November 19, Tuesday started on a surprising note. It looks like Rishabh Pant isn’t anytime stopping from shocking everyone by his tweets. Recently, he replied to Sunil Gavaskar’s comments on the release of Pant from the Delhi Capitals (DC), stating that ‘money’ wasn’t the issue between the two parties. Apart from this, India’s prep for the BGT continued, with Virat Kohli even batting while rain was around. We even had an update on Shubman Gill’s possible thumb fracture. Moreover, ‘captain’ Sanju Samson returned as he was named as Kerala’s skipper at the upcoming Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy (SMAT). On that note, let us take look at the top stories from November 19, Tuesday.
Rishabh Pant vs Delhi Capitals (DC)?
Rishabh Pant denied monetary issues led to his release from Delhi Capitals (DC) before IPL 2025. On X (formerly Twitter), Pant stated, “My retention wasn’t about the money for sure.” This hints at underlying issues between Pant and DC’s management. Huge changes occurred within DC, including new ownership structures, coach Ricky Ponting’s departure, and Sourav Ganguly’s shift to JSW Sports. It could be stated that Pant’s midnight post asking fans about his auction value, potentially displeased DC. With neither party revealing the truth, the reason for Pant’s release remains unclear. The partition could also may be because DC wanted to invest in a new skipper!
Captain Sanju Samson is back!
Sanju Samson has been appointed captain of Kerala for the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy (SMAT), starting November 23. Samson, in scintillating form recently with three centuries in 6 innings, will lead a squad featuring veterans Sachin Baby and Basil Thampi. Jalaj Saxena, who achieved 6000 runs and 400 wickets in Ranji Trophy, joins as a guest player. Kerala faces Services in their opener on November 23. The Rajasthan Royals (RR) skipper would love to have a great tournament under his belt before the all-important IPL 2025.
Virat Kohli laughed at Sarfaraz Khan?
A light-hearted moment lifted the mood during India’s intense training session ahead of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy series against Australia. In a slip-catching drill at Perth’s Optus Stadium, Sarfaraz Khan’s unorthodox catch left teammates Virat Kohli, Rishabh Pant, and Dhruv Jurel in stitches. As Sarfaraz caught the ball inches from his mouth, his exaggerated reaction led to an uncontrollable laughter. Kohli and Jurel hid their faces, while Pant fell to the ground, unable to contain his amusement. Sarfaraz’s smile joined the chorus of laughter.
Shubman Gill’s thumb not fractured?
Shubman Gill’s injury scare has eased, with reports confirming no fracture to his thumb. He sustained the injury during a fielding drill during a match simulation vs India A. Although likely to miss the 1st Test in Perth, Gill is expected to recover in time for the 2nd Test in Adelaide. The injury is confined to a minor tissue damage. Gill missed practice on Tuesday, but with a significant gap between the first two Tests, the team is hopeful for his timely return. India will face Australia in the day-night 2nd Test in Adelaide on Dec 06.
Virat Kohli batting in rain?
Team India’s training session on Tuesday offered glimpses into their potential batting line-up for the IND vs AUS 1st Test. Virat Kohli, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Dhruv Jurel, Devdutt Padikkal, and Rishabh Pant practiced slips together. Kohli, struggling with form, put in extra effort to rectify his technique, staying at the nets despite rain. With Shubman Gill injured and Rohit Sharma unavailable for the 1st Test, India’s batting concerns grow. Kohli’s excellent record in Australia (1352 runs, avg. 54, 4 tons) makes the series a potential turnaround.
Yashasvi Jaiswal injured?
Team India faces a daunting task in the IND vs AUS BGT series, compounded by injury concerns. KL Rahul, Rishabh Pant, and Virat Kohli are already nursing injuries. Yashasvi Jaiswal added to the list, suffering neck spasms on Tuesday. However, he received immediate medical attention and batted for 35 minutes in the nets. India will miss Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill in Perth. Mohammed Shami wasn’t selected. The probable lineup features Yashasvi Jaiswal and Abhimanyu Easwaran as openers, followed by Devdutt Padikkal (possibly), Virat Kohli, Rishabh Pant, and Dhruv Jurel.
