Former BCCI chief selector MSK Prasad has harshly criticized Indian cricket captain Rohit Sharma following his recent performance and leadership during the ongoing 4th Test match against Australia. Prasad’s comments came during Day 2 of the match, where Rohit, once again, failed to score big, managing only three runs before being dismissed by Australian captain Pat Cummins for the fifth time in his Test career.

Rohit’s early exit from India’s first innings added to the mounting criticism surrounding his form. As India faces Australia in this pivotal Test series, the team has been dealing with issues stemming from recent performances, including a dismal series loss to New Zealand. Prasad, who served as BCCI’s chief selector from 2016 to 2020, did not hold back in his assessment of both Rohit’s batting and his leadership.

“The series against New Zealand was absolutely pathetic. It was unprecedented in Indian cricket history that we lost three consecutive games,” Prasad said, reflecting on India’s recent setbacks. He continued to criticize Rohit, noting his lack of runs during that series, stating, “Rohit had absolutely no runs, and when he came into this series against Australia, he was coming off a series of failures.”

Prasad also pointed out the impact of Rohit’s lack of match practice leading up to the series, suggesting that his poor form negatively affected his leadership and overall performance. “If he comes in with some form, it directly impacts the team. But he has arrived after a series of failures, and this is reflected in the way he has led the side,” Prasad said.

Further commenting on Rohit’s captaincy, Prasad highlighted his lack of proactivity, referencing a key moment in the match where bowlers Siraj and Bumrah were bowled in tandem for 11 consecutive overs while Australian batter Sam Konstas was aggressively scoring. “He has been struggling both with his form and his captaincy,” Prasad added.

Meanwhile, on Day 2 of the Boxing Day Test at Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG), Australia’s Steve Smith scored a crucial century, contributing significantly to his team’s total. Smith formed a vital 112-run partnership with Pat Cummins, who made 49 runs off 63 balls. Australia ended the first session at 454/7. Smith eventually fell for 140, and the hosts were bowled out for 474 runs in their first innings.

For India, Jasprit Bumrah was the pick of the bowlers, taking 4 wickets for 99 runs. Ravindra Jadeja, Akash Deep, and Washington Sundar also contributed with the ball, taking three, two, and one wickets, respectively.

In India’s first innings, they appeared to be in a strong position at 150/2, thanks to an impressive partnership between Yashasvi Jaiswal (82 runs from 118 balls) and Virat Kohli (36 runs from 86 balls). However, quick wickets from Scott Boland, who took 2 wickets for 24 runs, saw India reduced to 164/5 by the end of Day 2.

As the Test match progresses, all eyes will be on Rohit Sharma’s performance and his ability to bounce back from the ongoing criticisms both as a player and captain.

Indian cricketer Nitish Kumar Reddy made a significant mark in his young career by scoring his maiden century in the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG). The 21-year-old rising star’s impressive knock has captured the attention of fans and experts alike, as social media erupted with praise following his performance.

Reddy’s moment came when he walked into bat during India’s challenging innings, with the team trailing Australia by a substantial 250 runs. At 221 for 7, the situation was grim for the visitors, but Reddy showed remarkable resilience and composure. Despite the pressure, he held his ground and remained unbeaten as play was halted due to rain, taking India to 358 for 9 at the end of the day.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) was quick to congratulate Reddy on his achievement, sharing an update that read, “फायर नहीं वाइल्डफायर है! Nitish Kumar Reddy gets to his maiden CENTURY and what a stage to get it on! He is now the leading run-scorer for India in the ongoing BGT.”

Former Indian batter Wasim Jaffer also expressed his admiration, praising Reddy’s compact technique and gritty attitude. Jaffer wrote, “This young man just continues to impress. His compact technique, gutsy attitude, and most importantly, the way he puts a price on his wicket are all impressive attributes of a fine Test batter in the making. Very well played #AUSvIND #NitishKumarReddy.”

Cricketer Irfan Pathan, too, was effusive in his praise, sharing a photo of Reddy’s stylish drive along with a message that read, “On public demand, this is for Nitish Kumar Reddy. Well played, youngster, so proud of you.”

At the end of Day 2, India stood at 358 for 9, with the rain delay bringing an early end to the day’s play. Australia, however, still holds a 116-run lead in the match. The Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 series is currently tied at 1-1, with both teams eager to gain an advantage in this crucial Test match.

Reddy’s performance has certainly added excitement to the ongoing series and further solidified his potential as a rising star in Indian cricket.

Former India coach Ravi Shastri has expressed his dissatisfaction with Virat Kohli following a fiery on-field confrontation during the opening day of the fourth Test between India and Australia in Melbourne. Kohli, known for his fiery demeanor, was involved in a clash with Australia’s young opener Sam Konstas early on Day 1. The incident took place during the ninth over of the day, when both players shoulder-barged each other. Kohli, visibly irritated, turned around to give Konstas an intense glare and exchanged words with the 19-year-old.

Despite the heated moment, the International Cricket Council (ICC) deemed the incident a Level 1 offence, resulting in a 20% fine of Kohli’s match fees instead of a suspension. This came after former Australian captain Ricky Ponting suggested that Kohli had been in the wrong. However, the 36-year-old star managed to avoid a more severe penalty.

Ravi Shastri, who had a close relationship with Kohli during his tenure as India’s head coach, weighed in on the matter. Speaking on Fox Cricket, Shastri called the clash “totally unnecessary,” adding, “You don’t want to see that. Virat’s a senior player, he’s been captain of the side, and while he’ll have his own explanations regarding that, it’s something you don’t want to see.”

Shastri further commented with a lighthearted remark about the situation, mentioning ICC match referee Andy Pycroft, who was overseeing the Boxing Day Test. Pycroft, marking his 100th Test match as a referee, will no doubt be keeping an eye on such incidents, Shastri joked.

Although Kohli was reprimanded with a fine, the incident was not the only time the Indian cricketer displayed frustration on Day 1. Later during the same day, a stump mic caught Kohli telling teammate Mohammed Siraj to “not smile while talking” to Australian players. This further highlighted Kohli’s animated mood throughout the match.

As for the match itself, Australia dominated Day 1, finishing with a strong total of 311/6 at stumps. All four of Australia’s top-order batsmen scored half-centuries, putting the hosts in a commanding position.

The clash between Kohli and Konstas, although minor in terms of penalties, has certainly grabbed attention, sparking conversations about the behavior of senior players on the field.