Will the series against Australia be the last chance for Dhoni to save his captaincy?
While we wait with bated breath for the upcoming Asia Cup, Bikash Mohapatra dissects the disastrous tour.
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Srinivas Bhogle and Purnendu Maji present the most valuable players in the just-concluded tri-series Down Under. Sachin Tendulkar is way down in the table, and Virender Sehwag is even lower!
Bikash Mohapatra singles out at a few players whose performance, rather lack of it, cost India the title.
Sri Lankan players will be playing the ODI tri-series in Australia, the Commonwealth Bank Series, because of their love for cricket, despite not getting their payments on time.
The fifth match of the Commonwealth Bank series between India and Sri Lanka in Adelaide ended in a thrilling tie on Tuesday. While the bowlers helped India stay on course for a third straight win by restricting Sri Lanka to 236 for nine on a placid Adelaide Oval wicket, the batsmen paid the price for leaving too much for the end.
Australia's pedigree in ICC tournaments, the World Cup in particular, and its remarkable one-day record on subcontinent wickets has renewed the captain's belief that they can win a fourth straight world title.
Callum Ferguson has returned to Australia's ODI team in place of Shaun Marsh, who has been ruled out for the remainder of the ongoing three-match series against Sri Lanka due to an injury. Marsh suffered a lower back injury during his 31-run knock in Wednesday's first ODI against Sri Lanka, which Australia lost by one-wicket.
Star all-rounder Shane Watson and pacer Doug Bollinger on Wednesday returned to Australia's 13-member squad after a brief break for the first two One-Day Internationals of a five-match series against the West Indies starting on February 7.
Australia will play six Tests, 10 one-dayers and three Twenty20 internationals on home soil against West Indies and Pakistan as per the 2009-10 International Program announced by the Cricket Australia on Wednesday.
All-rounder Ryan Harris returned to the Australia squad for the fourth ODI of the Commonwealth Bank series against South Africa replacing injured left-arm pacer Nathan Bracken.
Sachin Tendulkar turns 35 on Thursday. Join rediff.com in greeting the Mumbai batsman on his birthday. May the year ahead be full of runs and success.
Mahendra Singh Dhoni, on debut, handled his players rather effectively; made good tactical decisions and ensured optimum utilisation of the given resources to secure a series-equalling win at the Green Park on Sunday. The win also meant a successful start to Dhoni's career as a Test captain.
Tendulkar became only the second batsman after Sir Don Bradman to make 5000 or more runs against a particular opponent in all forms of international cricket.
If Yuvraj's woeful form continues he will soon lose even his second place to Indian captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni.
As the long and arduous Commonwealth Bank Series nears its end, Nathan Bracken leads the list of the most valuable players (MVP). Bracken has taken the largest number of wickets, and at an excellent economy rate.
David Hussey was added to the Australian squad as cover for the injured Michael Clarke.
The 21-year-old Essex all-rounder, who made his one-day international debut against Australia in the recent series, is the surprise inclusion.
Australia may unleash an all-pace attack against Pakistan for the series-opening day-night Test in Brisbane, home captain Steve Smith said.
Top-order batsman Usman Khawaja has been drafted into the Australia squad for the ongoing ODI series against India in place of opener David Warner whose wife is expecting the couple's second child. Khawaja will join the squad in Brisbane and, at this stage, will remain for matches two and three of the five-game series, at the Gabba on January 15, and at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on January 17 respectively, Cricket Australia said. National selector Rod Marsh said Warner would be welcomed back into the squad when circumstances allow.
Buttler has been 'Mankaded' twice
Uttam Ghosh/Rediff.com, looking at the lighter side of things, believes Thursday's semi-final against Australia will not be a walk in the park for the defending champions.
Mickey Arthur feels his reputation took a big hit when he was sacked as head coach of Australia three years ago but the Pakistan mentor says he is not on a "revenge mission" as he prepares to take on his former charges.
Rediff.com brings you a selection of images of fans taking to the field of play to make a point or gain attention.
Rajneesgh Gupta salutes Captain Cool.
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