Shayan Acharya

India has lots to play for against Nez Zealand, needing four wins in the remaining six Tests, including the Wankhede Test, to stay in the fray for a spot in the World Test Championship final.

With only two home Tests scheduled in the next year — against the West Indies in October — it wouldn’t be surprising if the current core of India’s Test side has played its last home game together in the longest format.

While there were speculations that Joe Burns, the former Australian cricketer, who recently moved to Italy, could be that player, Sportstar can confirm that it is the 24-year-old Draca who has registered for the mega event.

The last time India toured Australia, back in 2020-2021, it went on to clinch the series. However, Patil believes that it’s important not to dwell on the past.

Border-Gavaskar Trophy: India’s head coach Gautam Gambhir hoped that Rohit Sharma would be available for the series opener, even though there’s no confirmation yet.

Head Coach Gambhir made it clear that the setbacks won’t change his approach and will always put the team first over personal milestones ahead of the team’s departure to Australia for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy.

India’s head coach, Gautam Gambhir, hit out at former Australia captain Ricky Ponting, who recently questioned the form of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli.

Former Australia international Michael Hussey has his money on Rohit and Kohli for the five-match Test series against the Aussies, beginning in Perth on November 22.

The B block will be renamed after the former international and get inaugurated on January 22 next year during India’s first T20I against England.

Axar recently featured in the four-match T20I series against South Africa and claimed three wickets apart from scoring 35 runs in three innings.