Digest of the Hottest News of the Last Week 06.01.2025-12.01.2025

Cricket Australia faced backlash after Sunil Gavaskar was excluded from the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 presentation at SCG. Australia won the series 3-1, and Allan Border presented the trophy alone. CA clarified it was pre-decided: Border would present if Australia won, and Gavaskar if India retained the title. Gavaskar, perplexed by the decision, expressed he wished to co-present the trophy.

Despite India’s 1-3 loss to Australia in the 2024-25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy, reports indicate that head coach Gautam Gambhir’s position remains secure. While there will be a review of performances, sources reveal that no action will be taken against Gambhir, Rohit Sharma, or Virat Kohli. Both players will continue in the squad for the upcoming England series and the Champions Trophy.

Steve Smith has been named Australia’s captain for the Sri Lanka Test series, replacing Pat Cummins, who is on paternity leave and recovering from an ankle issue. Smith, who has previously led Australia in 38 Tests with 21 wins, will be supported by deputy Travis Head. The 16-member squad includes stars like Mitchell Starc and Nathan Lyon, with Nathan McSweeney returning.

Former cricketer Manoj Tiwary criticized India’s head coach Gautam Gambhir, labeling him a “hypocrite”, after India’s poor performance in the 2024 Border-Gavaskar Trophy. Tiwary accused Gambhir of favoritism, pointing to his close ties with Morne Morkel and Abhishek Nayar. Under Gambhir, India suffered a series loss to Sri Lanka and a 3-0 home defeat against New Zealand, raising concerns about his leadership.

RCB head coach Andy Flower addressed reports about Virat Kohli potentially captaining the team in IPL 2025. The franchise has yet to appoint a new captain after releasing Faf du Plessis. Flower confirmed that no communication had taken place regarding the captaincy, emphasizing that the upcoming season marks a new era and a three-year cycle for RCB. The IPL 2025 will begin on March 14.