India Observers

The Indian cricket fraternity is abuzz with reports suggesting that Rohit Sharma, the current Test captain, might retire from Test cricket following the ongoing five-match series against Australia. According to The Times of India , discussions are underway with the BCCI's Cricket Committee and selectors, signaling a possible conclusion to his Test career. However, there’s speculation that should India secure a spot in the World Test Championship (WTC) Final, Rohit may reconsider and extend his tenure by another year—though that remains a significant "if." At 37, Rohit’s recent performances in the series have raised eyebrows. Scoring only 31 runs across six innings, his struggles have highlighted a growing inability to adapt to challenging overseas conditions. While he remains a dominant player in India, where pitches are more familiar and forgiving, his performance against Australia has reignited criticism about his suitability for overseas Tests. Adding to the pressure, ...

 Jatin Paranjape’s criticism of the Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA) over the treatment of Prithvi Shaw shines a light on the precarious situation the young batsman finds himself in. Shaw, once heralded as the next big thing in Indian cricket after his sensational debut against the West Indies in 2018, has now fallen out of favor, not just in the national team but seemingly with his own state association. The MCA’s claims about Shaw’s fitness issues and alleged indiscipline are deeply concerning, as they not only question his commitment but also tarnish his potential as a cricketer. However, Paranjape’s concern that Shaw could be entering his final season with Mumbai is valid. Shaw’s journey has been filled with promise, yet inconsistency in his performances and perceived off-field behavior seem to have overshadowed his undeniable talent. The fact that the MCA is reportedly hiding Shaw from the spotlight speaks volumes about how the management might no longer be willing to nurture...

 It was a moment of anguish for fans and fellow players alike when the legendary all-rounder Ravichandran Ashwin announced his retirement from all formats of international cricket. The announcement came after the third Test between India and Australia ended in a draw. However, Ashwin shared that he intends to continue playing domestic cricket for a few more years, offering a glimmer of solace to his admirers. Ravichandran Ashwin began his cricketing journey as a right-arm off-spin bowler for Tamil Nadu. His strategic brilliance and ability to outfox batsmen with his variations caught the attention of the BCCI, earning him a spot in India’s playing XI during the 2011 World Cup. Over the years, Ashwin evolved into a complete cricketer, showcasing his prowess as a bowler, a dependable batter, and an energetic fielder. He became an inspiration to aspiring cricketers across the nation, particularly in his home state of Tamil Nadu. Ashwin’s debut in international cricket marked the begin...

 Jasprit Bumrah's performance in this match is a reminder of why he’s one of the premier fast bowlers in world cricket. With a five-wicket haul and a commanding presence, he single-handedly dismantled Australia’s top and middle order, leaving them floundering at just 104 runs in the first innings. His control, precision, and sheer aggression are key assets that not only got him wickets but also built immense pressure on the Australian batters. The dismissal of Alex Carey on Day 2, a classic example of Bumrah’s lethal accuracy, set the tone for the rest of the innings, with Australia unable to get any substantial partnerships going. What stands out in this Indian attack is the balance between Bumrah's aggression and Harshit Rana’s methodical approach. While Bumrah’s fiery lengths rattled the Australian batsmen, Rana’s discipline provided the perfect foil, forcing mistakes from the opposition and claiming the vital wicket of Nathan Lyon. Together, they complemented each other sup...

  India’s 2022 T20 World Cup squad has been a topic of discussion for two years, with the selectors sticking to the core of the 2022 side. The team, which had previously faced challenges in the UAE and Australia, has been working on a similar blueprint to their previous success in the IPL. They have invested in several players, including Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, as openers and middle-order batsmen. However, India’s current lineup has five left-handed batsmen, with only two making the XI and one in the top four. India’s strategy for the T20 World Cup was based on the success formula of top T20 teams worldwide, investing in as many left-handers as possible in the batting line-up. This was done to ensure that modern-day bowlers, such as pacers and spinners, could keep the Indian batting quiet. However, with just two right-handed batsmen between them, the selectors’ assertion was accurate, as opposition bowlers struggled to keep the Indian batting quiet. Hardik Pandya’s selection ...