Brathwaite Resigns

Kraigg Brathwaite has officially resigned as the West Indies Test captain. This comes before the team's home series against Australia, bringing to an end a leadership tenure during which there have been numerous historic milestones for the West Indies. Brathwaite, just shy of his 100th Test match, will now be concentrating on batting only.

Historic Achievements Under Brathwaite

Brathwaite's captaincy tenure, which started in March 2021, was dominated by huge successes. In his captaincy tenure, the West Indies won their first Test in Australia after 27 years and their first series victory in Pakistan in 34 years. The team also won a series against England and Bangladesh.

Shai Hope Assumes White-Ball Leadership

Shai Hope has been upgraded to captain of the West Indies' white-ball formats. He takes over for Rovman Powell, who had captained the T20I team since May 2023 and oversaw the side to key series victories against India, England, and South Africa. Powell's captaincy was instrumental in the team's climb to 5th in the ICC T20I rankings.

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Who Will Become the New Test Captain?

The West Indies Cricket Board has not yet appointed a new Test captain. Kemar Roach and Alzarri Joseph are reportedly the favorites for the job, both with very different leadership abilities. Roach is experienced, while Joseph will bring youth into the role. 

Looking Ahead

The West Indies' series against Australia will be the start of a new era with a new captain. The leadership changes are viewed as a means of giving stability and direction to the team, especially with the T20 World Cup 2026 and the new ICC World Test Championship cycle beginning.

Brathwaite's exit marks the conclusion of a landmark leadership era for the West Indies, yet with Shai Hope assuming white-ball leadership and a new Test captain to be appointed, the team is set for the future. The coming weeks will be instrumental in defining the team's leadership in the years to come.

Indian cricket is more than a game. it is a money spinner that fuels the world cricket economy. A recent case in point is from Lord's, the legendary ground hosting the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) Final in June 2025. News is that Lord's will lose almost 4 million in revenue as India failed to make it to the final.

The Financial Power of Indian Cricket

India's participation in any high-profile ICC tournament ensures sold-out crowds, record viewership, and huge sponsorship agreements. The Indian fan community, both within India and around the world, is unparalleled. From ticketing to merchandise sales to broadcasting rights, Indian cricket earns a huge amount of money and is thus the most valuable asset for cricket globally.

The 2021 WTC Final between New Zealand and India at Southampton generated huge interest despite pandemic restrictions. When India hosted Australia at The Oval in 2023, the Indian fans packed the stands and gave an electric environment. India's absence from the 2025 final translates to a decline in revenue, impacting ticket sales, hospitality, and local businesses surrounding the venue.

ALSO SEE: Is it a new cricket controversy: Jatin Sapru vs Harbhajan Singh?

Why Does India's Absence Matter?

Cricket boards, broadcasters, and sponsors depend heavily on India's presence to make maximum profits. Indian supporters travel in huge numbers, packing stadiums globally. India's absence makes the commercial viability of the WTC Final suffer. Even neutral supporters admit that an India-powered final generates more engagement and interest than other teams.

The Bigger Picture

This is indicative of the increasing reliance of world cricket on India. Cricket may be a world sport, but no other side has the same economic clout. The ICC and the countries hosting the tournaments are aware that without India, the economics of cricket tournaments take a hit.

India's not being part of the WTC 2025 Final can be seen as a reminder of how Indian cricket is so important to the international game. On or off the field, the influence of Indian cricket cannot be denied.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is contemplating a strategy to keep players engaged with red-ball cricket throughout the 2025 Indian Premier League (IPL) season. This is before India's five-Test series in England in June-July, following the IPL. The scheme might involve players showing up at "occasional red-ball practice sessions" or other bizarre pursuits of some players.

🚨 RED BALL PRACTICE DURING IPL 🚨

- BCCI is working on a strategy to ensure players remain in touch with Test cricket ahead of England tour, it is likely that players might be ask for occasional practice with red ball during IPL. [Cricbuzz] pic.twitter.com/qil9BUrUwG

— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) February 25, 2025

ALSO SEE:  Shoaib Akhtar slams PCB Management For Poor Team Handling

The BCCI plans to not let the players lose touch with Test cricket during the two-month-long IPL tournament, to be held between March 22 and May 25.
The very specifics of the plan have yet to be known.
However, preliminary discussions of this twin-track approach have already been made by prominent players from the Indian team management and BCCI planners in Dubai.
The BCCI's decision to keep players engaged with red-ball cricket during the IPL season is in response to India's recent Test performance.
The team has not won a single Test series in England recently. The trend features a 4-0 loss in 2011, a 3-1 loss in 2014, and a 4-1 loss in 2018.
India earned their first away Test series draw in England (2-2 in 2021). It was split due to COVID-19, with the last Test won by England a year later.

In February 2025, Australian wicketkeeper-batter Alex Carey achieved a remarkable milestone in the history of Australian cricket. During the second Test of Australia’s tour of Sri Lanka at the Galle International Stadium, Carey set a new record for the highest individual score by an Australian wicketkeeper-batter in Sri Lanka. Australian wicketkeeper-batters with the highest individual scores in Test matches in Sri Lanka:

• Alex Carey
• Ian Healy
• Adam Gilchrist

Alex Carey etches his name in history👏

A batting masterclass as he notches the highest individual score by an Australian wicketkeeper-batter in Sri Lanka.#SLvsAUS #AlexCarey pic.twitter.com/PqpoGWuCeg

— CricTracker (@Cricketracker) February 8, 2025

Australia's Growth in Subcontinent Conditions 

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Australia has had difficult times playing in the subcontinent, generally not being able to come to terms with the spin-friendly wickets of the subcontinent, at least, the slow turning wickets there. However, players like Alex Carey would do their good part in rewriting that script for Australia. Such innings by Carey from Sri Lanka are evidence of how this team is learning to cope with the subcontinent conditions. These performances against tough bowling speaks volumes of the strength gaining in Australia's batting lineup to put a composed performance in the matters involving spin.
The record-breaking knock of Carey is another important moment in Australian cricket. While big names like Steve Smith and David Warner often hog the limelight, contributions by players like Carey are becoming increasingly important for Australian cricket. He would go down in history not just for his crucial moment for the team but for generations of cricketers as an inspiration who will face challenges and adjust to the most trying conditions. It was a lesson in resilience and adaptability in order to achieve success at international levels.

Suryakumar Yadav, is ready to appear in the Ranji Trophy 2025 quarter-final match against Haryana.He will be the one to give Mumbai the necessary aggressive batting needed to set the tone for the innings.

On other side Shivam Dube's performance will come in Mumbai plays at upcoming quarter-final match against Haryana. 

Mumbai Road to quarter-finals

Mumbai have qualified for the quarter-finals by completing the league stage second in their group, and a match lost  to Jammu and Kashmir. Dominating performances in the league stage, with a much  win against Meghalaya, secured Mumbai a spot in the knockouts. Yadav and Dube are expected to help Mumbai to win its 42nd Ranji Trophy title.

ALSO SEE:  Where to Watch WPL 2025 Live: TV and Streaming Details

Match Details:

• Fixture: Mumbai vs Haryana – Ranji Trophy Quarter-Final
• Date: February 8, 2025
• Venue: Eden Gardens , Kolkata, West Bengal
• Time: 9:30 AM IST

Suryakumar Yadav preparing for the Ranji Quarters. 🌟 pic.twitter.com/XEue2UMeh7

— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) February 7, 2025

Live Stream and Telecast:

• TV: Watch live on Sports18.
• Online: Free streaming on JioCinema (app & website).
• International: Can be watch in sports channels like Willow TV (USA), Sky Sports (UK), Fox Sports (Australia).
• Updates: Follow BCCI’s social media for live scores and highlights.

Exceptation from the match:

Lahli pitch is known to help the bowler mainly pacer. Mumbai strong batsmen, including Yadav, Dube, and skipper Ajinkya Rahane, would take  Haryana's bowling attack. For Haryana, facing the match would like to win and entry the semi-finals.

It's going to be a highly charged knockout pressure situation, with players returning, which promises this quarter-final to be an exciting contest.

Jasprit Bumrah, Indian fast bowler wins the ICC Men's Test Cricketer of the Year award for 2024. For winning red-ball cricket championship with the capable performance by the end.
The achievement of the year marks the great India over a period of bowling taking a huge role in their success in Tests.

Dominating the bowling charts in 2024, India's spearhead Jasprit Bumrah has been crowned ICC Men’s Test Cricketer of the Year 💥#ICCAwards pic.twitter.com/h8Ppjo2hrv

— ICC (@ICC) January 27, 2025

All memories, 2024

Jasprit Bumrah was the man of the match for India in the series opener at Perth against Australia and surprised all the crowds around the world as one of the finest Test bowlers of this generation.

Without regular captain Rohit Sharma, Bumrah played  role and scripted India's extraordinary comeback. Bumrah was again to the fore with the ball as Australia bundled India out for a lowly 150 on first day, propelling his side back into the contest. He finished the innings with a nerve wracking five-wicket haul conceding only 52 runs at the other end at death overs.

India piled up a massive total of 534 on the board and were looking to chase down their hosts. Bumrah chased on with the New South Wales pacemen, adding three more wickets for figures of 3/42 to take the win by an innings and 295 runs. Not only did his century prove a match-winner in helping Australia dominate further, but he also made this a historic day for Test cricket  this being the first time they played here and lost

India's men rewriting their own record books in Perth📚

More 👉 https://t.co/S0GUWWnb8o#AUSvIND #WTC25 pic.twitter.com/PW1auoQcOz

— ICC (@ICC) November 26, 2024

Jasprit Bumrah’s record:

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Day 3 of the 3rd Test match between India and Australia in Brisbane not only saw a challenging contest on the field but also ignited a wave of harsh criticism and sarcastic commentary on social media. As India faced struggles, the online platforms were flooded with debates, jabs, and calls for accountability. Here’s a breakdown of the key talking points making the rounds:

Virat Kohli’s Shot Selection Sparks Debate

Virat Kohli’s dismissal, caught behind after attempting a drive on a fifth-stump line ball, quickly became a hot topic on social media. Fans criticized his shot selection as reckless and unnecessary, questioning his ability to leave balls outside the off-stump. The dismissal sparked comparisons to Sachin Tendulkar’s famous innings in the 2003–04 Sydney Test, where Tendulkar showed the discipline to avoid risky shots like the cover drive. Fans even suggested watching his idol’s videos to learn how to avoid such dismissals, as Kohli has fallen to similar shots multiple times.

Rohit Sharma Faces Leadership Questions

Rohit Sharma has been in the spotlight, with social media buzzing with questions about his leadership. Critics have been questioning his abilities, especially after the team’s struggles. Rohit’s batting form is also a concern, although he remains not out at the end of Day 3. People are waiting for the next opportunity to either praise him or criticize him, depending on his performance on Day 4. His leadership has become a frequent topic of debate, with fans eager to see if he can lead India to a comeback.

Rain Sarcasm: India’s “Savior”

With rain interruptions dominating Day 3, social media users sarcastically suggested that only the weather could save India from a certain defeat. Jokes and memes circulated, mocking the team’s inability to counter Australia’s dominance and suggesting that rain was their only hope. This sentiment reflected the frustration of fans who, while hopeful, questioned India’s chances of winning without external factors coming into play.

Young Players Criticized

Young players like Shubman Gill, Yashasvi Jaiswal, and Rishabh Pant found themselves in the line of fire after their disappointing performances. Gill was criticized for his inconsistent batting, with many questioning his place in the team due to his relatively low batting average. Jaiswal, who was dismissed after just the second ball of the innings, found himself the target of mocking comments. This was especially pointed given his bold remarks during the Perth Test, where, after his impressive knock, he had taunted Australian bowler Mitchell Starc by saying, "You're too slow." Fast forward to the second Test in Adelaide, where Jaiswal was dismissed for a duck off the very first ball of the innings, and then again in this match, dismissed on just the second ball. Fans were quick to mock him, questioning his overconfidence and how quickly things turned around after his earlier comments to Starc. Pant, too, came under criticism after failing in five consecutive innings.

India has a difficult task ahead in the final days of the 3rd Test, but a comeback is within reach. Fans must stay supportive, offering both constructive feedback and encouragement as the team battles to recover.

India barely managed to crawl past the 100-run against a relentless Australian bowling attack. The absence of seasoned campaigners like Cheteshwar Pujara and Ajinkya Rahane was palpable as Mitchell Starc and Mitchell Marsh tormented the Indian lineup. Fans couldn’t help but reminisce about the duo, who are now offering insights from the commentary box instead of their usual stoic presence at the crease.

Pant's lone fight amid the collapse

Amid a top-order failure, Rishabh Pant stood tall with his characteristic grit and flair. He endured the Aussie pace barrage, including a fiery spell from Mitchell Starc, and capitalized on a rare dropped catch by Pat Cummins. Pant's ability to counter-attack gave India a glimmer of hope, especially after debutant Nitish Kumar Reddy joined him to stabilize the innings. Their partnership, although scratchy, ensured India crossed the 100-run mark. A fuller delivery on a straighter line swings away late, catching Rishabh Pant's outside edge as he tries to flick. Steven Smith at second slip grabs a sharp catch, ending Pant's valiant knock of 37 off 78. India now reeling at 121/7.

However, it wasn’t smooth sailing. Starc's probing deliveries and Marsh's crucial breakthroughs left India reeling. A spirited effort from Pant brought some respite, but the road ahead remains arduous for the hosts.

See Also: AUS vs IND, Perth Test: Was KL Rahul really out? Explained

Fans yearn for Pujara and Rahane's stability

As the wickets kept tumbling, fans turned nostalgic, recalling the resilience of Pujara and Rahane. Social media was abuzz with comparisons, with many lamenting the absence of the experienced duo in the lineup. Their commentary, insightful as ever, added salt to the wounds of fans yearning for their calmness under pressure.

The current Indian batting order may have talent, but the lack of experience was evident against the likes of Starc and Cummins. As India inch forward, the onus lies on Pant and the lower order to salvage what remains of a challenging innings.

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Where is the number 3 of this Indian team who defends for 50 over and softens the ball so that the likes of Pant can come and play their shots for the next 30 overs? Where is the wall of India? Who is the Dravid, Pujara Rahane of this team #INDvsAUS #BGT2025#Kohli

— MadMax (@BullsVsBearss) November 22, 2024

Two left-handers, two ducks, and Paddikal’s struggles finally come to an end… Trust me, this tour will constantly remind you of Rahane and Pujara at every moment. pic.twitter.com/6rBtEi439Z

— Vipin Tiwari (@Vipintiwari952) November 22, 2024

Pujji should be allowed to step down from com box to the crease for gods sake ,For every Pant to win you games, you need a Pujara to stand like a rock at the other end. Sadly we don't .

— Jaammii.. (@Jaammiing) November 22, 2024

INDIA HAVE SCORED MORE THAN 36 RUNS IN AUSTRALIA. 🤯😳

— Himanshu Pareek (@Sports_Himanshu) November 22, 2024

national animal of australia - kangaroo
national animal of india - duck

— Xavier Uncle (@xavierunclelite) November 22, 2024

Australia thought they can get India out under 50? 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣 Let's laugh at the Aussies.

— Silly Point (@FarziCricketer) November 22, 2024

When the whole team is playing like they've never seen a cricket bat but you're just a chill guy standing in the middle with the number 17 jersey on. pic.twitter.com/I1Ay5vylKi

— Heisenberg ☢ (@internetumpire) November 22, 2024