And here we are. With the BGT series at 1-1, the Boxing Day Test match at the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) is expected to be a spectacle in itself. The WTC Final qualification on the line, the pre-match hype, the festive season—all just adds up to the occasion that will see a struggling Rohit Sharma take on a mighty Pat Cummins’ unit. On the eve of the matchday, we got reports of Rohit Sharma moving back to his preferred opening slot. This means KL Rahul is once again the man who takes the lamb despite being India’s best batter in the series thus far. Apart from this, we had the latest ICC Test rankings, where Jasprit Bumrah achieved unprecedented heights, while Rishabh Pant moved out of top 10. And what’s brewing for CSK? Well, catch all this and more as we see the top headlines from Wednesday, December 25.
Rohit Sharma is unfair on KL Rahul?
Rohit Sharma’s decision to open the innings could unfairly impact KL Rahul, who has been India’s best batter in the ongoing series against Australia. Despite excelling as an opener, including a standout 47 average and blunting the new ball, Rahul is being asked to move down the order to accommodate Rohit, whose form and ability to handle the new ball are in question. Rahul, often burdened with difficult roles, has consistently performed under pressure yet faces criticism and is the first one to get changed in times of urgency.
Jasprit Bumrah, take a bow!
Jasprit Bumrah has become India’s joint-highest-ranked Test bowler, equalling Ravichandran Ashwin’s record of 904 ICC rating points. Bumrah’s stellar performance in the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) against Australia, including a remarkable 9/94 in Brisbane, propelled him to this historic milestone. With 21 wickets at an average of 10.90 and a strike rate of 25.14, Bumrah has been unplayable. Ashwin, who retired only recently, previously held the record after the 2016 India vs. England series. Another strong performance in Melbourne could make Bumrah the highest-rated Indian Test bowler ever.
Trouble for CSK?
Chennai Super Kings (CSK) face rising concerns as developing talent and foreign duties that could hinder their preparations for the IPL 2025. Sameer Rizvi, a former CSK player, has enjoyed exceptional form by striking two double centuries in just five days at the Under-23 One Day State A competition. His performances show what CSK may have lost by not keeping him. It is Delhi Capital’s gain, however, who signed him for Rs 30 lac at the IPL 2025 auction. Furthermore, during New Zealand’s IPL trip to Pakistan, crucial CSK players Devon Conway and Rachin Ravindra may miss the first few matches. The IPL will start on March 14, and the PAK vs. NZ is scheduled to start on March 16. and end on April 5.
No Mohammed Shami, no problem
Former cricketer Aakash Chopra supported the BCCI’s decision to exclude Mohammed Shami from the remaining two Tests of the BGT due to an incomplete recovery from injury. Despite expectations for Shami’s return, the NCA deemed him unfit after monitoring his progress and workload. Chopra asserted that while fans anticipated Shami’s readiness based on his performances, a Test match demands much more, especially after a 13-month gap.
Babar Azam is back!
Former Pakistan captain Babar Azam returns to the Test squad for the Boxing Day Test against South Africa at SuperSport Park, announced by the PCB. Babar missed the last two Test matches and was absent from the October series against England. Replacing opener Abdullah Shafique, who struggled with form and scored three consecutive ducks, Babar aims to bring stability to Pakistan’s top order. Veteran pacer Mohammad Abbas also rejoins the team after 3 years as well. Shan Masood will lead the side as Pakistan aim to replicate their ODI success.
Mohammed Rizwan upbeat on Champions Trophy
Pakistan’s white-ball captain, Mohammad Rizwan, expressed immense joy as Pakistan was confirmed to host the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. The announcement by the ICC on December 24 marked a historic moment, as this will be Pakistan’s first ICC event in 28 years. Rizwan, appointed captain in October, has achieved notable success, leading Pakistan to series victories in Australia, Zimbabwe, and South Africa. Currently touring South Africa, he looks forward to defending the title at home. We will try to meet the expectations of our fans. Our country is known for its great hospitality and I am sure the fans will not only support our team, but also appreciate the performances of other teams,” Rizwan said.
