News / Author / Ashish Magotra

Ashish Magotra

Articles by Ashish Magotra

Tough questions for India after two debacles in a row

A second series loss raises more questions than answers as head coach Gautam Gambhir’s performance comes under the lens

Cricket

Published on Jan 06, 2025 08:49 PM IST

ByAshish Magotra

Virat Kohli’s last dance in Australia

For the Aussie cricket fan, India is simply Kohli, whose combative persona on the pitch has been pure drama since 2011-12

Virat Kohli scored 190 runs at an average of 23.75 in five matches in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, a significant drop by his lofty standards (AFP)

Cricket

Published on Jan 06, 2025 07:13 PM IST

ByAshish Magotra

Perfect start to total disaster: India suffer shambolic 3-1 loss

India lost the fifth Test against Australia by six wickets, marking a 3-1 series defeat, with poor batting and Bumrah's injury as key factors.

India’s Virat Kohli (C) reacts with teammates during the trophy ceremony after the fifth cricket Test match between Australia and India at The SCG in Sydney on Sunday. (AFP)

India News

Updated on Jan 06, 2025 06:04 AM IST

ByAshish Magotra, Sydney

Rohit, Virat still have the hunger: India coach Gautam Gambhir

“… whether the team is moving forward with your contribution or not”, he said after the Test series loss in Australia

Cricket

Updated on Jan 05, 2025 03:46 PM IST

ByAshish Magotra

Australia v India: No Bumrah, no hope as BGT changes hands

With the pacer unable to bowl due to back spasms, Australia ease to six-wicket win for a 3-1 series win, seal WTC final spot

Australia captain Pat Cummins (L) is handed the trophy by former Australian skipper Allan Border. (AFP)

Cricket

Updated on Jan 05, 2025 03:40 PM IST

ByAshish Magotra

Virat Kohli’s SCG exit, one last time in Australia?

Kohli edged to slip for the eighth time this series, making what seemed a quiet exit from his favourite hunting ground

Virat Kohli walks back after being dismissed in the second innings of Sydney Test on Saturday. (AP)

Cricket

Published on Jan 04, 2025 10:10 PM IST

ByAshish Magotra

Sydney Test: Rishabh Pant’s perfectly-timed blitz lifts India

The wicketkeeper’s 33-ball 61 on a trickly SCG pitch keeps Indian hopes alive of a win to square the series

Rishabh Pant bats on Day 2 of Sydney Test against Australia on Saturday. (AP)

Cricket

Updated on Jan 04, 2025 08:29 PM IST

ByAshish Magotra

Pant blitz raises hope, India sweat on Bumrah fitness

Fast bowler awaits scan results and his bowling will be key if India are to win the SCG Test and square the series

Cricket

Published on Jan 04, 2025 07:24 PM IST

ByAshish Magotra

Not a retirement, sat out because runs are not coming now, says Rohit Sharma

India skipper says he decided to sit out as he was out of form, to give the team the best chance to win the Sydney Test

Cricket

Updated on Jan 04, 2025 03:20 PM IST

ByAshish Magotra

Turning point for Rohit, but not for Indian batters

Rohit, whose name was not even included in the 16 for the game, spent most of the day in the dressing room, quietly keeping an eye on the proceedings

Rishabh Pant is struck by a short delivery from Australia's Mitchell Starc during the fifth Test match at Sydney. (AAP Image via REUTERS)

India News

Updated on Jan 04, 2025 06:32 AM IST

ByAshish Magotra, Sydney

Sydney Test: No respite to Virat Kohli’s season of gloom

Virat Kohli's struggles continue, with poor scores and uncertainty at the crease, raising questions about his future in the team amid ongoing drought.

Virat Kohli walks back after his dismissal on Day 1 of Sydney Test on Friday. (AFP)

Cricket

Updated on Jan 03, 2025 07:30 PM IST

ByAshish Magotra

Rishabh Pant resists but India fold for 185 on opening day of Sydney Test

Rishabh Pant endured multiple blows but top-scored for India with 40 as they were bowled out for 185 in the fifth Test against Australia.

Rishabh Pant is struck by a short delivery from Australia's Mitchell Starc on the opening day of Sydney Test. (AAP Image via REUTERS)

Cricket

Updated on Jan 03, 2025 06:08 PM IST

ByAshish Magotra

Captain Rohit may sit out of Sydney Test in dramatic Team India twist

Rohit Sharma may sit out the fifth Test, possibly ending his career in the longest format, as India faces pivotal match against Australia.

Jasprit Bumrah, India Coach Gautam Gambhir and Rohit Sharma of India inspect the pitch during an India nets session at Sydney Cricket Ground on January 02, 2025 in Sydney, Australia. (Getty Images)

India News

Updated on Jan 03, 2025 06:24 AM IST

ByAshish Magotra

With Gambhir at the helm, transition is upon India

Indian cricket is in transition as senior players phase out, with a focus on nurturing young talent while maintaining competitive performance, says coach Gambhir.

India’s head coach Gautam Gambhir at a press conference in Sydney. (AFP)

Cricket

Updated on Jan 02, 2025 08:10 PM IST

ByAshish Magotra

From Perth to Sydney: A study in contrasts

India faces pressure in the final Test against Australia as they trail 2-1, needing improved batting and leadership amid key player absences.

India’s head coach Gautam Gambhir speaks with Jasprit Bumrah during a practice session ahead of the Test in Sydney. (AFP)

Cricket

Updated on Jan 02, 2025 07:30 PM IST

ByAshish Magotra

One-man army Bumrah now highest rated Indian ever in ICC’s Test bowling rankings

Bumrah, who is in the running for the ICC Men’s Cricketer of the Year award, has moved up from his previous tied high of 904 with Ravichandran Ashwin

Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma celebrate as Jasprit Bumrah celebrates the dismissal of Australia's Travis Head at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on December 29, 2024. (AP Photo)

Sports

Updated on Jan 02, 2025 08:17 AM IST

ht_print | ByAshish Magotra, Sydney

Without Bumrah, this series might be a little bit more one-sided: McGrath

India’s pace spearhead has been a one-man force with 30 wickets (avg 12.83) in a series the Aussies lead 2-1

Jasprit Bumrah has taken 30 wickets in four Tests in the ongoing series against Australia. (PTI)

Cricket

Updated on Jan 02, 2025 05:04 AM IST

ByAshish Magotra

Sachin, Sydney and a lesson in restraint

As Rohit, Virat and Rishabh face scrutiny for the MCG loss, the Tendulkar classic from 2003-4 can inspire them

Sachin Tendulkar bats en route his unbeaten 241 against Australia in the New Year’s Test in Sydney, 2004. (AFP/Getty Images)

Cricket

Published on Dec 31, 2024 05:43 PM IST

ByAshish Magotra

MCG defeat raises crucial question: Can India take hard call on seniors?

There were questions galore, but one that was more poignant than the rest: Is it time to take a hard call on seniors Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli?

Rohit Sharma during a huddle before play on day five of the fourth Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG). (AFP)

India News

Updated on Dec 31, 2024 07:02 AM IST

ByAshish Magotra

‘It’s about Rishabh Pant figuring out what is the right way’: Rohit Sharma

Pant’s dismissal after tea saw an Indian batting collapse and 184-run defeat in the MCG Test, giving Australia a 2-1 series lead

Rishabh Pant had stitched a 88-run partnership with Yashasvi Jaiswal to provide the team with some hope before India collapsed after Tea (AFP)

Cricket

Published on Dec 30, 2024 08:53 PM IST

ByAshish Magotra

Rash batting sinks India in the Melbourne classic

Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli and Rishabh Pant pay the price for their rush of blood as Australia win fourth Test by 184 runs, go 2-1 up in the BGT series

Cricket

Published on Dec 30, 2024 06:28 PM IST

ByAshish Magotra

MCG Test: India fail to cash in on Bumrah’s brilliance

The fast bowler had Australia reeling on Day 4 but dropped catches let the hosts build a 333-run lead

India pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah celebrates the wicket of Australia opener Sam Konstas on Day 4 of the MCG Test on Sunday. (AFP)

Cricket

Published on Dec 29, 2024 08:01 PM IST

ByAshish Magotra

Nitish Reddy dreams of being a ‘pure allrounder’

Having delivered with a maiden Test century with India under the pump, the youngster now wants to build his pace bowling

Cricket

Published on Dec 29, 2024 07:37 PM IST

ByAshish Magotra

Jasprit Bumrah casts a spell over the MCG again

The fast bowler had the crowd spellbound with bowling that recalled some of the great spells in Test cricket

Jasprit Bumrah is the only bowler to have picked up 200 wickets at an average of 19.56 (AFP)

Cricket

Published on Dec 29, 2024 07:04 PM IST

ByAshish Magotra

With straight bat and clear mind, Nitish Reddy captivates the G

The 21-year-old’s brilliant maiden hundred underscores technique and temperament, helps India fight on in the 4th Test

India's Nitish Kumar Reddy bats during Day 3 of the fourth Test at the MCG. (AFP)

Cricket

Updated on Dec 29, 2024 12:41 AM IST

ByAshish Magotra

MCG Test: Nitish Reddy’s ton for the ages saves India’s day

The 21-year-old’s maiden triple figure knock and a 127-run stand with Washington Sundar (50) rallies the team against Australia on Day 3

India's Nitish Kumar Reddy celebrates his century with Mohammed Siraj watching in the MCG Test on Saturday. (AFP)

Cricket

Published on Dec 28, 2024 04:53 PM IST

ByAshish Magotra

Pant’s love for the audacious fails the simple test

The India stumper wows cricket with 360 degree shots, but the match situation in the MCG Test called for a more orthodox approach

Cricket

Published on Dec 28, 2024 04:02 PM IST

ByAshish Magotra

With a bit of luck and lots of faith, you can get big runs: Steve Smith

After scoring his 34th ton, Aussie batting star reveals secret to getting over a dry run of Test centuries

Australia's Steve Smith raises his bat as he celebrates after scoring his century on Friday. (AP)

Cricket

Updated on Dec 27, 2024 07:48 PM IST

ByAshish Magotra

A run out spoils India’s fightback script on Day 2 of Boxing Day Test

Jaiswal and Kohli looked for a long haul when a run out and two quick wickets take India from 153/2 to 159/5

Australian players celebrate after running out Yashasvi Jaiswal (L) on Day 2 of the fourth Test at the MCG. (AFP)

Cricket

Published on Dec 27, 2024 07:29 PM IST

ByAshish Magotra

Rohit Sharma’s insipid captaincy lets Australia run riot

For far too often, India were being reactive and not proactive as they needed to be in the morning session on Day 2 of the Boxing Day Test at the MCG

India captain Rohit Sharma walks off the field after getting dismissed during Day 2 of the fourth Test against Australia. (AP)

Cricket

Updated on Dec 27, 2024 03:02 PM IST

ByAshish Magotra

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Ashish Magotra

A second series loss raises more questions than answers as head coach Gautam Gambhir’s performance comes under the lens

For the Aussie cricket fan, India is simply Kohli, whose combative persona on the pitch has been pure drama since 2011-12

India lost the fifth Test against Australia by six wickets, marking a 3-1 series defeat, with poor batting and Bumrah's injury as key factors.

“… whether the team is moving forward with your contribution or not”, he said after the Test series loss in Australia

With the pacer unable to bowl due to back spasms, Australia ease to six-wicket win for a 3-1 series win, seal WTC final spot

Kohli edged to slip for the eighth time this series, making what seemed a quiet exit from his favourite hunting ground

The wicketkeeper’s 33-ball 61 on a trickly SCG pitch keeps Indian hopes alive of a win to square the series

Fast bowler awaits scan results and his bowling will be key if India are to win the SCG Test and square the series

India skipper says he decided to sit out as he was out of form, to give the team the best chance to win the Sydney Test

Rohit, whose name was not even included in the 16 for the game, spent most of the day in the dressing room, quietly keeping an eye on the proceedings

Virat Kohli's struggles continue, with poor scores and uncertainty at the crease, raising questions about his future in the team amid ongoing drought.

Rishabh Pant endured multiple blows but top-scored for India with 40 as they were bowled out for 185 in the fifth Test against Australia.

Rohit Sharma may sit out the fifth Test, possibly ending his career in the longest format, as India faces pivotal match against Australia.

Indian cricket is in transition as senior players phase out, with a focus on nurturing young talent while maintaining competitive performance, says coach Gambhir.

India faces pressure in the final Test against Australia as they trail 2-1, needing improved batting and leadership amid key player absences.

Bumrah, who is in the running for the ICC Men’s Cricketer of the Year award, has moved up from his previous tied high of 904 with Ravichandran Ashwin

India’s pace spearhead has been a one-man force with 30 wickets (avg 12.83) in a series the Aussies lead 2-1

As Rohit, Virat and Rishabh face scrutiny for the MCG loss, the Tendulkar classic from 2003-4 can inspire them

There were questions galore, but one that was more poignant than the rest: Is it time to take a hard call on seniors Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli?

Pant’s dismissal after tea saw an Indian batting collapse and 184-run defeat in the MCG Test, giving Australia a 2-1 series lead

Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli and Rishabh Pant pay the price for their rush of blood as Australia win fourth Test by 184 runs, go 2-1 up in the BGT series

The fast bowler had Australia reeling on Day 4 but dropped catches let the hosts build a 333-run lead

Having delivered with a maiden Test century with India under the pump, the youngster now wants to build his pace bowling

The fast bowler had the crowd spellbound with bowling that recalled some of the great spells in Test cricket

The 21-year-old’s brilliant maiden hundred underscores technique and temperament, helps India fight on in the 4th Test

The 21-year-old’s maiden triple figure knock and a 127-run stand with Washington Sundar (50) rallies the team against Australia on Day 3

The India stumper wows cricket with 360 degree shots, but the match situation in the MCG Test called for a more orthodox approach

After scoring his 34th ton, Aussie batting star reveals secret to getting over a dry run of Test centuries

Jaiswal and Kohli looked for a long haul when a run out and two quick wickets take India from 153/2 to 159/5

For far too often, India were being reactive and not proactive as they needed to be in the morning session on Day 2 of the Boxing Day Test at the MCG

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