The barren run of skipper Rohit Sharma and the selection conundrum that Virat Kohli's possible return poses are the towering obstacles in India's quest for a series win against England in the second ODI in Cuttack on Sunday.
A look back at a few memorable showdowns in the last decade and half that had the quintessential crests and troughs of Test cricket.
"I will be walking out with you to bat at the MCG," R Ashwin told Virat Kohli in a short note on X Friday, a subtle and endearing demonstration of their closeness in the team.
A Test series win in England, Australia, New Zealand and South Africa ranks as a "bigger" achievement than an IPL title, said India's new captain Shubman Gill on Thursday.
'...If Shubman Gill had that kind of a fiery side to him, we would have seen it a little earlier. You don't have to show it when you're the captain.
'For us, and for Indian Test cricket going into the future, this will rank right at the top.'
With over 500 runs, six crucial catches, the most by an Indian on the tour, Rahul led by example and lived up to his wiseman tag.
While the whole batting unit faltered, the spotlight fell firmly on seniors Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, whose lean patches in recent times have become a matter of concern.
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Kohli's skill and spikiness on the field reminded many of their own: Australian media
Delhi short fall of knockouts, secure an innings win against Railways; Kohli's return concludes with single-digit score
India vice-captain Shubman Gill has dismissed speculation about the ODI future of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, stating that there are no retirement discussions within the team.
In the recently concluded five-match Test series against England, India's star wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant stood tall as a beacon of determination, battling through injuries to deliver a string of gutsy, crowd-pleasing knocks that underlined his value to the side.
Before Tuesday, Jitesh had not hit a half-century in IPL and when he did, he did it in style and produced a knock which will be talked about for time to come.
'We are not a team that looks at venue, we look to play positive and good cricket'
Upendra Yadav's resolute 95 propelled Uttar Pradesh to 241 against Delhi, dominated by Virat Kohli's return to Ranji Trophy after 13 years.
Earlier in the day, B Sai Sudharsan has etched his name in Indian cricket history by making his Test debut on June 20.
The celebration offered the squad chance to unwind and laugh together ahead of the big IPL 2025 final on June 3.
Gill, 25, was appointed captain in May following the retirement of two great Indian batsmen and leaders in Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma.
Despite the ups and downs, The Oval remains a ground of rich memories and monumental moments for Indian cricket.
Strange selection, says Manjrekar; Irfan, Harbhajan congratulate Gill
Playing his 32nd Test, he showed no signs of nervousness and batted with his signature effortless ease.
As the victorious RCB squad returned to their team hotel in Ahmedabad late Tuesday night, they were welcomed like true champions-with dhol beats, thunderous cheers, and an atmosphere electric with celebration.
Will Kohli ends RCB's long wait for a title? Or will Shreyas produce another match winning knock for Punjab Kings in the final?
'Even if he is being hard on you, you know that it's not coming from his heart, it is coming from a team perspective.'
'There is no particular style that I have to follow. I have played so much cricket so far and everyone knows my style of playing.'
"Not make him bowl more than 12-13 overs a day": Ganguly on utilizing Bumrah on England tour
Newly-appointed Royal Challengers Bengaluru captain Rajat Patidar on Thursday said he would want to pick talisman Virat Kohli's brains to learn the nuances of leadership and stressed on the importance of "standing with players" in all circumstances.
Former England all-rounder Moeen Ali sees shades of Virat Kohli in Shubman Gill's aggressive on-field demeanour, but feels the India batter's approach during the Lord's Test may have triggered a stronger response from the hosts.
Gill and Jaiswal centuries put India in control of series opener against England
Kohli, Kohli.... the chants from 90,000 fervent fans still reverberate in the ear when you step into the fabled MCG, even two years after the former Indian skipper pulled off a stunning heist against Pakistan in the T20 World Cup 2022.
Lord's venue promises to be a cracker of a contest, especially with another round in the ongoing rivalry between two modern legends - Indian pacer Jasprit Bumrah and England's star batter Joe Root.
Shubman Gill had a phenomenal Test series against England, leading a young Indian side in transition to a 2-2 draw and earning the Player of the Series award.
Rajat Patidar understands what it would mean for the team to win the coveted Indian Premier League title for one of country's bonafide cricket legends.
Royal Challengers Bengaluru beat Lucknow Super Giants by six wickets and secured place in IPL Qualifier 1.
'The fact is he always needed a challenge. That's what got him going.'
Images from Day 3 of the first Test between Australia and India in Perth on Sunday.
Tinku commended Gill's strong technical foundation and composure, expressing confidence that this is just the beginning of a record-breaking career.
'Folks - your Test captain, Shubman Gill.'
Shubman Gill is enjoying a 'honeymoon period' as India's Test captain but there will be more pressure on him in the days to come, feels former India skipper Sourav Ganguly.
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