It was very shocking when the former premier spin all-rounder of the Indian side, Ravichandran Ashwin, walked into the post-match press conference after the end of the third Brisbane Test during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 with captain Rohit Sharma and announced his decision to retire from international cricket. 

At that point, many reckoned that Ashwin perhaps had been forced to take the decision by their head coach, Gautam Gambhir. Fans have now started to connect that with the omission of Rohit Sharma from ODI captaincy and a potential retirement of both Kohli and Sharma. But Ashwin clarified the entire incident during his recent YouTube video.

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“No one told me to retire. Nobody came and said that I didn’t have a place in the team and forced me to retire. Even before making the decision, there were a few people who actually asked me not to make such a decision. I don’t think it’s about that. In fact, they want me to play for a long time. That was their decision. It was about me.” Ashwin revealed.

Watch: Ravichandran Ashwin recalls Test retirement decision during BGT 2024-25

Ashwin looked back at the time when Rohit and Gambhir wanted the Chennai-born to continue playing in the longest format. The Tamil Nadu batter also explained that he didn’t reach out to Ajit Agarkar, who is the chairman of the selection committee of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI).

🗣️R Ashwin- Noone told me to "you don't have place in team so you retire both Rohit and GG Bhai told me to think again" but I was told by Macrohard in India that Gautam Gambhir removed Ravi Ashwin but Rohit Sharma wanted him in team.

Thanks for Clarification @ashwinravi99 🙏 pic.twitter.com/QgwnkbLHTe

— कट्टर INDIA समर्थक 🦁🇮🇳 ™ (@KKRWeRule) October 9, 2025

“Rohit told me to think about it and the reason I wanted to do it. Gauti bhai (Gautam Gambhir) also told me that. I didn’t discuss with Ajit. His position as the chairman of the selection committee is different. He picks the squad. And it’s quite personal when it comes to retirement. These are very individual decisions.” Ashwin addressed.

For the upcoming ODI series against Australia down under, Shubman Gill has been appointed as the new leader with Kohli and Rohit returning for the national side since the final of the Champions Trophy 2025. The pressure will be on those veterans to perform to keep their place on the team.

The Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) 2020/21 was not only special for the Indian side but also for the debutant pacer, Mohammed Siraj. The Hyderabad-born was going through a rough patch as his father had passed away back in India. But he couldn’t return home due to the COVID-19 restrictions in Australia at the time.

India’s former bowling coach, Bharat Arun, recalled how it was incredibly tough to keep Siraj motivated with communication. He ended the series as the third leading wicket-taker with 13 scalps in three games at an average of under 30 and a strike rate of 62 with one five-wicket haul at the best bowling figure of 5/73 in an inning.

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“It was the five-star jail. The manager was the only one to go. He got special permission, but none of us could visit him. It was really tough. We spoke a lot on the phone. We spoke on WhatsApp calls. But that was it. There’s nothing like human touch. Shoulder to cry on, at that point, would have meant a lot to Siraj, but there was no shoulder to cry on.” Arun expressed on Bombay Sport Exchange.

Bharat Arun looks back at how Mohammed Siraj dealt with his father’s death during BGT 2020/21

Recently, Siraj hit the headlines with fabulous performances during the five-match Test series in England. The right-arm pacer ended as the leading wicket-taker of the series with 23 wickets in nine innings at an average of 32.43 and a strike rate of 48.39 with two five-wicket and one four-wicket hauls.

“It was a tough situation, Dad’s demise. I got strength after talking to mom, and my focus was to realize dad’s dream. I got mentally strong with their support. I felt that whatever Dad’s desire was, I had to fulfil that. It got fulfilled.” Siraj had remembered his father saying.

The veteran pacer isn’t part of the 15-member squad of the Indian team for the upcoming Asia Cup 2025, which is due to begin on September 09. However, he could be back in the national side for the home two-match Test series against the West Indies.

The former Indian pace bowling all-rounder, Irfan Pathan, broke the silence on being removed from the commentary of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025. Social media raised the question that the veteran was snubbed out of the T20 league for targeting a few players who didn’t perform well in the last few years, and Rohit Sharma came out in discussion.

Rohit missed the opening clash of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 in Perth due to the birth of his child before returning from the second clash in Adelaide. He had a very poor time with 31 runs in six innings at an average of around six before stepping down from the fifth Sydney Test. The former Indian all-rounder, Irfan Pathan, broke down the entire scenario.

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“Rohit Sharma is a great player of white-ball cricket, but that year, in red-ball cricket, he had an average of around six. So, I said that if he wasn’t the captain, then he would have been dropped by then. People think that I favor Rohit Sharma. Now, in general, when a player comes to the broadcasting team for an interview, we won’t behave badly with them.” Irfan expressed during a recent podcast on Lallantop’s show, Guest in the Newsroom.

Watch: Irfan Pathan reveals reason for losing commentary contract after criticism of Rohit Sharma

Pathan feels that the job of the commentators would always be to tell the story beyond what’s visible, and that was exactly when he did. He also revealed that he wanted Rohit to fight for his spot.

Irfan Pathan confirms he was removed from commentary upon complaint from Rohit Sharma’s PR agency for calling Rohit a “burden” on the teampic.twitter.com/ZG0OS9Hdkj

— Abhinav (@KohliArchives) August 14, 2025

“Rohit came to the interview, and we showed good spirit. He is our guest after all. We also told that Rohit should fight for his spot, but he doesn’t deserve a place in the playing eleven. Look, I believe that the job of commentators is to tell the story beyond what is visible, what is happening, why it is happening, and why it is happening.” The Baroda player addressed.

“If a player performs well, then praise him. If he cannot do so, then criticize him. The responsibility of the commentator is not for the player but for the fans.” Irfan Pathan concluded, as Rohit, reportedly, found himself at a tough spot to retire from ODIs, having already hung up the shoes from T20Is and Tests.

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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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.