T20 Cricket

Reflecting on India's journey in the ODI World Cup, where they reached the final but fell short against Australia, Kaif emphasizes Rohit's crucial role as a leader, especially in the absence of Hardik Pandya.

Explaining his approach, Axar highlighted the grass on the pitch, causing some deliveries to skid while others stopped. He noted that in the last three games, he has been incorporating variations in speed, mixing slower deliveries with quicker ones. Axar emphasized the importance of adapting to conditions and mentioned the absence of dew in the match, allowing him to flight the ball.

Both Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli requested a break from the white-ball leg of the tour, opting to participate solely in the two Tests scheduled from December 26-30 at Centurion and from January 3-7, 2024, at Cape Town.

Warner had earlier considered retiring after the third Test against Pakistan in January 2024, aiming for a farewell match at the SCG.

This setback prompted Stokes, aged 32, to participate solely as a specialist batter in the 2023 Men’s ODI World Cup held in India, where he returned from his retirement from the format.

​​​​​​​Despite sitting out most of the World Cup after playing just two matches, Kishan stayed mentally fresh and capitalized on his current chances in the ongoing T20I series against Australia.

India's innings was marked by stellar performances from their young talents. Yashasvi Jaiswal (53), Ruturaj Gaikwad (58), and Ishan Kishan (52) played pivotal roles, etching their names in history as the first Indian top-three trio to each secure fifty-plus scores in a T20I match.

Australia's Josh Inglis delivered a stunning performance, scoring 110 off 50 balls, marking his maiden T20I century, while Steven Smith contributed with a half-century as Australia posted a formidable 208/3.

Opting to bowl first, India faced a daunting task as Australia, powered by Josh Inglis' blistering century off just 47 balls and his record-setting 130-run partnership with Steve Smith, posted a commanding total of 208/3 in their 20 overs.

Cricket Australia confirmed Warner's departure, citing the selectors' decision based on his significant contributions during the demanding World Cup campaign, where he emerged as Australia's leading run-scorer with 535 runs at an impressive average of 48.63.