Virat Kohli struck a record 50th hundred and fast bowler Mohammed Shami's seven-wicket haul proved equally crucial as India overpowered New Zealand by 70 runs.
India will be under tremendous pressure when they face an equally circumspect Australia in a battle of two out-of-form batting units in the opening Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Perth
Shreyas Iyer, who led KKR to the IPL 2024 title, could be headed for the players' auction after failing to make a breakthrough in negotiations, while K L Rahul is also unlikely to be retained by LSG.
Shami, who was one of the architects of India's stupendous World Cup campaign with 24 wickets, played through pain as he had problems with his landing but didn't let it affect his performance.
The national selectors want all the players to be available for the Duleep Trophy ahead of the two Test series against Bangladesh next month.
Shami has said there is nothing extraordinary in his bowling, adding he just focuses on stump-to-stump length
For India's current head coach, the Test series defeat against New Zealand at home, a first in 12 years and after 18 victories on the trot, would be a bitter pill to swallow.
Cites 'being in rhythm' as factor for success
RCB might show interest in KL Rahul.
'All love surround you and the pure light within you, Guide your way home.'
Indian cricketer Manoj Tiwary revealed his preference for Mohammad Shami over all-rounder Shardul Thakur in playing XI against Bangladesh in the ongoing World Cup.
While Kapil scripted the best bowling figures of 5/43 against Australia at Trent Bridge in in 1983, Shami's fifer in Mohali on Friday, was the third-best bowling effort against the Aussies.
As many as four world-class match-winners are expected to bid adieu to the game one by one in the next couple of years and Gautam Gambhir is in an unenviable position as head coach.
Rishabh Pant on track for IPL comeback
Ricky Ponting feels that left-arm pacer Khaleel Ahmed could be a valuable addition in the Indian squad
Ricky Ponting advised star batters Virat Kohli and Steve Smith to stop trying hard to rediscover their best and pushing themselves too hard and just focus on watching the ball and scoring runs.
They are scheduled to fly out to Johannesburg on Friday.
Who do you think should be part of India's playing XI for the first Test against Australia in Perth?
Shami recently underwent a successful Achilles heel surgery in London for his right heel problem.
Rajasthan's Mahipal Lomror put the IPL franchises on alert ahead of the mega auction with a sensational triple hundred comprising a staggering 13 sixes and 25 fours in their Ranji Trophy Group B match against Uttarakhand here on Thursday.
Former Australian coach John Buchanan on Thursday congratulated Jay Shah on becoming the International Cricket Council (ICC) chairman and expressed hope that the incumbent Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) secretary will be able to make all three formats of international cricket a priority for all in the age of T20 franchise cricket.
Mhambrey further said Kohli's work ethics have rubbed on the young cricketers in Indian team.
While a nine-wicket haul would typically be cause for celebration, Akash Deep's focus remained on areas for improvement as he prepares for a demanding season.
India had 'Fab 5' with the bat in early 2000s, now they have them with the ball: Nasser Hussain
Jasprit Bumrah's workload might have increased in Mohammed Shami's absence but India's pace spearhead is in a much better shape right now in terms of fitness to handle the rigours of Test cricket, feels former all-rounder Irfan Pathan.
This is India's fourth ODI World Cup final.
All-rounder Glenn Maxwell and spinner Adam Zampa were also selected in the line-up after helping Australia win a record-extending sixth title with Sunday's six-wicket victory.
Australia's success in Christchurch sets up home Test series against India
2008 Olympic gold medallist shooter, Abhinav Bindra took to his official X handle and thanked Neeraj for inspiring every Indian to dream big.
Mohammed Shami has been ruled out of the upcoming two-Test series in South Africa on fitness grounds
'India need to prepare a good fast bowling unit in 2024'
Mohammed Shami and Mohammed Siraj sent Sri Lanka crashing for 55 as India scored a thumping 302-run victory to qualify for semis.
Shami has made himself undroppable with his performances against New Zealand and England.
The 39 year-old has played 86 Tests, 117 ODIs and 44 T20Is for South Africa with a total of 544 international wickets.
India, who have returned victorious in both their previous Test assignments Down Under with identical margins of 2-1, will take on the world No.1 Australia in a five-Test series starting on November 22.
Jasprit Bumrah led the Indian attack from the front in the second Test against England. Following a sizzling six-wicket haul in the first innings, Bumrah returned to pick up three to guide India to a series-levelling win.
Virat Kohli's World record 50th ODI hundred, a scintillating century by Shreyas Iyer and Mohammed Shami's brilliant pace bowling powered the hosts past New Zealand in the first semi-final with a 70-run victory at the Wankhede stadium in Mumbai on Wednesday.
Australia opener Travis Head is a player of great class who saves his greatest performances for the biggest occasions. He was at his best throughout the majority of 2023, and when it counted most, he helped Australia win a sixth World Cup in India. He hammered an unbelievable 137 against India in the decider to help Australia lift the trophy.
Shubman Gill was conferred with the Polly Umrigar Best Men's International Cricketer of the Year award for 2022-23.
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