Cricket

2379 days ago

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Rohit Used To Back Me With A Lot Of Space Then And He Does It Now - Bumrah

Jasprit Bumrah has successfully completed one year of his Test career. Since his debut in Cape Town last year against South Africa, Bumrah has emerged as one of the most groomed pacers. India has always been lack of bowlers who could take 20 wickets overseas but since Bumrah has made his debut, the problem of not taking wickets has become history.## Bumrah took 49 wickets in 10 Tests and played an important part in India's historic series win against Australia Down Under. In an exclusive chat with TOI, he spoke about being the leader of India's pace attack, his journey in Test cricket so far, Rohit Sharma's support and many more things.## Excerpts from the interview:## Tell us about your childhood. Did you always want to bowl fast?## As a kid, I was like anybody else, playing cricket, enjoying it. The only difference is, right from when I can remember, I always used to love bowling. I used to play a lot of tennis-ball cricket and still remember telling my friends, I'll give you three-four chances, you just keep batting and I'll bowl. It was then that I began to realize that I was quick. Nobody told me that. When you play tennis-ball cricket, you've got to be faster in the air. The surface is of no help. That was one of the reasons that focusing on pace alone become important. I'm lucky I've been able to fulfill that dream.## None other than Dennis Lillee says you remind him of Jeff Thomson, who also had an unusual action. Being different can have its benefits...## I've always been like this. I don't take a lot of opinions seriously. Opinions change by the day, every hour, depending on what you bring to the table (how you perform). You can't be taking every opinion seriously. What I try and do is I always focus on my strengths - what I can do, how far can I push myself - and I back them up with the best effort I can put in. If you don't believe in yourself, nobody can help you. That's something I've spent a good deal of time telling myself.## Did you grow up watching any fast bowler or bowlers in particular?## I used to admire a lot of fast bowlers. I used to watch cricket on TV only for the fast bowlers. I was never a fan of watching big sixes or batsmen scoring hundreds. I always used to enjoy watching fifers and bowlers bowling fast, scaring batsmen, intimidating them. No particular bowler as such.## Fast bowlers typically have classic open-chested, side-arm actions. How come you never tried copying that?## I wasn't really interested in copying anybody's action. I can understand what you're saying - those fanboy moments. But that never happened to me.## The Cape Town Test, last year - your spells in the first innings and the second innings polarised opinions. Those watching you for the first time developed a viewpoint after watching you bowl on Day One and some changed opinions after your Day Four spell...## I heard some of those opinions. I didn't take them seriously then, don't do that now. I take very few people seriously in my life. As a child growing up, I had a different action and people didn't waste any time telling me that. I used to be inundated with suggestions on what I need to do and don't. I didn't listen to any of that. Never. It's not like I don't listen but what I do know is that at all times, I've got to find a way out on my own.## That has given me a lot of self-belief - the idea of going and finding a way on my own. When I'm low, it is the same mindset that helps me today. Backing yourself is the best an individual can gift himself.## How do you get your yorker so right?## As a kid, I played a lot of tennis ball cricket and with the tennis ball, you can bowl only one kind of delivery. There's the length in question, no bouncers. There's only one ball that you have to practice. At that time, I played for fun. But later, when you start playing serious cricket, you realize the importance of that delivery. But not that because it naturally comes to me, I don't have to keep practicing it. It still takes the same amount of hard work to get it right in a match situation. I do spend enough hours now trying to get all the little things correct. The line, the length, the bounce. The game now actively involves playing three formats that are very different from each other. So, there's constant work to be done to stay in tune with each of them.## Doubts have been expressed regarding your longevity with this action...## As a bowler, I've come to the realisation that no action is perfect. Tell me a bowler who's not been a victim of injuries. Some have suffered more, some less. But that's part of the game and especially in today's times when there's so much cricket to be played. When you bowl in a certain manner, your body adapts. Then to become stronger, stay fitter, you've got to keep putting in that much effort. International cricket is hard work. It requires constant innovation and training.## You're also among the fittest members in the team right now...## When I first made the transition from first-class cricket to the international stage, I realized that if I had to sustain myself at this level, my idea of fitness would have to be taken to a whole new level. Fitness was the criteria back then too but international cricket is a different ballgame. Thankfully, I realized this quickly.## You have your cheat days?## Cheat days get lesser by the day. The more you inculcate discipline, cheat days just keep disappearing and there comes a time when the idea of a cheat day doesn't even occur to you. I changed my diet, changed my training routines, starting ticking certain boxes that were new to my daily routine. It's simple - if I have to give myself the best opportunity to perform, I've got to remain in the best shape possible. The thing is, reaching certain fitness levels is only half the work done. Staying there is the tougher half. The real challenge begins when you reach the top.## And then there's mental fitness. How does that work for you?## Music. In my case, that helps me a lot. And yoga. Once I'm off cricket, nobody gets to know where I am, what I'm doing. When I'm with friends, family, we don't talk cricket and that, I've realized, is important too. Not talking about cricket is as important as talking about cricket. You need to switch off in order to switch on.## From January 2018 (Cape Town), till now, name a spell or a wicket that's become your favorite, Something you've cherished.## No favorites as such. Debut in Cape Town, a series win in Australia - what can be more wonderful than that? You know, now that I look back, small things that happened between spells, between innings, how wonderfully I got to learn with each passing game. The first innings in Cape Town, for instance, I bowled, learned what kind of line was required there, what the conditions demanded. And then coming back in the second innings keeping those aspects in mind, doing what was required - that is what I cherish.## But there must be some wicket that you might remember for the way you planned, plotted rather, and it worked?## The third Test in England, Trent Bridge. I had missed the first two Tests and was making a comeback and there was so much talk already - in the England camp - they'd seen some videos, there were some analysis and all they did and there were experts there who said 'this guy has only one type of delivery', etc. Some claimed I only had an away delivery for left-handers. I said fine, if this is what they're thinking, then I have a bit of an advantage here. Because they don't know that I have an out-swinger as well. I remember I was bowling to Keaton Jennings and I started with two away deliveries. I teased him by moving slightly over the wicket before bringing one back in slightly. It turned out to be just enough. Small joys are the best ones.## We rarely see you swearing at batsmen, giving them send-offs, talking aloud. A conscious effort to not get personal? Fast bowlers tend to be aggressive and love displaying it...## That aggression is there, of course. In fact, when I started playing the game, I used to be really assertive, trying to sledge batsmen, giving send-offs. But then, as I continued playing, I realized, all said it wasn't helping me bowl better. I would drift away from my set of plans, not be able to execute in the manner I thought and stuff like that. That's when I began to realize something here wasn't working. I had to channelize that aggression and let it show in my stride and delivery. Just mouthing off would make no sense. Anyway, if the ball is doing the talking, it's enough. I don't need to talk.## Did you consciously work on the away-going delivery?## It's not like I couldn't or didn't have that in my armory (earlier). Probably because I first managed to catch everybody's attention in a particular format is why certain deliveries that I bowled were seen as core strengths. But I'm never happy with what I do, I'm always interested in expanding the base. It's a big reason why I developed a good rapport with Shane Bond (Mumbai Indians' bowling coach). You should ask him the number of questions I used to go to him with, all the time, asking him (how) I could add variety to my bowling.## Questions like...## What am I lacking right now? What are the deliveries, lengths I should try exploring? New ball, old ball - what line should I be bowling? The different surfaces and what it would take to adjust to them. There would be never-ending questions. The idea was to keep improving all the time.## How many deliveries do you need to get that rhythm going? On the game eve, do you prefer relaxing or do you actually have to toil to find your groove?## Bowling is a lot about feel. Sometimes you get that feeling in just two deliveries. Sometimes it doesn't fall in place from the word go and it requires that much more toil and effort. Each day is a new day at work. It's all about listening to your mind, going by gut feel.## As a kid growing up, you must have heard of pace attacks from all around the world. The legendary West Indians, the very talented Pakistan pacers, menacing Australians. But to now see an Indian pace attack being celebrated comes across as a fresh breath of air...## When we landed in South Africa (last year), the pace plan was clear - to concentrate on 20 wickets. Now the thing is, please look at what we (as a pace bowling unit) were up to in the nets - bowling to some of the best batsmen in the world (bowling to India batsmen during practice). The best feeling for us (pace unit) is that today we're being talked about. I'll agree with that. Today, we can give it back to the opposition in their backyard. And that's satisfying. As a unit, we've been able to create pressure and at the same time, maintaining a healthy competition among ourselves.## Bharat Arun and Shane Bond - two coaches who've seen you up and close. Talk about their contributions.## Bharat Arun has known me since my Under-19 days. When I went to the National Cricket Academy (NCA), that was the first time he saw me. Usually, when a coach sees a bowler for the first time, there's bound to be some discussion on technique. In my case, there was going to be all the more reason, given the focus around my action. But when he saw me, his first reaction was - you don't need to change anything about your action. His thinking was - if we ask the boy to change his action even minutely, we won't know what we're going to lose. Just allow him to be and it'll only make him stronger. I didn't work much with him after that for a while until I made it to the Indian team.## Then, at Mumbai Indians, I came across Shane Bond. I had come back from injuries and was looking to find my feet again and a kind of a new journey began with him.## Rohit Sharma has been your captain at Mumbai Indians and never ceases to praise you, right from the time you made your debut with the franchise...## He's seen me before I was an India player and he's seeing me now. He's seen phases that I've been through. The thing with Rohit is, he's never been different with me. He used to back me with a lot of space then and he does it now. He'll come, ask me what I see or believe in, set the field accordingly and then keeps backing me up all the time. Some days it works, some days it doesn't but it's always so reassuring.## Follow for more...

Cricket

2380 days ago

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First Class Cricket And Ranji Trophy Should Be Given More Importance Financially - Pujara

There is something about touring Australia that brings out the best of a player. Cheteshwar Pujara who is enjoying perhaps the best time of his career is the best and latest example of that. There was so much talk about Virat Kohli before the tour Down Under but Pujara became the hottest topic out of the blue. He not only became the highest run-getter of the series but also the way he played was something that no one couldn't stop himself praising India's number 3 Test batsman who played more than a thousand balls in 4-match Test series. He became an overnight star in Australia.## After a successful tour, many players might have preferred rest but not Pujara who returned to guide Saurashtra to the Ranji Trophy final, only to be lost to Vidarbha in the final. In an exclusive chat with Times of India, the 31-year old spoke about the challenges playing in Australia, the importance of the Ranji Trophy and many more.## Excerpts from the interview:## Have your feats in Australia sunk in?## It was a special series for me personally as well as the team. All the players said that this is the most special overseas win. We have a young team and none of the team members had the experience of winning an overseas Test series. But we want to get better and stay at No.1. We don't want to get carried away.## When you landed in Australia, people were looking at Virat Kohli as the main batsman and suddenly you stood up and dominated the series...## Everything changed after the first innings (in Adelaide). Whenever you go for a big tour, preparation is important. I prepared very well. Then I just tried to execute my skills and I knew what the bowlers could do because I had been there in 2014. I had faced Lyon, Starc, and Hazlewood in 2014. Cummins was the only new addition to their bowling lineup. But I had faced him in India in 2017 too. I knew their strategies and what line and length they would bowl.## I just wanted to bat normally. We were in deep trouble in the first Test when we were 40 for 4. I thought something special is needed to win this Test and I knew that I just had to bat through the first two sessions and didn't think about anything else. And when we lost Ashwin, I thought that I would have to accelerate at some point since I was batting with tailenders. I was really pleased with the kind of shots that I played.## You played more positively...## The situation demanded that. When you are batting with the tail, you always have to play your shots. There is a perception about me that I don't play too many shots, but I try and not play them until the situation demands.## Did you make technical changes to your stance and grip?## Not my grip, but some changes to my stance and some other things. I don't want to talk about them because bowlers will prepare accordingly and plan.## Your father was unwell during the Australia series and was undergoing a heart procedure. How tough was it for you to focus?## Before the surgery, our family doctor told me not to worry about anything and to just focus on cricket. Dr. Patil was the guy who did his bypass five years ago. He assured me that there wouldn't be any complication in his procedure. My father too asked me to just focus on my game. I was lucky that my wife was there with him. She also told me to just focus on my game as we had an important game the next day (Sydney Test). I was confident that he will be fine. But when I was walking in to bat on day one, it was not easy. I was waiting for the end of the day so that I could quickly message my wife and check on him. I am glad I could still focus. Luckily, I am a tough cricketer mentally.## Can you tell us how tough it is to play in Australia?## They're very strong. They're well aware of all the conditions and their bowlers always have a very good plan to get the batsman out in their conditions. So, they're well-prepared and they know what they're doing. Even their crowd will always support them.## Even their media...## Yes ... everything. Even their media is always supporting their team. If you make any error, they always let the opponents know. So, as an Indian player, if there's something wrong, or even if there is a minor discussion in the team, and if their media person gets to know, then they'll always go behind that player. It's part of their strategy, which we understand. There's a little bit of sledging which is going on. But luckily, I'm someone who doesn't get affected. In fact, I get motivated when they try and sledge me.## Do you remember any instance when the Aussies tried to intimidate you?## There were many instances but I remember the first Test. Nathan Lyon and Tim Paine tried to sledge me. They almost felt that the game was over when we were 40 for four, they thought that we'll be bowled out for 150-160. And even later on, I think in the third or fourth Test, they were trying to sledge me but at the same time, they started laughing in the end. Lyon came and told me: 'Aren't you bored of batting now? You've scored so many runs.'## Is that Lyon remark the best sledge?## Yes. I never thought that he'll say such a thing. And then when we were playing against Australia in the third Test in Ranchi in 2017, one of the players came and told me 'Now if you don't get out, we'll have to ask for wheelchairs.' I was batting on 170-plus. That's the best sledge I remember from an Aussie player.## Josh Hazlewood said that yours was the most precious wicket for the Aussies, and not Kohli's. What's your reaction to that?## I wasn't following any of their comments. I got to know after the Test that he had said that. I had mixed feelings. Hazlewood probably said I'm a prized wicket because I was performing well. He had bowled against me even in India in 2017 and knew that getting me out was challenging. It was a special comment. But as a cricketer, you have mixed feelings because you also want your players to play well.## After your performance in Australia, where does all the talk about intent and strike rate go?## People have realized what's required to perform well in Test cricket. People started appreciating the way I was batting, not just the Indian team management. Everyone has realized that there are different methods of playing this format. And because of white ball cricket, there have been players who've been playing many shots ... they've been very aggressive. I still respect that. When talking about intent and strike rate was going on, I just kept believing in myself, in my ability. I actually don't get worried about what people are saying. Sometimes you just need to do the right thing for the team.## This mindset of batting long, how did you inculcate that from so early on in your career?## If I've won matches for any first-class team or the Indian team and contributed in a winning cause, you know that this is how games can be won, so you become even more confident. If you see Rahul Dravid, Sachin Tendulkar, VVS Laxman, they have been very classical. Obviously, Tendulkar was a different player, he liked to dominate, but there have been other players who have played Test cricket the way it has been played. Even Tendulkar, when the situation demanded, has scored just 50 runs in 150 balls, so there is nothing wrong in that. You just need to understand what situation you are playing in and bat accordingly.## You are part of a side whose captain is very aggressive. You are someone who is very calm. Is there a risk of a personality clash?## Not at all. Ultimately, he (Kohli) also understands what is required to win. Many times I've given him suggestions and he has been more than willing to accept them. He might have a different personality but that's his nature and that is how he should be. There's nothing wrong in that. He can behave the way he wants to as long as he respects the game. He hasn't been disrespectful to anyone else. Sledging is something which he likes at times. And there is nothing wrong in that. He also respects my nature.## How do you react when you see guys like Rishabh Pant playing the shots he does?## I laugh about it. Sometimes I get worried and say 'what is he trying to do?' But over a period of time, I've realized that you still need to respect them and their style because Pant has come from white-ball cricket and we'll have to give him some time to understand that if you want to play Test cricket, yes, you have to be attacking, which is his natural game, but at the same time, understand what is the right time to attack and when he cannot.## Growing up, your dad was really strict with the way you played. Do you ever regret that being too technically correct has sometimes not helped you establish yourself in white-ball cricket?## Not at all. My father always used to tell me to play according to the merit of the ball. And it's not as if I wasn't allowed to play any lofted shots. But he made sure that if I played a lofted shot, I had to execute it in a manner where it goes over the top. It should not just pop up in the air where someone can take a catch even in a practice session. Not many people have seen my white-ball cricket. But the moment I play lofted shots, I always execute it in the manner where I get a four or a six. But in Test cricket, it is not required as you are taking extra risk and risking giving your wicket away.## Your father has often spoken about how flawlessly he has seen you bat in the nets. It's his wish that the world should see you bat like that. Would you say your performance in Australia fits the description that your father talks about?## Not completely. I have many more things to show the world. Obviously, I have been working hard on my game. I am still young and I am very sure that it will come at some point. What my father has been telling me has motivated me. It gives me a lot of confidence because sometimes you start doubting yourself. But my father is the one who has always had faith in me and he told me that the world hasn't seen you the way I have seen you. So don't doubt yourself. At some point I thought because he is my dad he keeps motivating me then I started hearing things from other big coaches and then I feel what my dad is saying could be right.## Speaking of technique, coach Ravi Shastri recently said that you were left out of the Birmingham Test in England because there was a slight problem with your stance, something that can happen if you are playing continuously in county cricket.## I don't discuss technical things much. The reason why I was not scoring many runs in county cricket was different. The kind of wickets I was playing on, if you look at the scorecard, the average score was 180- 200 and even other batsmen didn't score runs. There was one game where we had Joe Root, Jonny Bairstow, and Adam Lyth, almost a Test line-up and we won despite getting bowled out for 50. County cricket is different especially when you play for Yorkshire up north in April and May. The conditions are so challenging that you might not get a 50 but a useful 30-40 could be crucial. There were times I also got bad decisions. If your time is not right people start thinking 'oh, he hasn't scored runs in county cricket.' But people are not there to watch what is happening over there. It is very easy to say things from a distance.## How has county cricket helped you? Do you feel other Indian batsmen should be encouraged to play in the county to improve their game? County cricket has been really helpful for me personally. Now whether it should be encouraged, I don't know. I support it because if that's done, it will be very good, especially for our Test cricket. But when the IPL is going on most of our players are playing the tournament. And when IPL finishes it becomes difficult for players who are playing all formats because of workload issues. But if players who are just playing the Test format have time then I am sure they should go and participate in county cricket. Even white-ball specialists who aspire to play Tests should play in county cricket because it needs good technique to score consistently because the conditions that you play in are really challenging.## You came back from Australia and immediately joined the Saurashtra Ranji team. Do you see a player growing up with the kind of culture you have cultivated for yourself?## I see many young talented players with a lot of commitment to domestic cricket. The importance of Ranji Trophy might have decreased a bit because of the IPL but at the same time, I've seen many players who want to play Ranji, perform well, be recognized for the Indian team, whether it's red-ball cricket or white-ball cricket. A classic example is Mayank Agarwal and Vihari (Hanuma) who have come from Ranji and performed well at the international level.## I always look forward to playing for Saurashtra because of the team atmosphere. Also, because that is where I started playing cricket. I became a Test player just by playing for Saurashtra. Whenever I get an opportunity, I never miss it.## Will you inculcate the same values in your daughter as your dad inculcated in you?## It is a tough call. But I will be a little more balanced. I will be strict for sure. But at the same time, with all the knowledge, I can strike the right balance. I have always had this argument with my father that 'you don't allow me to celebrate any festival and if we have to go out, you don't allow me because you feel I have to rest'. Over a period of time, he realized that you have to switch off somewhere. You should be focused on the game but when there are no games, you need to have a hobby or play a different sport. Now I play badminton and TT. It is important to have the right balance and that is what I'll teach my daughter.## What's your view on the Dukes ball vs the SG Test vs the Kookaburra issue?## I think we should stick to the SG ball in India because in our domestic cricket we play with the SG ball and the player gets used to playing with this ball, whether he is a batsman or bowler. You know what it does with the new ball, with the old ball. So I don't think we should change at all. The debate was on the quality of the ball. The BCCI has communicated with SG and during the semifinals, we got a different quality of the ball. They worked on it and it is better now.## For the kind of pressure that a young cricketer goes through these days, Rahul Dravid wants them to have a back-up career. What is your take?## I completely agree. Now when you see that the young generation is well educated, even the young cricketers are well educated, not just in India, but overseas too. If you are educated, it helps you think better in this game and education is something that I always loved. I am not a graduate, but I want to do an MBA at some stage.## The World Test Championship will begin later this year. Do you think it will revive interest in Test cricket? How excited are you about this?## Not just me. I have spoken to other players and all of them are very excited. We have already started discussing the format and points system. We don't have all the details, but we have already discussed about the various possibilities. I am sure Test cricket will get a lot of importance going forward with all the boards thinking about the survival of Test cricket. That is the purest format of the game and it will survive. I have no doubt about it.## Should a player who plays only in Test cricket and does not play IPL get a higher contract?## I agree. I have read things and I am assuming that that is the way forward to promote Test cricket. But at the same time, I also feel that First Class cricket and Ranji Trophy should be given more importance financially. I don't know what should be the right structure, but players should get enough money even in domestic cricket because that is where Test cricketers are produced and if we can take good care of players playing in Ranji, we will produce more Test players.## Support from the wife?## When we got engaged, she (Puja) did not know anything about cricket. She didn't know who I was. Her knowledge of the game has improved a lot and my father and she can discuss it a lot now. As her knowledge has improved, she has become very supportive.## Batting philosophy?## As a batsman, you should not have any thoughts. If you can have a blank mind, you can execute your skills better. Yoga has helped me to reach that stage where I'm thoughtless when I bat or even if I have thoughts, I ensure that they are positive.## Follow for more...

Cricket

2411 days ago

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Top 5 Cricket Teams With Most International Wins

Australia began 2019 with a comfortable 34-runs win over India in the one-day format. Australia had an awful 2018 where they could manage only 2 wins and lost as many as 13 in the 50-over format. Australia couldn't ask for a better start of a year as former world no. 1 team has taken a 1-0 lead in 3-match series.## With the help of this win, Australia became the first and only country to win 1000 matches in all three formats (Test, ODI, T20I). Despite their struggle in all three formats in recent times, Australia has won most matches in Tests and ODIs than any other team in the world. Apart from Australia, only three teams have been able to win more than 700 matches in the history of the cricket.## Here is the list of the TOP 5 countries with most international wins## 1. AUSTRALIA (1000 WINS) - Since the beginning of the cricket, Australia has been a most successful team in the history of the game. They played their first match in 1877 against England and since then they have played 818 Tests, 920 ODIs, and 114 T20Is and have won 1000 matches (384 Tests, 558 ODIs, 58 T20Is). During this period, Australia has won Five 50-over world cups and has been the team to beat during the time period of 1990 to 2010.## 2. ENGLAND (774 WINS) - England is the country who invented cricket. England played their first match against their Ashes rivals in 1877 and has played 1007 Tests, 721 ODIs, and 105 T20Is so far and has won 774 matches (364 Tests, 360 ODIs, 50 T20Is). Despite inventing cricket, England couldn't win the 50-over world cup. Their only major ICC tournament win came in the shortest format of the game when they became T20 champion in 2010 after beating Australia in the final.## 3. INDIA (711 WINS) - India has emerged as one of the teams to beat since the start of 21st century. In their 86-year of cricketing history, India has played 533 Tests, 954 ODIs, and 110 T20Is and has won 711 matches (150 Tests, 492 ODIs, 69 T20Is). The biggest moment for Indian cricket came in 1983 when India became world champions for the first time by beating defending champions West Indies under the captaincy of Kapil Dev and 28 years later, India lifted the World Cup for the second time under MS Dhoni. Apart from winning 50-over World Cup twice, India has won inaugural T20I World Cup in 2007 and Champions Trophy in 2014.## 4. PAKISTAN (702 WINS) - Pakistan is known for producing fast bowlers and has won many matches because of the great pacers. Since their first match (In 1952), Pakistan has played 422 Tests, 899 ODIs, and 139 T20Is and has won 702 matches (136 Tests, 477 ODIs, 89 T20Is). Pakistan has won 50-over World Cup (1992), T20I World Cup (2009), Champions Trophy (2017) at least once in their cricketing history.## 5. WEST INDIES (608 WINS) - From 1970 to 1980, West Indies was an almost unbeatable team. During this period, Windies won two World Cup (1975, 1979) and in 1983, they lost to India in the final at the iconic Lords Cricket Ground. Windies have played 539 Tests, 788 ODIs, and 104 T20Is so far and have won 608 matches (171 Tests, 388 ODIs, 49 T20Is). Apart from two 50-over World Cups, Windies have won two T20I World Cups (2012, 2016) and Champions Trophy in 2004.## Stats till 12 Jan 2019.## Follow for more...

Cricket

2414 days ago

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Test Cricket Is The Ultimate Form Of Cricket And I Have Experienced It - Mayank Agarwal

Not long ago, Mayank Agarwal was scoring a mountain of runs in domestic cricket and 'A' level but he was still like a lost star where his stars refused to align. It was frustrating for Mayank as he didn't get an opportunity despite scoring consistently. However, he was included in 2-match series against West Indies at home but he didn't get a match to play and later was dropped for the Australia tour.## But Karma had other plans, the Karnataka batsman was drafted into the squad after the first two Tests as Prithvi Shaw's injury in practice match came as a blessing for him. He straightway included into playing XI for Boxing Day Test in Melbourne and he didn't let this opportunity go with a well-compiled 76-runs on bouncy MCG pitch. That inning was enough for him to grown his confidence as he played a crucial 42-runs knock in the second innings in between the fall of wickets at the other end.## Mayank missed out on converting two half-centuries into hundreds but finished his three-innings series with an impressive 195 runs (76, 42, 77). After coming back to India, he was happy while giving an exclusive interview to TOI and spoke about the trip.## Excerpts:## What were your thoughts when you touched down in Australia?## I was just excited to be a part of the Indian team. I was going to be part of a series which was being intensely fought and was interestingly poised at one-all, and I was looking forward to being there.## The moment when you were handed the India cap...## Getting the cap was nice but the thing that struck me the most at that moment was the encouraging words I received from Virat (Kohli) and everyone around. A couple of days before my debut, Ravi (Shastri) sir spoke to me and said, 'Mayank, you will get your chance. We know you have come up the hard way; you've scored the runs and those things will really help you when you play'. Virat too was very encouraging and said, 'It is a big place to make your Test debut. Bigger the place, bigger the opportunity and greater chance of an impact you can make'. It felt fantastic to be accepted and supported by everyone.## How reassuring was it to have your good friend and statemate KL Rahul in the squad?## We've played a lot of cricket together. It was very comforting to have one of my best friends on the side. He made sure I was comfortable. Obviously, having your best mate meant the vibes and energy levels were high. Once there, we both went out for coffee and he sat me down and spoke to me. I asked him about the Aussie bowlers. He told me about his experience and what he made of it. I was watching the matches, but getting first-hand information from my best mate, who was playing in the series, was also nice and that really helped.## The 76 on debut, how did that feel?## To be honest, I was nervous at the start. Once I got two-three shots away and got going, then I just got into the zone. It was just me, talking to myself and saying, 'I've come here with a plan and I'm going to stick to it.' I just tried to be in the moment and not think about anything else.## Did you thrive on self-belief?## Probably. Also, it is the confidence that came from the fact that I had got a lot of runs before (going to Australia). Also, I prepared well for the match. At practice, Sanjay (Bangar) sir and I made a few notes about what the spinners and pacers would look to do. With everyone rallying around me, I was in a good space.## Which according to you was your best innings in Australia?## Honestly, I don't like to compare. I wouldn't say this was better or that was good. I thought each innings had different importance to it.## Any regrets on missing out on a century?## I wasn't very disappointed when I got out in the first match (at 76) because I thought that Pat Cummins delivery kicked more than I expected. But in Sydney, I was upset with myself. It wasn't about a hundred, but I could have got a bigger score. I was disappointed at the way I threw my wicket away. That said, I also had a plan on how I was going to play and pace my innings. The plan was to attack Nathan Lyon and that did not work out. If there is a lesson from it and I can improve myself as a player, then it is a lesson well learnt.## What was your biggest takeaway from the series?## A lot of confidence and the experience of playing international cricket. During the tour, I understood what it takes to be there and perform.## How did it feel to hold the trophy?## I can't put down the feeling in words... it was indescribable. The one thing I can say is that people often told me, Test cricket is the ultimate form of cricket and I have experienced it.## With the Test debut done, are you looking at the limited-overs breakthrough now?## Like I have always said, every person's journey is different. I've made it to the Test team and I'm grateful for that. What's got me this far is sticking to the process, hard work and playing every game to the best of my ability. I will take whatever comes out of it. I'm not thinking too much ahead. I'm just going to take things as they come. When the time is right, that (limited-overs debut) too will happen.## Follow for more...

Cricket

2417 days ago

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India Creates History Ended 71-Year Old Drought

It was a historic day for the Indian cricket that ended 71-year old drought under the captaincy of Virat Kohli by winning a Test series in Australia for the first time and. India won the 4-match Test series by 2-1 and became the first Asian country to win a Test series Down Under. However, India will be disappointed as they couldn't finish Test series with a win as the 4th Test ended up drawn after rain washed out 5th and final day at Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG) in Sydney on 7 January 2019.## It was a series where India dominated the Aussies throughout the series. However, Australia bounced back with a win in Perth after losing in Adelaide, but apart from that they never look to win or even drawn the series, it was India who dictates terms. For Virat Kohli It was his by far biggest achievement and it should be as none of the other Indian captains could able to do what this Indian team has done.## It was 12th instance India played a Test series in Australia and 11 previous occasions, either they lost or drawn the series. Take a look at the results of each tour -## 1947/48 - Australia (4-0)## 1967/68 - Australia (4-0)## 1977/78 - Australia (3-2)## 1980/81 - Drawn (1-1)## 1985/86 - Drawn (0-0)## 1991/92 - Australia (4-0)## 1999/00 - Australia (3-0)## 2003/04 - Drawn (1-1)## 2007/08 - Australia (2-1)## 2011/12 - Australia (4-0)## 2014/15 - Australia (2-0)## 2018/19 - INDIA* (2-1)## Team India also became the only 5th visiting side to win a Test series in Australia after England, West Indies, South Africa, and New Zealand. England is the only team who has beaten Australia more than 10 times in their own backyard.## Visiting sides winning series in Australia:## England (13 times)## West Indies (1979/80, 1984/85, 1988/89 & 1992/93)## New Zealand (1985/86)## South Africa (2008/09, 2012/13, 2016/17)## India (2018/19)## It was India's 6th series win in SENA (South Africa, England, New Zealand, Australia) countries where only South Africa is the only remained country India hasn't won a Test series.## Series wins in 'SENA' countries for India:## 3-1 in NZ, 1967/68## 1-0 in Eng, 1971## 2-0 in Eng, 1986## 1-0 in Eng, 2007## 1-0 in NZ, 2008/09## 2-1 in Aus, 2018/19## One can talk about the strength and depth of Australia, who missed Steven Smith and David Warner, but one can't question the hard work and discipline shown by the Indians. The No.1 Test side has shown the great character under the difficult circumstances. Cheteshwar Pujara, India's no.3 batsman looked in form of his life who went on to score 521 runs in 7 innings that helped him win Man of the series. In the first Test where India was in deep trouble at 41/4 and Pujara played a sublime 123-runs knock that actually became the difference between the two sides. He scored 3 centuries in the series and has impressed everyone with his sheer determination.## On the other hand, if Pujara setup the innings it was the bowlers who converted them into results. India's pace trio of Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammad Shami, and Ishant Sharma looked as lethal as you ever seen. Bumrah has been go to man for Virat who has been by far the best bowler of the series with 21-wickets.## India overcomes their familiar mistakes in batting point of view where they depended on individual performances of Virat Kohli that cost them series lose against South Africa and England. Against Australia they done everything right where batsmen scored runs along with Kohli and bowlers were at their usual best.## Follow for more...

Cricket

2419 days ago

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Top 5 Indian Batsman With Most International Runs

Team India is on the line to create history in Australia as they are one step away from winning a Test series in Australia for the very first time. India captain Virat Kohli who has been standout performer for India in recent overseas tours, is leading from the front in ongoing series against Australia however, it is Cheteshawar Pujara who has been by far the best batsman in 4-match Test series where it has already scored 521 runs in 7 innings with 3 centuries and a half-century.## On the other hand, despite been overshadowed by Pujara's brilliance, Virat Kohli has been one of the standout performers in this series and has reached another milestone during his short 23 runs innings on the opening day of the Sydney Test. He completed 19,000 runs in International matches and quickest ever to do so surpassed legendary Sachin Tendulkar who took 33 innings more than Virat. Virat Kohli is also the 3rd highest run-getter for India across formats.## Here is the list of TOP 5 Indian batsman with most international runs:## 1. Sachin Tendulkar (34,357 Runs) - It is said that no record is bigger than Sachin Tendulkar. Such has been domination of the master over two and half of decades in an international career. The master blaster has created many records to break and scoring most runs is one of them. In his 24 years of career, Sachin had scored 34,357 runs (15,921 in Tests, 18,426 in ODIs, 10 in T20Is) at an average of 48.52 in 782 innings of 664 matches. His highest score of 248* came against Bangladesh in 2004. The master had also touched the rare feat of 100, 100s (51 Tests and 49 ODIs).## 2. Rahul Dravid (24,064 Runs) - Another legend who arguably the greatest Test batsman at no.3 position. Rahul Dravid, popularly known as 'The Wall' has done wonders for India. His marathon knock of 233 against Australia in the first innings of Adelaide Test in 2003 has been highlight of his career that saw India winning that Test by 4 wickets. He remained unbeaten on 72 in the second innings and took India to a famous win. He has scored 24,064 runs (13,288 Tests, 10,889 ODIs, 31 T20Is) in 599 innings of 504 matches at an average of 45.57 including 48 centuries (36 Tests and 12 ODIs). ## 3. Virat Kohli (19,012* Runs) - If there is a batsman who looks to break Sachin Tendulkar's record that is Virat Kohli. The run-machine is reaching new heights with every passing match. Virat has scored 19,012 runs (6,613 Tests, 10,232 ODIs, 2,167 T20Is) so far in 399 innings of 358 matches at the phenomenal average of 56.24. He has scored 63 centuries (25 Tests, 38 ODIs) which is third highest after Sachin Tendulkar and Ricky Ponting (71).## 4. Sourav Ganguly (18,433 Runs) - A fearless captain who led India to some memorable wins in overseas conditions. Sourav Ganguly, popularly known as 'Dada' was India's one of the best batsmen and one of the greatest captains of all time. He led India to the final of World Cup 2003 where they lost to Australia. Ganguly had scored 18,433 runs (7,212 Tests and 11,363 ODIs) in 485 innings of 421 matches with an average of 41.42 including 38 hundred (16 Tests and 22 ODIs).## 5. Virendra Sehwag (16,892 Runs) - Virendra Sehwag was one of the batsmen who changed the way of seeing Test cricket with his aggressive style of batting. He arguably was one of the greatest openers since the start of 21st century. He is one of only 4 batsmen who has scored 2 triple centuries in Tests. After his knock of 309 against Pakistan, he nicknamed 'Sultan of Multan' where he dominated some of the best bowlers of the world. Sehwag had scored 16,892 runs (8,586 Tests, 8,273 ODIs, 394 T20Is) at an average of 40.62 in 431 innings of 363 matches including 38 hundred (23 Tests and 15 ODIs.## Follow for more...

Cricket

2425 days ago

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Top 5 Bowler With Most Test Wickets In Debut Year

2018 has been another phenomenal year for Test cricket especially for the bowlers where India's pace trio of Jasprit Bumrah, Ishant Sharma, and Mohammad Shami scripted a landmark year for Indian cricket. India that ended 2018 with a big 137-runs win against Australia in Boxing Day Test at Melbourne, the pace trio played a vital role in that who helped India to retain Border-Gavaskar trophy with one to play.## Jasprit Bumrah who debuted against South Africa in January 2017, has touched new height in Test cricket. He has been going to man for Virat Kohli not only in Test cricket but all three formats. Talking about the records both Virat Kohli and Jasprit Bumrah have ruled 2018 with bat and ball.## Here is the list of TOP 5 bowler with most Test wicket in debut year:## 1. Terry Alderman (AUS, 54 Wickets, 1981) - Australia's former right-arm fast-medium bowler who took 170 wickets in 41 Tests for Australia made his Test debut against England in 1981 and made his own with taking 54 wickets in 10 matches. His record of taking 54 wickets in debut year is yet to be broken. In the 1981 Ashes series he took 42 Test wickets, including nine on debut, the biggest haul in a series since Jim Laker's 46 in 1956 and the fourth-highest total of all time.## 2. Curtly Ambrose (WI, 49 Wickets, 1988) - Sir Curtly Ambrose has been one of the greatest bowlers of all time that world cricket has ever seen. Sir Ambrose made his Test debut against Pakistan in 1988 and went on to become the colossus of West Indies bowling in the 90s. He took 49 wickets in 11 Tests in 1988 which is the second highest by any bowler in his debut year. In 12 years of Test career, Sir Ambrose played 98 Tests for Windies and took 405 wickets with an average of 20.99.## 3. Jasprit Bumrah (IND, 48 Wickets, 2018) - Jasprit Bumrah is the new sensation in world cricket today. With his unorthodox action, he has become very hard to play for any batsman and with time passing, he is becoming even more lethal. In his debut series against South Africa in South Africa, he took 14 wickets in 3 matches and AB de Villiers was his first Test wicket. He carried that form into England series and took the same number of wickets in the last 3 Tests, unfortunately, he couldn't play first two matches due to injury. And now in ongoing series against Australia down under, he is the leading wicket-taker with 20 wickets in 3 matches. With 6 for 33 in 3rd Test in Melbourne, he became the first Asian bowler to take 5-fer against SA, ENG, and AUS in overseas in a calendar year. In 18 innings of 9 matches, he has taken 48 wickets with an average of 21.02.## 4. Steven Finn (ENG, 46 Wickets, 2010) - Steven Finn's career has been affected by injuries and fitness has been the biggest concern for the English pacer. However, he last played a Test in 2016, shone in his debut year of 2010 where he grabbed 46 wickets in 11 matches. In 36 Tests so far he has taken 125 wickets with an average of 30.41.## 5. Roy Tattersall (ENG, 44 Wickets, 1951) - Roy Tattersall was an English Right arm off break bowler who played only 16 Tests and took 58 wickets in which 44 came in his debut year (1951) in 12 matches. Despite his impressive record in first-class cricket (328 matches, 1369 wickets) Tattersall made only two further appearances in Test cricket in 1953 against Australia and in 1954 against Pakistan.## Follow for more...

Cricket

2454 days ago

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Players To Watch Out In Australia-India Test Series

The much-awaited series of the year between Australia and India is set to begin from December 6 in Adelaide. The series promises to be a cracker as India is much stronger than they were before while Australia may not have the strongest side in the absence of Steve Smith and David Warner but in their own conditions, they have been ruthless against any side in the world.## On the other hand, India will be hoping to win their first ever Test series down under. Looking at both sides, India clearly has an upper hand and will start the series with favourites tag. On the other hand, Australia probably is the weakest team who has failed to make their mark since the ban imposed on Smith and Warner after found their involvement in ball-tampering scandal earlier this year in South Africa.## However, despite been two different sides, both teams have players who can be trump-card for their sides. Here, we have chosen 6 players (3 from each side) who can change the game for their side.## INDIA## 1. KL Rahul - This could be the deciding series for KL Rahul who hasn't been consistent since the home season in 2016-17. Despite few knocks, he has failed to provide a solid start in Tests. However, on his previous Australia's tour scored a century in first innings of Sydney Test and smashed 110. In India's recent tour of England, he went on to score a sizzling hundred in the last test after been failed in first four matches. Captain Virat Kohli and head coach Ravi Shastri have shown full faith in Rahul despite lack of consistency in his form.## 2. Rishabh Pant - Rishabh Pant is one of the most exciting talents who is known for his hard-hitting ability. The left-hand wicketkeeper-batsman is still new in international cricket but has shown enough potential at this level. After pilling mountains of runs, he debuted against England and performed well including a brilliant century in the last Test. In 8 innings of 5 matches so far, Pant has scored 346 runs with a century and 2 half-centuries. He is one of the players who can change the game on his own terms and will be key for India to provide solidity in the middle order.## 3. Kuldeep Yadav - Much like Pant, Kuldeep Yadav is also new in Test cricket. However, he has performed exceptionally well in limited overs format. He has the ability to deceive batsmen on googly which could be the turning point against Australian players as they are not good against spinners and always found difficult to tackle them.## AUSTRALIA## 1. Aaron Finch - After the ban imposed on Warner along with Smith, Australia has struggled to find the right combination up the batting order. Aaron Finch, after established himself in limited overs format, could solve Australia's opening problems. He debuted against Pakistan in recently concluded series in Abu Dhabi and has batted brilliantly against the turning balls. He one of only a few Australians who is equally good against spinners as well as the pacers.## 2. Usman Khawaja - Usman Khawaja is the most experienced batsman in the current Australian batting line-up. He is the one along with Finch who has done exceptionally well against the spinners as well as pacers. Former Australian captain Ricky Ponting believes that Khawaja will be the key for Australia to do well in the 4-match Test series. His record in Test suggests that he has done well for Australia in last few years and scored 2455 runs in 35 matches with an average of 43.84.## 3. Nathan Lyon - Nathan Lyon is arguably the greatest spinner after the great Shane Warne that Australia has ever produced. He has been consistent since his debut in 2011. His record against India also suggests that he has troubled Indian batsmen with his line and length which is his great strength. Against India, Lyon has claimed 64 wickets in 14 matches. He will be the biggest trump-card for Tim Paine led Australia side.## For more updates and news, stay tuned with us.## Thanks for the reading.

Cricket

2489 days ago

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Rohit Sharma Is Back In Squad For Australia Tests; Dhoni Left Out From Windies And Australia T20Is

Rohit Sharma, India's premier batsman in white ball cricket has returned in the Test team as BCCI has announced 15-member squad for Australia tour 2018-19 starring from 21st November. Hardik Pandya hasn't fully recovered from injury and doesn't find a place in Test team, however, he will be a part of India A team against New Zealand.A for one-dayers later this year.## "Hardik Pandya has not yet recovered and will at least sit out till November 15. It's very difficult to match Hardik's all-around ability. At least we don't see that kind of ability now in India. That's why no other alternatives were discussed. And we expect Bhuvi [Bhuvneshwar] to come good; we know he can bat," India chief selector MSK Prasad said on Friday (October 26).## Murli Vijay who was dropped from the Test team after first two Test against recently concluded England tour has recalled for Australia tour. Parthiv Patel also named in the squad as a backup wicket-keeper of Rishabh Pant while Mayank Agarwal and Mohammed Siraj who were in the squad for West Indies Test, have been left out.## Rohit Sharma last played a Test during the South Africa tour earlier this year. However, he couldn't perform well out there but his white ball form forced selectors to include him in the Test side. He was in the line to make a Test comeback against England but was sidelined and Hanuma Vihari earned his maiden call-up.## "With regard to Rohit, we felt that his nature of cricket - he's a very good backfoot player, and we felt that his game is much suited to play in Australia. He [Parthiv] was not picked for the game against Afghanistan and also the England series, but subsequently, he played the Duleep Trophy, he batted well and kept well. So, if you see the selection we've done for the whole team, it's a mixture of youth and experience, which we really wanted because it's going to be a high-intensity series, which is why we've fallen back on the experience. The advantage of Parthiv is that he's a left-hander and can bat at any order. When the team demanded, even with a fractured hand he opened the innings in South Africa," Prasad said.## Selectors have included the experienced opener, Murli Vijay along with KL Rahul and Prithvi Shaw. Vijay, after been dropped from the squad, went on to play county cricket for Essex and registered four 50+ scores (including a hundred) in 5 innings and proved that he was in good nick. His excellent runs on previous Australia tour also forced selectors to recall him for Australia tour. With 482 runs [1 hundred, 4 fifties] in 2014-15 Australia tour, he was India's best batsman after Virat Kohli.## "Vijay had been dropped from England series," Prasad said. "He went back and played County, showed that intent and he performed. Considering the intensity of this series, we have considered him for the Australia series."## Squad for the 4-Test series vs Australia: Virat Kohli (C), M Vijay, KL Rahul, Prithvi Shaw, Cheteshwar Pujara, Ajinkya Rahane, Hanuma Vihari, Rohit Sharma, Rishabh Pant, Parthiv Patel, R Ashwin, R Jadeja, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Shami, Ishant Sharma, Umesh Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah, Bhuvneshwar Kumar## MS Dhoni who has played 93 T20Is, hasn't found his place for West Indies and Australia T20Is as Rishabh Pant and Dinesh Karthik named two wicket-keepers by the selectors, "The T20Is here and in Australia, he [Dhoni] is not going to play, because we are also looking at a second wicketkeeper. That will be between Rishabh and Dinesh Karthik. So they will be getting a chance to keep and bat," Prasad said.## Virat Kohli has rested against West Indies and therefore, Rohit Sharma will lead in 3-match series. Shahbaz Nadeem's long wait for an India call-up has come to an end as the 29-year-old Jharkhand left-arm spinner has been included for the T20I series against the Windies. However, he will not be a part against Australia.## India squad for West Indies T20Is: Rohit Sharma (c), Shikhar Dhawan, KL Rahul, Dinesh Karthik, Manish Pandey, Shreyas Iyer, Rishabh Pant (wk), Krunal Pandya, Washington Sundar, Yuzvendra Chahal, Kuldeep Yadav, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Jasprit Bumrah, Khaleel Ahmed, Umesh Yadav, Shahbaz Nadeem## India squad for Australia T20Is: Virat Kohli (c), Rohit Sharma, Shikhar Dhawan, KL Rahul, Shreyas Iyer, Manish Pandey, Dinesh Karthik, Rishabh Pant (wk), Kuldeep Yadav, Yuzvendra Chahal, Washington Sundar, Krunal Pandya, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Jasprit Bumrah, Umesh Yadav, Khaleel Ahmed## India's tour of Australia gets underway with the first T20I to be played in Brisbane on November 21. The Melbourne Cricket Ground will host the second T20I on November 23 followed by the third and final T20I on November 25 at the Sydney Cricket Ground. India then play four Tests and three ODIs, with their Australian tour coming to an end on January 18, 2019,.## For more updates and news, stay tuned to us.## Thanks for the reading.##

Cricket

2514 days ago

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Karun Is Very Much In The Scheme Of Things For Test Cricket - MSK Prasad

There seems no end to the problems of the selectors after Karun Nair's exclusion from the Test squad for West Indies series. Nair who has played only three Test since his 303 runs innings against England in 2016 and now he has been axed from the Test squad.## Nair's exclusion from the Test squad have raised questions but the chairman of selectors MSK Prasad said on Monday that the player himself has been told the reasons. "I personally spoke to Karun soon after the selection of the Test team against the West Indies and also told the ways to make a comeback. The selection committee is very very clear with regard to the communication process," Prasad told news agency PTI.## Significantly, Nair had said a day before the selection that neither the team management nor the selectors had communicated with him why he has been not picked in playing XI. In the last Test against England, Hanuma Vihari who had yet to make his debut, preferred over Karun Nair. It is widely believed that the Indian team management were not happy with Nair's inclusion in the Test set-up.## However, MSK Prasad explained why the certain decision was taken.## "Communication has always been the strong point of this committee. It's really tough to inform any unpleasant news to any player. You need to have valid reasons to explain them about their exclusion though they may not agree with it.## "Having said that we are very clear and candid in our communication process. My colleague Devang Gandhi spoke to Karun Nair at length in England to keep him motivated and wait for his opportunities," Prasad said.## When he was asked what is the way forward for Karun Nair to make his comeback again, Prasad said,"He will have to keep on piling runs in Ranji Trophy and whatever India A series is there. Karun is very much in the scheme of things for Test cricket. Right now, we have advised him to focus on performing in domestic and India A matches.## Keep in mind, Prithvi Shaw and Mayank Agarwal along with Mohammed Siraj and Vihari have been included in the squad for the 2-match home series staring from October 4. Selectors have given rest to some of the senior players to keep them afresh for Australia tour.## For more updates and news about Cricket, stay tuned to us.## Thanks for the reading.

Cricket

2526 days ago

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India Will Struggle In Australia If The Ball Swings And Seams: Ponting

Former Australian captain and one of the greats of the game Ricky Ponting feels Indian batsmen will found it difficult in Australia if the ball starts swinging and seaming as it did in England in recently concluded 5-match Test series where India faced 4-1 lose.## After looking India's performance with the bat in England, Ponting has no doubt in his mind that India's top order will have to face the same difficulty in Australia as well if the conditions start helping the Pacers. Ponting was talking to the Cricket Australia website and said, "If the ball does swing around a lot or seam around a lot then I think India will find it difficult in Australia.## "I think any time we saw India struggle through the England series was when the ball moved. As soon as the ball started to move in the air or seam, the Indian batsmen will always struggle. It's no different to when Australia go to the subcontinent and the ball spins from day one. We always struggle with that as well," Ponting said.## India will be eying their first ever series win down the under. This will be India's best chance to win the series as Australia is not as strong as they were on previous occasions. Also, two of their best players, Steve Smith and David Warner will not be the part of the Australian squad as both the players are facing a one-year ban by CA after found guilty in the recent ball-tampering saga in South Africa.## However, this will not be as easy as India is thinking. Their previous record in Australia is not something that they can proud of. In their last two attempts in Australia, India have failed to win a single match. And therefore, India will be relying on their best player and No.1 Test batsman Virat Kohli once again who enjoyed a fabulous run with the bat in 2014-15. Kohli also was in sublime touch against England in recently concluded Test series and was the top run-getter with 593 runs in 10 innings.## Despite his excellent run with the bat, his captaincy went through under the scanner. Kohli as captain completely failed to read the conditions on two occasions if not many. And therefore, some of the former players raised the questions on his captaincy. However, Ponting rushed to the defence of the Indian captain.## "I've never sat back and tried to analyze what playing captains do as I know when I was captain on the field is about 30 or 40 percent of what you need to be in control of," Ponting said. "The rest of it happens behind closed doors or in the change rooms and quite often back in the hotel when you've got time to yourself.## "Trying to find ways to spend time with your teammates, learn about them inside out and trying to find a way to make them perform better on the field. It's not so much about a bowling change or a field placement as that part of the game is highly overrated as far as I'm concerned. ## The tactical stuff is normally worked out a few days before the game and then you go with your gut instinct about the game out on the ground once the game starts," He said.## India will begin their tour of Australia with a 3-match T20I series from 21 to 25 November before playing the first of the 4-match Test series in Adelaide on December 6. India and Australia are also scheduled to play 3-match ODI series as well.## For more and latest news about Cricket, stay tuned to us.## Thanks for the reading.