Cricket, a game with a worldwide fan base, is enjoyed through a range of tournaments that enthrall audiences across formats. From the traditional Ashes to the contemporary T20 extravaganzas, these tournaments present the best of the sport. Here's a glimpse of the world's top 10 most popular cricket tournaments, ranked according to their stature, viewership, and cultural influence.

1. ICC Men's Cricket World Cup (50-over): 

The ICC Cricket World Cup, held every four years, is the pinnacle of One Day International (ODI) cricket. Since its inception in 1975, the tournament has become a global sporting spectacle, drawing massive audiences across the world. The 2023 edition further cemented its legendary status, with Australia emerging as champions. This edition attracted over a billion viewers, highlighting the tournament’s immense popularity and cultural impact. With intense competition, passionate fans, and unforgettable moments, the World Cup remains cricket’s most iconic and prestigious event on the international stage.

2. The Ashes (Test Series): 

The Ashes was a name given to the Test cricket series played between England and Australia, two of cricket's biggest rivals, with an illustrious and historical history dating back to 1882. The Ashes is a traditional series with fierce rivalries between England and Australia, with an interesting history. Test matches make for some of the best rivalries in sport, and The Ashes is full of twists and turns, tells tales of intense encounters, contains many memorable moments, and brings out passionate fans across the world. With a colourful history and high stakes, The Ashes series is loved by experts and fans, representing the highest level of Test cricket and the intense rivalry between two of cricket's greatest nations.

3. Indian Premier League (IPL): 

Since its start dates back in 2008, the Indian Premier League (IPL) has developed into a global T20 behemoth by combining the finest international players with
India's best. Famously nicknamed the league of 'T20 cricket with Bollywood,' the IPL is known for its fast-paced matches and thick crowd following, where it has included a significant portion of financial success in the world of sports. The 2025 season, which resumed play on May 17 after its brief pause, is not just pulling the biggest numbers in viewership but pulling millions of people on the ground and online to witness the grand showcase. The IPL is unique in the sense that it combines a mix of fun and top-tier cricket that cannot be replicated within the breadth of global cricketing sensations.

See Also: IPL 2025: Qualification Scenario for Gujarat Titans (GT)

4. Border-Gavaskar Trophy (Test Series):

The Border-Gavaskar Trophy, which takes place every two years between India and Australia, is one of the fiercest rivalries in Test cricket. This name connects to legends Sunil Gavaskar and Allan Border, and has created a strong fan following due to the fierce competition, outstanding cricket, and contributions to the World Test Championship standings. This series has had its share of outstanding Test matches and notable moments, and draws large audiences and prestige. It demonstrates the strength, passion, and resilience of two of the strongest teams in world cricket.

5. ICC Men's T20 World Cup:

First held in 2007, this biennial cricket event has rapidly grown into a global spectacle. Known for its fast-paced, thrilling matches, it appeals especially to younger audiences who enjoy the excitement of the shorter format. The 2024 edition, jointly hosted by the West Indies and the USA, saw record-breaking attendance and massive viewership, cementing its place as one of cricket’s most popular tournaments. With each passing edition, it continues to gain momentum, showcasing explosive talent and high-stakes drama that captivates fans across the world.

6. ICC Women's Cricket World Cup:

Held every four years, the Women’s 50-over World Cup has steadily grown in stature, showcasing the finest talent in women’s cricket. Featuring top international players, the tournament has become a major event on the global sporting calendar. The 2022 edition in New Zealand highlighted the rising popularity and competitiveness of women’s cricket, drawing significant viewership and media attention. As more nations invest in developing their women’s teams, the tournament continues to deliver thrilling contests and inspiring performances, further elevating the profile of women’s cricket on the world stage.

Also Read: IPL 2025: Sunil Gavaskar's emotional urge to BCCI after tragic Pahalgam attack

7. Pakistan Super League (PSL):

The Pakistan Super League (PSL) has become one of the premier T20 cricket leagues in the world since its inception in 2016. The 2025 season, which began on February 16 and concluded on May 25, has entertained fans with stars like Babar Azam and Shadab Khan. With high domestic and international viewership, the PSL has helped rejuvenate interest in cricket in Pakistan, while also highlighting emerging local talent. The league has seen intense competition, high production value, and a loyal following in both Pakistan and abroad.

8. Big Bash League (BBL):

Since its launch in 2011, Australia’s Big Bash League (BBL) has rapidly grown into a major T20 domestic competition. Known for its vibrant and festive atmosphere, the BBL offers an exciting platform for young and emerging players to showcase their skills on a big stage. The league’s high-energy matches and family-friendly environment attract large crowds and TV audiences every season. By blending top-notch cricket with entertainment, the BBL has become a beloved event in Australia’s sporting calendar, helping to develop future stars while providing thrilling action for fans across the country.

9. Caribbean Premier League (CPL):

The Caribbean Premier League (CPL) was created in 2013, bringing T20 excitement to the Caribbean. T20 matches enjoyed by star players such as Kieron Pollard and Andre Russell brought international praise and attention quickly to the CPL for the excitement of the matches and the vibrancy of the island and its culture. With the CPL, high-quality cricket is joined with the colourful and vibrant Caribbean people and culture. The region is passionate about cricket, its clubs, and their celebrations are unmatched inside and outside on the streets of their homeland. Additionally, the CPL contains eventful displays of cricket that involve local funding resources and cricketers inside entertaining and vibrant matches, plus the unique experiences of Caribbean islands as a part of the game which nobody else can. The CPL has transitioned to becoming one of the main events on cricket's annual calendar of cricket, celebrates the best local talents, while providing entertaining cricket that represents the soul of the iCaribbean islands.

10. Asia Cup: 

Every two years since 1984, the Asia Cup, a regional giant dominated by India and Pakistan, has been a biennial ODI and T20 competition. The 2025 version promises to be a highlight. This series, covering Test, ODI, and T20 formats, speaks volumes about cricket's expansive popularity and its power to engage one billion-plus people across the globe.

Virat Kohli's performance in the 2024–25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) has drawn a lot of focus because it has led to many questions being raised about whether his issues could be linked to retirement thoughts. Kohli's BGT performances were very inconsistent, with scores of 5, 100*, 7, 11, 3, 36, 5, and 17, amassing a total of 190 runs in 9 innings with an average of 23.75. Nevertheless, Kohli's century in Perth was a reminder that Kohli still has a lot of talent when in form; therefore, the inconsistency over the series raised concern about his mindset and form at the moment.

Experts noted Kohli had continued issues with his technique, especially outside the off stump. This led to his dismissals during the series also opening the conversation about his technique. Formerly iconic Australian cricketer Ricky Ponting suggested Kohli may be too focused on trying not to make mistakes, therefore limiting his natural ability to play his own game. Certainly, Ponting questioned Kohli's mental state and may have been too focused on merely surviving. Furthermore, playing the new ball where Kohli may not be comfortable if he is used to 'starting slowly on occasions when it looks best for batting,' as former teammate Cheteshwar Pujara noted when referring to Kohli.

Beyond technique, Kohli’s body language throughout the series has sparked debate. While he has remained animated on the field, his demeanor with the bat has appeared unusually tense. Some suggested that this under-stress body language could mean he has been stirred up internally, maybe due to the pressures of expectation and thinking about his cricketing future. With mounting talk about his retirement, we might be seeing Kohli also grappling with the pressure of his performance alongside some difficult personal decision-making, which could certainly make some impact on his usual composure and clarity of decision-making at the crease.

Retirement Speculations and Impact on Performance

The speculation surrounding Kohli's retirement raises the stakes for discussions around Kohli. Sources close to the cricketer suggest that Kohli is contemplating retiring from Test cricket before the other England tours in 2025. The retirement speculation has led some to postulate that his form and performances might be impacted because he is contemplating retirement, and the thinking of big decisions under that stress will impact decisions he makes in crucial moments. 

Also Read: BCCI considering new locations for concluding remainder of IPL 2025: Know about all locations in contention

Despite the trouble he is facing on the cricket field, Kohli is still one of the most relevant players in current Indian cricket. The question of whether he retires or continues has massive implications for the future of Indian Test cricket. His legacy is secure, and while his performances during the BGT 2024–25 raised numerous questions, and although he may be considered to have faced adversity before and risen once again.

Travis Head has turned out to be the most discussed Australian cricketer among Indian cricket enthusiasts. Be it his brilliant knock in the 2023 World Test Championship final, the agony he inflicted in the ODI World Cup final in the same year, or his assertive batting performance in the recent Border-Gavaskar Trophy, Head has consistently performed against India. His aggressive batting has frequently arrived at the most inopportune moment for Indian supporters transforming close matches into agonizing losses.

ALSO SEE: IPL 2025, LSG vs MI: Here's why Rohit Sharma not playing today in Lucknow

But there is a different side to this tale. Head is frequently depicted as the villain when he turns out for Australia, but Indian fans treat him to a rather different kind of affection while he turns out for the IPL. Playing for Sunrisers Hyderabad, he is greeted with warm support and adoration. The juxtaposition is something that even Head finds amusing.

A Love-Hate Relationship with India

Talking about Indian fans, Head said to News18, I take it as it comes. I respect the fact that India is such a big country with such a big following. I've been fortunate to play well in a few games. Some of the reactions online are funny to me it doesn't push me to do more, I just try to enjoy and play well.Head acknowledged he's had starring roles against India in the past 18 months, but he also acknowledged where credit was due. They've played well against us too. I feel that connection with the fans, he said.

ALSO SEE: Yashasvi Jaiswal’s Shocking Move from Mumbai to Goa: Real Reasons Behind It

Yet, it has not always been smooth sailing for him. In 2022, he lost his national contract and performed poorly in a stint at Sussex in England. But then, one day, after getting a brisk 49, he decided to just relax and play his natural game. That is the turning point in his career.

From his initial knocks in 2018 to his latest match-winning performances, Travis Head has become India's latest cricket villain respected for his talent, hated for the heartbreaks he inflicts, yet always respected. Regardless of whether booed in Aussie yellow or cheered in SRH orange, Head has certainly made a lasting impression on Indian cricket supporters.

Recently, cricketer Nitish Kumar Reddy shared an interesting story of how, while using Virat Kohli's shoes, he scored a century in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT). This special moment showed the two players friendship and support for each other.

Virat Kohli and Sarfaraz had at one time during the series talked about his shoe size. Recently, a cricketer named Nitish Kumar Reddy shared an interesting after wearing Virat Kohli's shoes, he had scored a century in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT).
This unique moment indicated the two players camaraderie and encouragement of one another.

Somewhere in the series, Virat Kohli was talking about his shoe size to Sarfaraz. Sarfaraz said he was a 9. Then Virat asked Nitish, What's your shoe size. Nitish being keen to wear Virat's shoes, quickly took an educated guess and said, I told Virat  bhai 10, though he was not sure.

Though the shoes did not fit, Nitish was willing to wear them. Virat, being courteous to him, gave him the shoes, and Nitish wore them for his next game. The result was tremendous-Nitish played a superb century. Nitish believed that luck favored him after wearing Virat's shoes.

ALSO SEE: Watch: Sanju Samson Set to Play as a Batter, Riyan Parag Leads the Team in IPL 2025

Nitish was blessed by this moment and eagerly anticipated wearing the shoes of one of India's great cricketers. It was a dream realized for him. This was a worthwhile experience in his cricketing life.

This event also portrays the camaraderie between Indian cricketers. These events off the field contribute to the fun and worth of cricket. Nitish Kumar Reddy's event reminds us that cricket is not just about playing, but also about creating memories with your team and enjoying the ride.

On this day in 2021, January 19, 2021, the Indian cricket team made a miracle with one of the greatest Test wins in history by breaching the Gabba fortress to win the historic Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2020-21. It was Australia’s first Test defeat at the Gabba in 32 years. 

It was the fourth and final Test of the four-match Test series in Australia. While the series was standing at 1-1 before the Gabba Test in Brisbane, the Ajinkya Rahane-led Indian team had some new and irregular faces, which made the hosts undoubted favourites before the beginning of the Test. 

2021 Gabba Test: Injury-marred India were clueless

While the Indian team was already missing their regular captain Virat Kohli after the first Test of the series due to paternity leave, the team missed out on the injured players Mohammed Shami, Umesh Yadav, KL Rahul, Ravindra Jadeja, Ravichandran Ashwin, and Hanuma Vihari for the Gabba Test. 

The right-arm pacer Mohammed Siraj was leading the Indian bowling line-up in the Gabba Test with only two Test experiences, while Navdeep Saini and Shardul Thakur were playing their second Test. The left-arm pacer T Natarajan and spin-bowling all-rounder Washington Sundar made their Test debuts. Meanwhile, the opener Shubman Gill was playing his third Test.

See Also: Reason behind dropping Mohammed Siraj from ODI squad revealed

2021 Gabba Test (1st innings): Marnus Labuschagne scored century

Australian captain Tim Paine chose to bat first after winning the toss. Although Aussie openers lost their wickets in single digits, Marnus Labuschagne’s (108) century and key middle-order support with a couple of the 40s and the skipper’s 50 runs helped the hosts to score 369 runs. 

Indian pacers T Natarajan (3/78) and Shardul Thakur (3/94) took three wickets each along with the off-spinner Washington Sundar (3/89). 

2021 Gabba Test (2nd innings): Sundar and Thakur scored valuable 60s

India were struggling at 186/6, where the opener Rohit Sharma (44) was the only batter to reach the 40-run mark. However, Washington Sundar (62) and Shardul Thakur (67) rescued the visitors with their 60s as they had a partnership of 123 runs for the seventh wicket. While Josh Hazlewood claimed a fifer (5/57), India ended their first innings with 336 runs. 

2021 Gabba Test (3rd innings): Siraj's fifer and Thakur's 4-fer restricted the hosts

Starting their second innings with a 33-run lead, Australia were bowled out for 294 runs. Opener David Warner (48) and former captain Steven Smith (55) had the key roles for the baggy greens in setting up the fourth innings target of challenging 328 runs for the visitors. While the Indian pacer Mohammed Siraj picked up a fifer (5/73), Shardul Thakur had a four-fer (4/61).

2021 Gabba Test (1st innings): Fearless Pant guided to history after Gill's 91 and Pujara's long batting 

India started the fifth day of the series finale Test at 4/0. Although the opener Rohit Sharma was dismissed for seven runs, the new opener Shubman Gill impressed with his batting, and solid Cheteshwar Pujara frustrated Aussie bowlers with his patient batting. Gill and Pujara set up a 114-run partnership for the second wicket to make the game on for the visitors, where Gill scored 91 off 146 balls with the help of eight fours and two sixes. 

After the skipper Rahane scored 24 off 22 balls (four fours and one six), Pujara and Rishabh Pant had a 61-run partnership for the fourth wicket. Pujara scored 56 off 211 balls (seven fours) before Pat Cummins dismissed him. 

Although Mayank Agarwal was out for nine runs, Pant was sensational with his bat, and Washington Sundar once again produced a valuable partnership. They had a 53-run partnership for the sixth wicket before Nathan Lyon bowled Sundar for 22 off 29 balls (two fours and one six). 

However, fearless Pant controlled the chasing without any tension, and even though Shardul Thakur was out for two runs, India chased the target with three wickets in hand. Pant scored 89 not out off 138 balls with the help of nine fours and one six, and the excited Indian players jumped with joy for winning the series by 2-1.

2021 Gabba Test: Australia lost at the Test venue after 32 years

It was Australia’s first Test defeat at the Gabba after 32 years. Previously, they lost a Gabba Test in November 1988 against West Indies (9 wickets). It was their first Gabba Test defeat after 31 Tests, which also broke their seven-match winning streak in the Test venue.

Ravichandran Ashwin on Rishabh Pant: A Rare Tribute to a Unique Talent

Cricket players such as Rishabh Pant are unfathomably valuable in the Indian cricket world. That's why Ravichandran Ashwin doesn't often make a whole YouTube video about just one player, but for someone such as Pant, he made an exception. This person's talent for hitting amazing shots against the bowlers, and also being able to hang there when things get hard, is what makes him stand out.

This was exemplified in the fifth Border-Gavaskar Trophy Test between India and Australia, where Pant displayed both facets of his game. In the first innings, he scored a gritty 98-ball 40, followed by a scintillating 33-ball 61 in the second. While the second-innings blitz earned widespread acclaim, Ashwin reminded fans of the importance of Pant’s fighting knock in the first innings. “One opinion about Rishabh was that he plays a lot of shots, and he needs to fight it out in Test cricket. I’ve always grown up hearing that you have to fight it out. In Sydney, he played two different knocks in one single game. He got hit everywhere and scored a 40.

It will be the least spoken innings of Rishabh Pant. It is very unfair,” Ashwin said on his YouTube channel. The veteran spinner also hailed Pant as one of the best Test batters since the inception of the World Test Championship (WTC), a significant compliment in itself. Yet, Ashwin’s focus on Pant’s often-underrated defensive technique caught the most attention

ALSO READ: Indian wicketkeeper-batter can be rested from England series

Ravi Ashwin talking about Rishabh Pant. 🇮🇳pic.twitter.com/gKp0YHnDD4

— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) January 10, 2025

Pant’s Defence: An Underrated Asset

Ashwin said that Joe Root has been on another level when it comes to batting lately. Over the past seven years, batting's really changed. A Test cricket? It's apparently concentrated on how you handle the game moment by moment. After he scored a fantastic fifty in the second innings, everyone started cheering for him. They ended that awful first innings and just focused on how well he played the second time.Ashwin highlighted that Pant’s defence is among the best in world cricket, an attribute rarely discussed in Indian cricketing circles. “We must realise that Rishabh Pant rarely gets out playing a defence. He’s got one of the best defences in world cricket. Defence has become a challenging aspect. He has the best defence with a soft hand. I have bowled to him a lot in the nets. He doesn’t get out; he doesn’t edge, and he doesn’t get LBW. He has the best defence. I have tried telling him this,” Ashwin said.

The Need for a Middle Ground

Ashwin said he's got all the moves, reverse sweep, slog sweep, every single one, but the catch is they're all unfathomably risky. He definitely has the skills to achieve many points every match if he can play 200 balls, without any difficulty. But what's really important is balancing it out. If he can combine it all, the individual is going to hit 100 runs every match, definitively.He just needs to think through that balanced play style.

Ashwin emphasized the importance of proper guidance for Pant to unlock his full potential.“We have to tell him properly what he has to do if he has to bat solid or bat with intent. He hasn’t scored a lot of runs, but he didn’t play like someone without runs. He has a lot of time on his hands. Rishabh Pant is yet to realise his fullest potential,” Ashwin concluded.

Rishabh Pant's spectacular mix of being aggressive and technically skilled makes him a very interesting player in world cricket. Ashwin's thoughts clearly show that there's still so much more potential in Pant's game that hasn't been fully used yet. If Pant manages to find just the right balance, he could reach even larger achievements in his Test career.Pant's manner of playing is bold and attracts a lot of attention but it's that combo of skills that keeps everyone watching him.

Rishabh Pant Career Stats

Batting & Fielding

The five-match Border Gavaskar Trophy series comes to a close and the likes of Devdutt Padikkal, Prasidh Krishna, and Abhimanyu Easwaran will all fly back to India and join their respective domestic teams to partake in the knockout phase of the 2024-25 Vijay Hazare Trophy from January 9 in Vadodara. Washington Sundar, who was a key part of the visiting Indian team down under might be able to feature from the semi-finals onwards if Tamil Nadu gets to that stage.

See also: "Mark my words.." Ravi Shastri's bold claim on Virat's struggling Test future

Abhimanyu travels a day earlier than Padikkal and Prasidh

It is expected that both Padikkal and Prasidh will fly out from Sydney with the rest of the Indian squad on Wednesday. But surprisingly, Abhimanyu was recalled a day earlier by the Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB), and a flight was booked for him so that he was able to join his state squad in Vadodara after stops in Singapore and Ahmedabad.  

Abhimanyu will take part in the training drills with his Bengal squad ahead of their pre-quarter-final fixture against Haryana. Akash Deep, the other CAB player in the Indian squad sustained a back niggle which kept him out of the fifth and final Test. Understandably so, he will not play any role for Bengal for the remainder of the tournament. 

Padikkal and Prasidh to join Karnataka squad by Januray 10

Karnataka is slated to play their quarter-final game against Baroda on January 11. It is believed that both Padikkal and Prasidh are expected to be back in the squad no later than January 10. Initially included solely in the India A team that was participating in a preparatory tour before the Border-Gavaskar series, Padikkal was later incorporated into the Test squad due to Rohit Sharma's delayed arrival resulting from the birth of his son. Padikkal played a role in India's victory by 295 runs in Perth; however, he was not selected for any of the following Test matches.

The back injury of Akash Deep opened the door for Prasidh Krishna in the fifth and final Test in SCG. He was a standout performer with the ball in Bumrah's absence and finished with six wickets comprising the dismissal of Steve Smith in both innings.  

Virat Kohli's struggle came to a close as India lost the Border Gavaskar Trophy Test series for the first time in over a decade. The Indian batting legend could only manage 190 runs across nine Test innings at a very modest average of 23.75. Apart from his stellar century in Perth which came in favorable batting conditions, Kohli looked all at sea while combating a hostile Aussie pace attack.

His weakness while playing deliveries outside off-stump was severely exposed and the Australian quicks exploited his weakness to the fullest. The manner in which he was dismissed across all eight innings sparked immediate concerns regarding his longevity in the red-ball arena.

See also: Kohli's plot to evade taxes exposed after astonishing revelation of his offshore properties in the UK

Shastri backs Kohli amidst poor form slump

Kohli's decline in form has been a major source of concern for Team India in recent times.  A string of poor performances has lowered his Test batting average to 24.52 in 2024. But former cricket coach turned commentator, Ravi Shastri has offered a few words of encouragement to the struggling ace batter. 

He believes Kohli will come good and when the time is right, he will unleash his fury and produce the goods for India as he used to do during his prime days. In a conversation with CODE Sports, Shastri makes a bold remark on Kohli's Test future and suggests that it may not come as a surprise to him if he sees Kohli again on Australian shores.

"Mark my words. I won't be surprised if we see Virat Kohli playing Test cricket again on Australian soil."

Without a doubt, Kohli is a living legend of the game. He encountered a similar drop in form in the white-ball arena and later turned it around by concluding the 2023 ODI World Cup campaign on a high averaging in excess of 50. But aged 37, time seems to be running out and with the likes of Jurel, Sarfaraz, and Patidar waiting in the ranks, it is highly unlikely we may see him dominate the Aussies in their own backyard again. 

As the dust settled on the enthralling five-match Border Gavaskar Test series (2024-25), the ICC conducted an in-depth assessment of the pitches used in the series. Their pitch ratings were made public by the ICC on Wednesday with Optus Stadium, Adelaide Oval, Gabba, and the MCG, receiving a "very good" rating. The SCG on the other hand, was given the second-best category rating of "satisfactory". 

ICC's pitch rating model underwent a slight overhaul in 2023 and the number of ratings was slashed from six to four — very good, satisfactory, unsatisfactory, and unfit. Test venues around the world are issued demerit points if they are deemed unsatisfactory or unfit ratings.

See also: Rohit and Kohli to play England Test series despite a horrid show in BGT: Reports

Peter Roach pleased with the quality of the pitches that were produced in the series

CA Head of Cricket Operations and Scheduling Peter Roach was extremely delighted with the fact that the curators worked tirelessly to produce one of the best decks in world cricket. He expressed his gratitude and lauded them for not compromising on quality. At Cricket Australia, Roach strives to ensure that the pitches have the unique properties to make them stand out from the rest of the venues in the country.   

“We are delighted by the quality of pitches produced for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy series and grateful for all the hard work of the curators and venues across the country. We encourage pitches that bring out the unique characteristics of that venue and this has long been a feature of Australian cricket. We strongly believe that this is one of the reasons that Test cricket is so popular in Australia."

Furthermore, he also adds that the pitch is prepared in such a way as to ensure a balanced battle between the bat and the ball. Unlike the case with India, Pakistan, or any other subcontinent team, CA does not prioritize facilitating home advantage and have some of the most skillful curators with them who can operate in harsh weather conditions.    

“We don’t look to prepare wickets that favor the home side or suit our situation in a series. What we seek is a good contest between bat and ball and pitches that are likely to produce a result. Weather obviously plays a significant part in preparation and we know that even our most skilled curators are challenged at times by adverse weather.” 

SCG gets a "satisfactory" rating from the ICC

The SCG Test was the deciding Test of the series and the game ended in a little over three days with Australia winning triumphantly by six wickets. The pitch had an unusually high amount of grass covering which baffled several cricketing gurus which also included the likes of Allan Border and Sunny Gavaskar. Additionally, the pitch also offered a lot of variable bounce which made batting quite tricky at times. 

Nevertheless, the venue got away with a healthy "satisfactory" rating and Roach was once again pleased with what the venue had to offers in terms of pace and bounce.

“The SCG has been striving to bring out their unique characteristics of early pace and bounce before the pitch wears and spins. This year was a step in the right direction to achieving this which provided an exciting finish to the Border Gavaskar Trophy series and bodes well for the Ashes summer in 2025-26.” 

After a shockingly poor performance in the three-match home Test series against New Zealand, where the hosts suffered a 3-0 series defeat, India lost their decade-long Border-Gavaskar Trophy after losing the five-match Test series against the hosts Australia by 3-1, despite winning the Test series opener at Perth Stadium under the stand-in captain Jasprit Bumrah.

At the end of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 in Australia, we are talking about three names who can take retirement for Test cricket. 

See Also: Hardik Pandya, Shreyas Iyer and Arshdeep Singh IN as India announce their ODI squad against England before CT 2025

Rohit Sharma

Indian captain Rohit Sharma’s place in the Test team is completely doubtful. In the last South Africa and Australia tour, Rohit scored 5, 0, 39, 16 not out, 3, 6, 10, 3, and 9. During the last England tour of India in 2024, Rohit scored two centuries and one half-century in the last three Tests, but his next home Tests scores against Bangladesh and New Zealand were 6, 5, 23, 8, 2, 52, 0, 8, 18, and 11. In the last 15 Test innings, the right-handed batter has managed an average of just less than 11.

Moreover, Rohit is also under pressure as a Test captain as his defensive strategies aren’t working, rather than these are backfiring for the Indian team. 

While Cheteshwar Pujara and Ajinkya Rahane are returning to their familiar batting form, their valuable experiences are required in the forthcoming England tour, which will be played after the IPL 2025. 

As Jasprit Bumrah has impressed as a captain, under pressure Kohli has better captaincy experiences outside India, and a lot of Indian talented cricketers are on the line for future leadership roles, India aren’t going to miss Rohit Sharma in Test cricket. 

Virat Kohli 

To remove his name from this list, Virat Kohli has to prove himself faster. The former Indian captain knows his issue very well and is desperate to resolve it, but somehow, he is failing again and again. Apart from one century, Kohli scored 90 runs in the other eight innings in the recently concluded Australia tour with only three double-digit scores, including only one 20+ score. Most importantly, the right-handed batter can’t avoid his long-term issue of failing to handle the fourth or fifth stump deliveries. 

Before the Australia tour, Kohli was also disappointed in the home Test season, where the right-handed batter scored 20+ runs only thrice out of 10 innings, including the knock of one 70 runs and another 47. Also, his recent running between the wickets is another major concern for the team.

Well, Kohli is now getting a much-needed break from his bad form. While he is still important in the Test team, he has to work hard to bring his familiar form. Although Indian cricket fans are still hopeful, Kohli surely has very limited time.  

Ishant Sharma

Although the tall right-arm fast bowler Ishant Sharma is active in all formats of domestic cricket, he last served for the Indian Test team in November 2021 during the New Zealand tour of India.

While the Indian pacers Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Shami, and Mohammed Siraj are dominating in all formats, Mukesh Kumar, Harshit Rana, Akash Deep, Prasidh Krishna, Navdeep Saini, etc. have impressed in their early international career, the 36-year-old Ishant Sharma is unlikely to return to Test cricket.