Author: Cricket Mantra

The ICC has confirmed the introduction of a hybrid model for the 2025 Champions Trophy, a decision that will impact all ICC events from 2024 to 2028. This model was agreed upon after extensive discussions between India and Pakistan. Under the new arrangement, India’s matches in the eight-team tournament will be played at neutral venues, while Pakistan’s games against India in tournaments held in India will also take place at neutral locations. This move resolves the long-standing dispute between the two nations and sets the stage for a fair, exciting competition. What the Hybrid Model Means for India and Pakistan…

The Gabba Test between Australia and India unfolded as a cricketing spectacle packed with twists, interruptions, and bizarre moments. Here’s a day-by-day breakdown of the match, leading to its dramatic, rain-soaked conclusion. Day 1 Summary: Rain Halted Play as India Bowl First at Gabba The match began with India opting to bowl first. This was the first time since 2014 that India had opted to bowl first in an away Test Match. The first day of the third Border-Gavaskar Test in Brisbane was heavily disrupted by rain, with only 13.2 overs of play possible. Overcast skies and a green pitch…

Cricket is a sport of constant evolution, requiring players to adapt to diverse conditions and bowlers’ tactics. Few embody this better than Steven Smith, who recently shared an insightful nugget about his batting technique. “I’ve changed my set-up pretty much every game I’ve played for the last 15 years,” Smith remarked. On Sunday, after a stellar 101-run innings, he spent time emphasizing the value of scoring a meaningful 30. Despite his outburst after getting dismissed—throwing his helmet and gloves in frustration—his adaptability and relentless experimentation offer invaluable lessons for batters worldwide. The Struggles of India’s Top Order Day 3 of…

The much-anticipated Pink Ball Test between India and Australia at the Adelaide Oval culminated in a resounding victory for the hosts. Australia secured a 10-wicket win on Day 3, underlining their supremacy in Day-Night Test matches and maintaining their unbeaten record at Adelaide in this format. Meanwhile, India was left grappling with questions about their performance, particularly their fragile batting lineup. Australia’s Day-Night Dominance Continues This victory marked Australia’s 12th win in 13 Day-Night Test matches. Their perfect record at Adelaide with the Pink Ball remains intact, further solidifying their position as the most dominant team in this format. India,…

The road to the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 in Pakistan has been anything but smooth. Initially slated to be hosted entirely in Pakistan, the tournament’s future was thrown into uncertainty due to diplomatic tensions, travel concerns, and disagreements between the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). However, after a lengthy standoff, the Pakistan Cricket Board has reportedly accepted the BCCI and ICC’s hybrid model proposal, which will allow India to play its matches at a neutral venue while still hosting the final in Lahore if India fails to qualify. This agreement brings…

The highly anticipated IPL 2025 Mega Auction concluded in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, on November 25, leaving cricket fans worldwide buzzing with excitement. Over two action-packed days, the 10 IPL franchises spent a staggering ₹639.15 crore to secure 182 players, including 62 international stars, to complete their squads. Among the headline makers were Rishabh Pant, who became the costliest player in IPL history at ₹27 crore, and Shreyas Iyer, who went for ₹26.25 crore. The auction also saw its share of surprises. KKR spent a massive ₹23.75 crore to bring back Venkatesh Iyer, and Rajasthan Royals made headlines by signing 13-year-old Vaibhav Suryavanshi for ₹1.1 crore. From smart budget buys to blockbuster…

India’s emphatic victory in the 2024 Perth Test will forever be etched in the annals of cricket history as one of the greatest comebacks. Overcoming overwhelming odds, an inexperienced squad, and a formidable Australian side on their home turf, this win rivals iconic triumphs such as Adelaide 2003, Gabba 2021, and Perth 2008. Under the inspiring leadership of Jasprit Bumrah, the Indian team demonstrated resilience, skill, and unyielding determination, scripting a historic win that will be remembered for generations. The Odds Stacked Against India Before the match, India found themselves in dire straits. The absence of key players like Rohit…

The much-awaited Border-Gavaskar Trophy is just days away, with India set to face Australia in Perth for the first Test starting November 22, 2024. However, India’s preparations have hit a rocky patch as injuries to key top-order batters, Shubman Gill and KL Rahul, have raised significant concerns. While India has enjoyed great success in this series historically, including a thrilling 2–1 victory in their previous tour Down Under, the team now faces a daunting challenge to field a fully fit lineup. Shubman Gill’s Thumb Injury: A Blow to India’s Plans Shubman Gill, India’s rising star and one of their most…

The debate surrounding India’s home pitches has been a constant talking point in international cricket. Critics frequently label India’s turning tracks as “dustbowls” or “rank turners,” suggesting they create an unfair advantage. Yet, India’s approach to pitch preparation at home is as strategic as it is controversial. This analysis delves into why India’s reliance on spin-friendly pitches isn’t simply about creating an advantage but is instead a nuanced strategy to leverage their world-class spinners while keeping up with modern Test cricket demands. India’s Spin-Focused Pitches: Fair Play or Home Advantage? Indian players often defend their pitches against criticism, pointing out that pitches in other…

Following a surprising 0–3 whitewash by New Zealand on home soil, the Indian cricket team, led by Rohit Sharma, is gearing up for a crucial tour to Australia. This defeat has left the team’s World Test Championship (WTC) final qualification hanging by a thread, and fans and analysts alike are eager to see if India can bounce back against their fierce rivals Down Under. Rohit Sharma’s Challenge: Lifting Team Morale After New Zealand Setback The Indian squad faces a daunting task ahead, with captain Rohit Sharma at the helm, aiming to reset and reinvigorate the team spirit before taking on Australia.…