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‘Seems like people are finding points to blame them’ – Ravichandran Ashwin explains why senior batters were rested in ODIs vs West Indies

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Ravichandran Ashwin explains India's mysterious move

Team India are currently engaged in their tour of the West Indies. They won the two-match Test series 1-0 after drawing the second game and winning the first one at Dominica. Following this, they also clinched the ODI series 2-1 after suffering a shock defeat in the second ODI. Thankfully, Team India found their way back to form in the third ODI, defeating the hosts by a mammoth 200-run margin. Star Indian batter Virat Kohli and skipper Rohit Sharma were rested for much of the ODI series. While Rohit batted down the order, Kohli was only spotted fielding at times. Veteran spinner Ravichandran Ashwin explained the reason behind this.

“ODI matches are very stressful. It will take at least two days for your body to recover. The first two matches in West Indies were played in a gap of 24 hours. Thus, there are more chances of you getting injured. Already we have so many players recovering at the NCA. Bumrah is back after a long hiatus. Prasidh Krishna is back too. So, we have so many injury problems. It seems like people are finding points to blame Rahul Dravid and Rohit Sharma just for the sake of it,” Ashwin said on his YouTube channel.

‘The trend was – why so-and-so players played and why so-and-so did not’ – Ravichandran Ashwin

Ashwin also addressed the idiotic behaviour of Indian fans to start cribbing over the loss in the second ODI. “India lost the second ODI, and immediately the trend in social media was – why so-and-so players played and why so-and-so players did not play. I seriously don’t understand why this outrage. Rohit and Virat didn’t play in the second ODI. Even in the first match, Rohit batted lower down the order. So the debate was around whether Rohit and Virat should have played,” he added.

Team India will next contest five T20Is against West Indies, with some of them taking place in Florida stretching India’s Caribbean tour to the USA. The team will be led by Hardik Pandya. The series is set to begin on August 3, Thursday with the first T20I scheduled to be played at the Brian Lara Cricket Academy Stadium in Trinidad.

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Virat Kohli’s Selection for England Tour

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Virat Kohli's selection for England tour sparks debate. Selectors face tough choices as fans await a balanced decision.

Virat Kohli’s selection for the England tour has become a hot topic in Indian cricket. The star batter, known for his unmatched legacy, now faces questions about his form and consistency. Selectors must make a tough call before finalizing the squad.

Kohli remains determined to represent India and has ruled out retirement. Despite this, his recent performances in crucial matches have left much to be desired. Many experts believe the England tour will demand players in peak form, making the decision regarding Kohli’s inclusion more complicated.

The selectors’ challenge lies in balancing experience with performance. Kohli’s presence provides leadership and confidence to the younger players. However, the team also needs reliable contributions from all members, especially in challenging overseas conditions like England.

Transition words make discussions about Kohli’s selection even more nuanced. His iconic performances in the past earned him the tag of a match-winner, yet cricket is a game of the present. Younger players vying for opportunities might bring the energy and hunger required in such critical tours.

Fans and cricket experts remain divided. Some urge the selectors to back Kohli, believing he can regain his form. Others feel it’s time for India to focus on the next generation of cricketers. Regardless, the decision will significantly impact India’s preparation for the England series and beyond.

Virat Kohli’s selection remains central to Indian cricket discussions, as the world watches how selectors balance sentiment and strategy.

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BGT

Australia Reclaims Border-Gavaskar Trophy, Ends India’s WTC Final Hopes

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Australia defeated India 3-1 to reclaim the Border-Gavaskar Trophy after 10 years, ending India’s WTC final hopes.

Australia wins BGT! Australia defeated India in the fourth Test at Sydney, winning the series 3-1 and reclaiming the Border-Gavaskar Trophy after a decade. The victory also ended India’s hopes of reaching the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) final.

India entered the match under immense pressure, needing a win to keep their WTC final hopes alive. However, Australia’s disciplined bowling and steady batting dashed India’s aspirations.

After choosing to bat first, Australia posted a challenging total of 394, with contributions from Usman Khawaja and Marnus Labuschagne. India struggled to counter Australia’s bowling attack, collapsing for 198 in their first innings. Nathan Lyon and Pat Cummins led Australia’s bowling effort with sharp spells.

With a 196-run lead, Australia opted to bat again and declared at 201/6. Steve Smith’s half-century provided a solid foundation. Chasing 398, India faltered again, bowling for 215 on the fourth day. Despite Rishabh Pant’s counterattacking fifty, the hosts failed to build partnerships.

Nathan Lyon emerged as the star performer, finishing with match figures 10/78. His exceptional spin bowling proved too much for India’s batters to handle. Australia’s dominance throughout the series highlighted their all-around superiority.

This series win marks a significant achievement for Australia, reclaiming the Border-Gavaskar Trophy after a ten-year wait. It also secured their spot in the WTC final, setting up a potential clash with South Africa or Sri Lanka. Australia wins BGT!

India’s campaign revealed several weaknesses, particularly in their middle-order batting and bowling consistency. Questions about team selection and strategy also surfaced, with calls for introspection ahead of future tours.

The result concludes a hard-fought series, where Australia showcased resilience and strategic brilliance. While India will reflect on their missed opportunities, Australia celebrates a long-awaited triumph.

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Rohit Sharma Silences Retirement Rumors Amid Criticism, Receives Support from Farhan Akhtar

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Rohit Sharma

Indian cricket team captain Rohit Sharma has addressed the rising speculation about his retirement, silencing the rumors with a firm statement. The talk gained momentum after Rohit voluntarily sat out the fifth Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy series against Australia. His decision came amid a lean phase, as his form drew criticism from fans and analysts alike. Across five innings in the series, Rohit managed just 31 runs, averaging a mere 6.20.

Farhan Akhtar Extends Support

Amidst the backlash, actor and filmmaker Farhan Akhtar stepped forward to defend Rohit’s contributions to Indian cricket. In a heartfelt post, Farhan lauded Rohit’s selflessness and leadership qualities.

“This guy has done so much for Indian cricket and captained the team incredibly well over the years. Yes, every cricketer faces lean phases, even the greatest. But here’s a captain putting his team’s chances ahead of his own glory, and instead of applause, he’s being torn down,” Farhan wrote.

He concluded by calling Rohit a superstar and commended his strength, saying, “You put the team before yourself, and only the strongest of heart can do that.”

Rohit Sharma Responds to Retirement Speculations

During the lunch break on Day 2, Rohit clarified his stance in an interview with Star Sports.

“I wasn’t dropped or opted out. I stepped aside voluntarily. We need in-form players for such a crucial game. It’s simple—out-of-form players can’t carry the team right now,” he explained.

When asked about his future, Rohit ended with humor, saying, “I’m not going anywhere.”

His decision highlights his commitment to the team, showcasing why he remains a respected leader despite challenges.

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