India’s hopes of a miraculous comeback were dashed as their batting lineup collapsed, handing Australia a 2-1 lead in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT). Despite a promising start from Yashasvi Jaiswal and Rohit Sharma, who navigated the first hour unscathed, the Indian team’s fragile batting was exposed, making it impossible to chase down the daunting target of 340 runs. Following this, the retirement talks of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli blossomed again. After winning at MCG, Australia almost confirmed their spot at the WTC Final. Meanwhile, Jasprit Bumrah is in tenterhooks of becoming the best player of 2024. On that note, let us look at the top headline-making stories from December 30, Monday.
WTC Final confirmed?
The finalists for the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) are all but confirmed. While South Africa booked their place in an emphatic fashion when they beat Pakistan in Centurion, Australia’s win in Melbourne has shot their chances up. India need a miracle to book their place at Lord’s to face South Africa now. With just one more game left to play in the WTC 2023-25 cycle, Team India doesn’t necessarily have their future in their own hands. From the looks of it, they can somehow sneak in even if they draw the Sydney Test, but a loss would rule them out.
Rohit Sharma-Virat Kohli to head home?
Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli’s dismal batting form in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy has drawn mockery. Tech company Techglare tweeted a cheeky post offering flight deals from Melbourne to New Delhi for two passengers—a clear jibe at the underperforming duo. While the fans noticed it as a direct dig at Rohit and Kohli, will they really retire after this BGT? That remains to be seen if they follow Ravichandran Ashwin.
Jasprit Bumrah: Cricketer of the Year?
Jasprit Bumrah is a strong contender for the ICC Men’s Player of the Year award. His mastery and game-changing performances across formats make him the best cricketer currently. Bumrah’s contributions to India’s T20 World Cup triumph were spectacular, taking 15 wickets in 8 matches. In Test cricket, he dominated with 71 wickets in 13 matches at an average of 14.92. Other nominations are Harry Brook, Travis Head and Joe Root.
Rohit Sharma not retiring soon
Indian captain Rohit Sharma has hinted that he is not ready to retire from Test cricket just yet. Despite his poor form, averaging 10.93 in his last 15 innings, and criticism over his leadership, Rohit remains committed to the team. When asked about retirement, he gave a vague answer, stating that he is focused on the present and will assess his future after the Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT).
MCG: Bittersweet Test for Jaiswal
Yashasvi Jaiswal’s dismissal during the IND vs AUS 4th Test has caused quite a stir. It litreally defined the day for India, proving a major why India failed to save the MCG Test. In the 71st over when Pat Cummins’ delivery appeared to brush Jaiswal’s bat and gloves before being caught by Alex Carey. The on-field umpire ruled it not out, but Cummins reviewed. While replays showed a deflection, the snicko meter didn’t detect any sound. Despite this, third umpire Sharfuddoula Saikat overturned the decision based on visuals alone, ending Jaiswal’s impressive 84-run innings. India’s top scorer looked visibly upset, even attempting to question the decision.
David Warner in form, miss for IPL 2025 teams?
A decade’s wait has culminated. David Warner scored his first Big Bash League (BBL) fifty in 11 years, finishing with 86 not out off 57 balls. Warner’s slow start, reaching 50 in 40 balls, was followed by a destructive innings, guiding Sydney Thunder to 156/4. Despite going unsold in the IPL 2025 auction, Warner could still make a comeback if a team needs an injury replacement, with Punjab Kings or Lucknow Super Giants potential suitors as both teams lack viable opening options.
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