas Iyer for ₹26.75 crore and Arshdeep Singh for ₹18 crore, strengthening their squad with both batting firepower and bowling depth. Meanwhile, Kolkata Knight Riders went all-in for Venkatesh Iyer, shelling out ₹23.75 crore to bring the all-rounder back to their camp. The seasoned leg-spinner Yuzvendra Chahal also fetched ₹18 crore, marking Punjab Kings as the team with three of the top five buys in this auction.

The auction reflected a clear shift in franchise strategies, emphasizing proven match-winners and game-changers. Punjab Kings' bold moves signaled their determination to break their IPL title drought, assembling a star-studded lineup under a hefty price tag. Lucknow's decision to splurge on Rishabh Pant suggested a long-term vision to build their squad around a dynamic leader, while Kolkata's faith in Venkatesh Iyer aimed to rejuvenate their middle order and all-round capabilities. With record sums exchanged and marquee players switching loyalties, the stage is set for IPL 2025 to be one of the most competitive seasons yet.

See Also: Should KL Rahul Have Commanded a Higher Price in the IPL Auction?

Breakdown of all top 5 buys in IPL 2025 mega auction 

The IPL 2025 mega auction in Jeddah was not just a spectacle of staggering bids but also a testament to the star power and proven credentials of its top players. Rishabh Pant, acquired by Lucknow Super Giants for a record-breaking ₹27 crore, emerged as the headline act. Pant's IPL career stats underline his explosive batting and leadership potential. With 3,284 runs at a strike rate of 148.93, including a blazing 128* as his highest score, he embodies the modern-day T20 prototype: a power-hitting wicketkeeper-batter who can single-handedly change games. With 18 half-centuries, a century, and the added value of 75 catches and 23 stumpings, Pant's role as a captain for LSG is expected to galvanize their campaign.

Shreyas Iyer, bought by Punjab Kings for ₹26.75 crore, brought his reputation as a reliable middle-order batter and a title-winning IPL captain to the table. While his batting is often deemed one-dimensional due to a moderate strike rate of 127.48, his consistent run tally of 3,127 runs across 115 matches, including 21 fifties, makes him a vital anchor in any lineup. Punjab’s aggressive bidding for Iyer reflects their ambition to establish stability and leadership at the top, hoping to leverage his tactical acumen to finally secure an elusive IPL title.

Kolkata Knight Riders made waves by reclaiming Venkatesh Iyer for ₹23.75 crore. The flamboyant batting all-rounder has been a revelation in the IPL, amassing 1,326 runs at a brisk strike rate of 137.13. His middle-over exploits, complemented by a century and 11 fifties in just 50 matches, make him a dynamic game-changer. While his bowling hasn't been heavily utilized in the IPL, his potential as a sixth bowler adds a tactical edge. KKR’s faith in Venkatesh signals their intent to fortify their middle order with explosiveness and all-round balance.

Punjab Kings dominate IPL 2025 auction

Punjab Kings continued their aggressive spending spree by snapping up Arshdeep Singh and Yuzvendra Chahal for ₹18 crore each. Arshdeep, known for his versatility as a new-ball and death-overs bowler, brings immense value with 76 wickets at an economy of 9.03 across 65 matches. His ability to deliver under pressure and a best of 5/32 position him as one of the most reliable Indian pacers. Meanwhile, Chahal, with 205 wickets in 160 matches at an average of 22.45 and a strike rate of 17.18, is a proven match-winner. As the second-leading T20I wicket-taker for India, his knack for dismantling batting lineups makes him a prized asset.

With three players among the top five buys, Punjab Kings have showcased their intent to build a squad capable of dominating IPL 2025. Their acquisitions of Iyer, Arshdeep, and Chahal reflect a balanced approach, combining batting depth, wicket-taking prowess, and tactical leadership. Lucknow Super Giants’ record-breaking investment in Pant highlights their focus on a game-changing leader, while KKR’s commitment to Venkatesh Iyer emphasizes their desire for middle-order explosiveness. As these stars gear up for the upcoming season, the stage is set for a thrilling competition where these marquee players are expected to justify their hefty price tags.

The Indian cricket team wrapped up their T20I series against Bangladesh in emphatic style, clinching a dominant 133-run victory in the third and final match in Hyderabad. Winning the toss, captain Suryakumar Yadav opted to bat first, and the Indian batters put on a masterclass, posting a colossal total of 297/6—the highest-ever T20I score by a Test-playing nation. Sanju Samson led the charge with a breathtaking maiden T20I century, scoring 111 off just 47 balls. His partnership with Suryakumar (75 off 35) produced a monumental 173-run stand for the second wicket, leaving Bangladesh's bowlers hapless on a night where nothing went their way.

Despite losing both Samson and Suryakumar in quick succession, India maintained their momentum with explosive finishes from Hardik Pandya (47 off 18) and Riyan Parag (34 off 13), adding vital runs in the death overs. Bangladesh, who had been outclassed in all departments throughout the series, crumbled under the pressure once again, failing to put up a fight in the chase. India's comprehensive win not only secured a clean sweep but also marked their third-biggest victory margin in T20Is, sending the team into celebration mode as they dominated the series from start to finish.

See Also: How did Harmanpreet Kaur dominate the grand stage ?

Decoding India's Explosive Batting Display in the Final T20I

India's dominating performance against Bangladesh in the final T20I of the 2024 series was exemplified by their incredible ability to clear the boundary at will. The above image provides a breakdown of India’s six-hitting prowess during their mammoth total of 297/6. It captures the key contact points where the batters connected with the ball to send it flying over the ropes for sixes, highlighting just how aggressively the Indian top-order and middle-order approached the game. These sixes played a pivotal role in setting up India's third-largest victory margin in T20Is.

The image reveals that a significant number of sixes were hit from deliveries pitched in a particular zone around the stumps. As indicated by the 54.5% figure on the image, more than half of the sixes came from balls in this primary hitting arc. The orange dots represent where Indian batters connected with the ball to launch their sixes, and they are densely concentrated in this highlighted area. This shows that the Bangladesh bowlers frequently bowled within the range where Indian batters could swing freely and clear the boundary with ease.

The variety of six-hitting points, however, also illustrates the versatility of the Indian batters. While many sixes came from the traditional off-stump region, several were struck from deliveries that were wide outside off or full-pitched deliveries closer to the stumps. This reflects the adaptability of the batters, as they could take on different types of deliveries and still find ways to muscle the ball for maximum runs. The spread of contact points across the graph showcases India’s all-round aggression, with players using innovative strokes to maximize run-scoring opportunities.

This aggressive approach was led by Sanju Samson, who struck a maiden T20I century (111 off 47), and captain Suryakumar Yadav, who contributed a quick-fire 75 off 35 balls. Together, they stitched a massive 173-run partnership that laid the foundation for India's record-breaking score. The sixes highlighted in the graph are a testament to their dominance, as they consistently found ways to dispatch the ball to the boundary, keeping Bangladesh’s bowlers under constant pressure.

In conclusion, the above image captures the essence of India’s T20I batting blueprint—brutal aggression, a fearless mindset, and an ability to hit sixes from varied deliveries. India’s clinical display of power-hitting helped them post a colossal total, which ultimately paved the way for a massive 133-run victory, completing a clean sweep of the series. The graph not only serves as a visual representation of the match's carnage but also as a reflection of how India has mastered the art of attacking T20 cricket.

See Also: Mystery spinner Varun Chakravarthy's T20I return after two years

Ravindra Jadeja has had an impressive Test career, showcasing his exceptional all-round skills over the course of 140 matches. With 303 wickets to his name, Jadeja has proven to be one of India's most reliable spinners. His bowling economy of 2.48 reflects his ability to maintain tight control over the game, forcing batters into mistakes. His average of 23.9 is a testament to his consistency and knack for taking key wickets, often breaking crucial partnerships in the middle overs. Jadeja’s adaptability on different surfaces, combined with his precision, has made him a vital asset in both home and away conditions.

Jadeja's strike rate of 57.7 and his balls per wicket ratio of 78.7 illustrate his balance between attack and control. Whether bowling in turning conditions or on flatter tracks, Jadeja has regularly outwitted batsmen with his variations and accuracy. Beyond just his bowling, his fielding and lower-order batting have made him a complete package, often contributing to India’s victories with valuable runs and game-changing moments in the field. His resilience, combined with his ability to perform under pressure, has established him as one of the finest all-rounders in modern Test cricket.

See Also: Can India overcome early new ball struggles in the second test?

From Grit to Glory: Ravindra Jadeja’s Impactful Test Career

Ravindra Jadeja's Test career is a testament to his consistency and adaptability against various international sides, with each team presenting unique challenges. His best performances, in terms of wickets taken, have come against Australia, where he has claimed 89 wickets in 32 innings. His economy rate of 2.34 and average of 19.3 highlight his dominance, and his five five-wicket hauls, including a career-best 7/42, underline his ability to dismantle strong Australian batting lineups. Jadeja's control is reflected in his dot percentage (79.1%), showing how effectively he has kept Australian batsmen under pressure over the years.

Against England, Jadeja has played 37 innings, picking up 70 wickets while maintaining an economy of 2.58. Though his bowling average against England (32.6) is higher compared to Australia, his standout performances, including a best of 7/48, prove his value in pivotal Test series. The dot percentage of 76.4% showcases his ability to tie down English batsmen, even in seam-friendly conditions, reflecting his versatility as a bowler.

His exploits against South Africa are equally impressive, where he has taken 42 wickets in 15 innings at a miserly economy of 2.28. With an average of just 19.1 and a strike rate of 50.4, Jadeja has been a thorn in South Africa's side, consistently taking wickets in crucial moments. His three five-wicket hauls against the Proteas, including a best of 6/138, demonstrate his ability to rise to the occasion against top-quality batting lineups. Notably, his dot percentage of 81.1% highlights his control and accuracy.

Jadeja’s 33 wickets against Sri Lanka in 14 innings have come at an economy rate of 2.85, with a strong bowling average of 23.7. His ability to trouble Sri Lankan batsmen is evident from his two five-wicket hauls, with a best of 5/41. Similarly, against New Zealand, Jadeja has taken 25 wickets in 16 innings, maintaining an economy of 2.41. Though his strike rate against the Kiwis is slightly higher at 77.8, his effectiveness in restricting runs is clear from his 80.4% dot ball percentage.

While his sample size against Afghanistan is smaller, Jadeja's efficiency shines through, taking 6 wickets in just 2 innings at a remarkable average of 5.8 and an economy of 2.73. His best bowling figures of 4/17 against Afghanistan illustrate his ability to strike early and maintain pressure. Across all teams, his dot percentages hover around or above 78%, highlighting his incredible control over line and length, keeping batsmen on the defensive, and cementing his legacy as one of India’s most reliable Test bowlers.

See Also: Travis Head's early burst powers Australia's explosive powerplay

In comparison to batters and bowlers, India has produced a relatively scarce number of quality all-rounders. Top-order batters and spin spinners have always dominated the cricketing landscape. However, the few all-rounders that have emerged are not just numbers but remarkable talents on the world stage.

These Indian all-rounders have consistently showcased their versatility with both bat and ball, winning matches single-handedly, inspiring their teammates, and setting a benchmark for aspiring young cricketers. Here's a writeup to the top 5 Indian all-rounders who have left an indelible mark on Indian cricket history.  

Kapil Dev

It's no surprise to find Kapil Dev topping the given list. Kapil Dev, an embodiment of raw spirit and grit, has the potential to be remembered as one of India's best athletes. He bowls for extraordinarily lengthy durations that modern bowlers could never imagine, and he has never missed a match due to fitness difficulties. The former captain is India's third-highest wicket-taker in Tests.

But, above all, the 1983 World Cup win was the catalyst for the halo around him. His incredible catch to eliminate Viv Richards in the World Cup final may have been the turning point in the West Indies' dominance. In 382 international cricket matches, he has scored a colossal 9031 runs and 687 wickets. 

Ravichandran Ashwin

Ravichandran Ashwin's career has been a rollercoaster, but it has significantly influenced his arsenal. He replaced Harbhajan Singh on the Indian team and shattered several test records. Ashwin, a street-smart cricketer, used several variations to confuse batters across forms.

Even though he was one of the players who lost his spot in the ODI and T20 teams owing to India's glut of spinners, no one could match his test supremacy. With cautious knocks and daring ramp shots, Ashwin is one of India's top all-rounders. He has scored 4302 runs and taken 744 wickets in his current international spell across all formats.

Ravindra Jadeja

Ravindra Jadeja completely transformed the fielding aspect of the game, including his all-round ability. Jadeja failed to gain a position on the Indian side despite playing as Virat Kohli's vice-captain in the Under-19 World Cup. Jadeja is still evolving as a limited-overs all-rounder, but his combination with Ravichandran Ashwin is lethal in Test cricket. Jadeja is now a match-winning batsman, ball player, and fielder.

India cannot omit him from any of their teams. With his recent retirement from the T20I side, his fundamental contributions in the ODI and Test formats will be crucial for the Indian team in the coming days. In his international career, he has made 6393 runs and scalped 568 matches in 279 matches.

Also Read: Ravichandran Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja Entertain Once More at Chepauk

Irfan Pathan

Irfan Pathan was hyped as the future Kapil Dev during his early career. A great left-arm bowling all-rounder with the ability to swing the ball both ways joined the Indian team and immediately made an impression. He became the first Indian bowler to achieve a test hat-trick in the opening three deliveries of a test match.

After demonstrating his ability to knock rapid boundaries late in the innings, he was an easy pick to play for India in the 2007 T20 World Cup, when he was named Man of the Match in the final. In his 141-match career, he scored 2821 runs and scalped 301 wickets. 

Ravi Shastri

Ravi Shastri is a complete all-rounder both on and off the pitch. In some ways, he revolutionised the game by going against the tide. While batters began scoring runs more quickly, his defensive tactics, such as his ability to play long innings and tire out the opposition and subsequent high scores against formidable opponents, greatly benefited him.

He was a right-handed batsman who bowled left-arm orthodox, an unusual breed of player. But at times, Ravi Shastri became so vicious that he blasted six sixes in one over. His excellent statistics of 3830 runs with 151 wickets in test cricket and 3108 runs with 129 wickets in one-day internationals speak for themselves. Adding cherry on the top, he is also excellent at coaching and commenting.

Team India is ready for the upcoming home Test series against Bangladesh. Before the beginning of a busy Test cricket schedule, Indian captain Rohit Sharma opened up about the importance of workload management. 

India will start their 10-match Test campaign this week with the two-match home Test series opener against Bangladesh at Chennai. After hosting Bangladesh, including a three-match T20I series, India will host a three-match Test series against New Zealand. 

After hosting the Test series against New Zealand, India will first travel to South Africa for a four-match T20I series.

In late November, India will start their five-match away Test series against the hosts Australia. All their upcoming ten Test matches are part of the 2023-2025 ICC World Test Championship. 

SEE ALSO: Kohli and Gambhir’s insightful mentorship revealed for this young player

I think we have done that pretty well: Indian captain Rohit Sharma

Indian captain Rohit Sharma is giving importance to workload management, which majorly focuses on pacers' workload. Talking about it, Rohit opened up their workload management during the five-match home Test series against England early this year, which India won by 4-1 after losing the opening Test of that series.

Rohit said, according to ESPNcricinfo, "We have laid out some plans on how we are going to manage these bowlers. But again, it all depends on the workload that has been carried by them in these games. So yeah, we will monitor that. I think we have done that pretty well. Even when we played against England [at home, earlier this year], we managed to get Bumrah one Test match off. We managed to give Siraj one Test match off.

"So it all depends on how the body feels at that particular time, what the [strength and conditioning] is, and what the physios feel about them, when is the right time to give them a break from the game, and then take the call."

You want your best players to play all the games: Rohit Sharma

Rohit further clarified that the best players couldn't play all matches during the long cricket season. In this situation, team management becomes crucial for the Indian captain. 

The Indian captain added, "You want your best players to play all the games, but that's not possible because there is so much cricket that happens. It is not only Test cricket, there is T20 cricket happening [against Bangladesh and South Africa] in the middle of the Test series as well. So you [have] got to understand everything, and then see what is best for the team and then manage your bowlers around it."

We saw some exciting prospects in the Duleep Trophy as well: Rohit Sharma

Rohit also praised the pace bowlers, who have performed well in the ongoing Duleep Trophy. He is very happy with a strong pool of new Indian pacers. 

Rohit said, "We have got a lot of bowlers who are there for us. We saw some exciting prospects in the Duleep Trophy as well. I am not too worried about the kind of bowlers that are waiting in the wings for us."

In the ongoing Duleep Trophy 2024/25, the right-arm pacer Anshul Kamboj is the leading wicket-taker with 11 wickets, including 8/69 during India B’s first innings. 

Mukesh Kumar has taken 10 wickets in the ongoing Duleep Trophy, while Akash Deep and Khaleel Ahmed have picked up nine wickets each, and the fast bowler Harshit Rana bagged eight wickets. Bengal pacer Akash Deep claimed a fifer and four-fer in his only match of the tournament against India B.

The opening T20I of the three-match series between India and Sri Lanka is set for Saturday, July 27, at Pallekele International Stadium. In this first game, Indian opener Yashasvi Jaiswal has the chance to set a major international record as the first batter worldwide to achieve it.

Having debuted for India last year, the young southpaw has scored 953 runs in 16 innings across 11 matches this year. The Rajasthan Royals star is now just 7 runs away from becoming the first batter in 2024 to reach 1,000 runs in international cricket across all formats.

The 22-year-old has scored 740 runs in six Tests and 213 runs in five T20Is. Although the Mumbai-based cricketer was part of the Indian squad that won the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024 in the West Indies and the USA last month, he did not play in any of the matches.

Before the T20I series against India began, Sri Lanka suffered two major setbacks with injuries to Dushmantha Chameera and Nuwan Thushara. Both star fast bowlers have been ruled out of the series, which will be played entirely in Pallekele.

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India’s squad for the T20I series : Shubman Gill, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Suryakumar Yadav (c), Rishabh Pant (wk), Hardik Pandya, Rinku Singh, Washington Sundar, Axar Patel, Ravi Bishnoi, Arshdeep Singh, Mohammed Siraj, Sanju Samson, Riyan Parag, Khaleel Ahmed, and Shivam Dube.

Arshdeep Singh, the left-arm pacer who starred in India’s T20 World Cup 2024 victory, is on the verge of fulfilling his long-standing dream of playing Test cricket. The 25-year-old has consistently expressed his aspiration to compete in Test matches.

Following his standout performances in the T20 World Cup, Singh is now poised for his debut in the Test squad for the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Australia. Rohit Sharma and the team are scheduled to play a five-match Test series against Australia from November to December this year, and Singh’s impressive form suggests he will receive his maiden Test call-up.

Arshdeep Singh’s first Test call-up is approaching for the upcoming tour of Australia

Indian selectors are considering adding the left-arm pacer Arshdeep Singh to the Test squad, given his outstanding performances in limited-overs cricket. Impressed by his exceptional showing in the T20 World Cup 2024, the selectors are eager to include him in the team for the upcoming tour of Australia.

Singh ended the T20 World Cup 2024 as one of the joint-leading wicket-takers, alongside Afghanistan’s Fazalhaq Farooqi, with 17 wickets. Reports suggest that the national selectors have advised him to play a few matches in the upcoming Duleep Trophy to strengthen his chances of earning a Test call-up.

A source close to the situation told the Times of India: “Arshdeep has demonstrated impressive swing in white-ball cricket for India. He might be asked to participate in some domestic red-ball games, starting with the Duleep Trophy on September 5, to improve his selection prospects for the Australia tour. There’s a strong possibility that he could become India’s key player, alongside Jasprit Bumrah, in Australia.”

The source also mentioned, “The selectors are particularly interested in adding another left-arm pace option to the white-ball squad, which is why Khaleel Ahmed was included in the Zimbabwe tour and has been selected for both the ODIs and T20Is in Sri Lanka.”Currently, both Khaleel and Arshdeep are with Team India in Sri Lanka. They will participate in the upcoming three-match T20I series, followed by a three-match ODI series against Sri Lanka. The tour begins with the first T20I match on July 27 in Pallekele.

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Riyan Parag and Harshit Rana are set to be developed as future stars

Riyan Parag has reportedly been included in both white-ball squads for the Sri Lanka tour due to an injury to middle-order batsman Tilak Varma. The Indian selectors aim to develop Parag, who is known for his solid all-round skills, including decent bowling, exceptional fielding, and explosive batting.

Similarly, Harshit Rana has received his maiden call-up to India’s ODI squad, thanks to his impressive ability to bowl yorkers, slower balls, and other variations in the death overs, making him a valuable asset in white-ball cricket.The selectors are focusing on grooming Rana, Parag, and Khaleel Ahmed for the future as the Indian team navigates a transition phase, with Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, and Ravindra Jadeja having retired from T20I cricket.