England’s Bazball revolution, led by Ben Stokes and Brendon McCullum, has electrified Test cricket at home. But its true test arrives Down Under in the 2025 Ashes, where a fearsome pace attack and a 15-year drought collide in a high-stakes drama.
In a passionate defense of head coach Gautam Gambhir, India’s batting coach Sitanshu Kotak has lashed out at critics and the much-maligned Kolkata pitch. Ahead of the crucial Guwahati Test, Kotak stood firm: the backlash is unfair and misdirected.
India’s hopes for a comeback in Guwahati could be dented by an unwelcome boost for South Africa: Kagiso Rabada remains in contention for the second Test, and Simon Harmer is confirmed to play. With a pitch likely to assist spin, this series is turning into a high-stakes tactical duel.
Ahead of the crucial second Test in Guwahati, former opener Aakash Chopra has issued a strong message: India must leverage its deep understanding of home conditions. He also makes a compelling case for Sai Sudharsan to bat at number three, criticizing India’s constant team tinkering.
With captain Shubman Gill ruled out of the crucial second Test against South Africa in Guwahati, India’s selectors are facing a massive selection headache. Who will step up to fill the void at the top, and which established stars might be left on the bench?
After India’s shocking 30-run defeat to South Africa in Kolkata, legendary Aussie Ricky Ponting has issued a stark warning. He argues that India’s obsession with turning tracks is backfiring on their own batters and has thrown his full support behind Rishabh Pant as the ideal leader for the crucial Guwahati Test.