Name: Brazil looking to hire France's Zinedine Zidane as new manager: Report
Uploaded: 2022-12-26T16:28:23.000+05:30
Duration: T00M31S
Channel: Editorji News Desk
Description: According to a France local daily, Brazil are keen to hire France's 1998 World Cup hero. He has also been in the running for Les Blues' top position

Rohit Sharma admits India’s mental struggles after their 184-run loss to Australia in the Melbourne Test, with a series-deciding fifth Test on the horizon.

Rohit Sharma reflects on India’s disappointing loss to Australia in MCG Test

Rohit said the team wanted to have a go at the target despite its daunting nature.

Indian skipper Rohit Sharma on Monday said the 184-run drubbing at the hands of Australia in the fourth Test at Melbourne Cricket Ground is "mentally disturbing", conceding that his team failed to fight in the match.&nbsp;
India will now head to Sydney for the fifth and final Test trailing 1-2 in the five-match Border-Gavaskar Trophy. The series finale begins on January 3.&nbsp;
"It is mentally disturbing when you can't do what you have come to do," Rohit, whose own poor form has been under the scanner, told reporters after the game.
"It is pretty disappointing. There are ways to win games and we fell short in finding ways to win the game here. We wanted to fight till the end and unfortunately, we couldn't do it," he said in the post-match presentation ceremony.
Australia were struggling at 91 for six in their second innings with the overall lead yet to touch 200 on Sunday but managed to make it a 340-run target for the visitors. Rohit admitted his team could not exploit the favourable situation.
"We had Australia 90 for 6. We know things can get tough, but we want to play tough cricket from hard situations. But we were not good enough. I went back to my room and thought about what else we could have done as a team," Rohit said.
"But we threw everything we had, they fought hard, especially that last-wicket partnership, which probably cost us the game there," he added.
Rohit said the team wanted to have a go at the target despite its daunting nature.
"We knew 340 wasn't going to be easy. We tried to set a platform and keep wickets in hand for the last two sessions, but they bowled perfectly as well. We wanted to go for the target, but we didn't set the platform from our side," he noted.
The Mumbaikar lauded Nitish Kumar Reddy for making a fine hundred during the first innings, and hoped the youngster will climb the ladder.
"He's coming here for the first time, these conditions can get really tough, but he showed great character, solid technique as well.
"He's got everything to be successful at this level, I hope he goes from strength to strength, and he's got all the backing from the team as well," he said.
The 37-year-old also patted pacer Jasprit Bumrah for leading the Indian bowling attack almost singlehandedly.
"Absolutely brilliant, We've been watching him for so many years now, coming here and getting the job done. He's not a statistical person.
"He just wants to play for the country and do well for the team, but unfortunately he's not got a lot of support from the other side," he added.
Wanted to take India win out of equation
Australian skipper Pat Cummins justified the move to not declare their second innings, saying he wanted to snuff out any chances for an Indian win.
"We wanted to take an India victory out of the equation (on batting on and not declaring). We had plenty of runs to play with, and as many helmets around the bat as we could.
"We put a lot of work into our lower-order batting, we work a lot on how best to bowl to the opposition batters firstly, but also how we can contribute with the bat." Cummins said the MCG Test was one of the best he has been a part of in his career with record crowds turning up on all five days.
"What an amazing Test match, I reckon one of the best I've been part of. All week the crowd has been ridiculous, and it's been amazing to be part of.
"Marnus helped me out in that second innings big time, happy to contribute with the bat as well. Amazing innings from Steve too," he added.

2024 has been a defining year for Indian sports with monumental victories across cricket, athletics, chess, and para-sports. India’s T20 World Cup triumph, Paris Olympics, and record-breaking feats by para-athletes have set new benchmarks.

Indian sports in 2024: A year of triumphs, milestones, and narrow defeats

2024 has been a transformative year for Indian sports. From cricket to chess, and Olympic to Paralympic achievements, the country has shown that it is poised to become a dominant force in global sports.

2024 was a landmark year for Indian sports, with numerous highs and a few near-misses. This year saw history being written in cricket, athletics, chess, and para-sports.
Several key moments across various events will be etched in the memories of Indian sports fans. Dates like &mdash; June 29, July 30, and December 12 &mdash; will forever symbolize the nation's sporting achievements.
Cricket World Cup Glory: India's Supremacy <img src="https://cdn.editorji.com/67726f58290e7_1735552856.jpg" width="634" height="356"> 
On June 29, 2024, the Indian cricket team, led by Rohit Sharma, achieved what had eluded them for over a decade &mdash; the ICC Cricket World Cup. 
In a thrilling tournament, India secured their long-awaited T20 World Cup title, ending a run of heartbreaks in the knockout stages of global tournaments. This victory reaffirmed India&rsquo;s position as the most influential nation in cricket.
Despite this triumph, the year also saw a setback on the Test front.
<h4>India's Whitewash Defeat to New Zealand</h4>
<img src="https://cdn.editorji.com/67726f2c5cae6_1735552812.jpg" width="634" height="356">
In contrast to their World Cup success, India&rsquo;s Test cricket season took a painful turn in November 2024. For the first time in 12 years, India lost a home Test series &mdash; a 0-3 whitewash by New Zealand.
The loss was even more striking as New Zealand was without their star player, Kane Williamson.
While the World Cup victory was a significant high, this defeat served as a reminder that India still needs to focus on consistency across all formats.
<h4>Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli&rsquo;s Retirement</h4>
<img src="https://cdn.editorji.com/67726f8c9255b_1735552908.jpg" width="634" height="356">
After their historic Cricket World Cup victory, both Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli announced their retirement from T20 international cricket.
The decision marked the end of an era for two of India&rsquo;s most iconic cricketers. Their retirement was a moment of reflection for Indian fans, who had witnessed their unmatched contributions to the T20 format over the years.
Ashwin&rsquo;s Retirement: A Late 2024 Setback
<img src="https://cdn.editorji.com/67726fbbe68ad_1735552955.jpg" width="634" height="356">
India&rsquo;s second-highest wicket-taker, Ravichandran Ashwin, announced his retirement from international cricket after the 3rd Test against Australia in the Border-Gavaskar trophy, bringing an end to a remarkable era of spin mastery.
With over 700 international wickets and 6 Test hundreds, Ashwin&rsquo;s legacy as an all-rounder is firmly etched in cricketing folklore.
<h4>India&rsquo;s Historic Olympic Journey in Paris 2024</h4>
<img src="https://cdn.editorji.com/677270616ce0c_1735553121.jpg" width="634" height="356">
India's Olympic campaign in Paris was filled with triumphs and heartbreaks. The nation secured six medals &mdash; one silver and five bronze &mdash; marking a strong performance.
However, these medals were accompanied by a series of near-misses that kept the nation on the edge of its seat.
<h4>Neeraj Chopra&rsquo;s Silver in Javelin Throw</h4>
<img src="https://cdn.editorji.com/677270a7153d3_1735553191.jpg" width="634" height="356">
India&rsquo;s star athlete, Neeraj Chopra, secured a silver medal in the men&rsquo;s javelin throw at the 2024 Olympics, solidifying his status as one of India&rsquo;s greatest sports icons.
This silver followed his gold medal in Tokyo 2020, further establishing his dominance on the global stage and inspiring millions of aspiring athletes.
<h4>Men&rsquo;s Hockey: Second Successive Bronze</h4>
<img src="https://cdn.editorji.com/677270da7139d_1735553242.jpg" width="634" height="356">
India&rsquo;s men&rsquo;s hockey team made history by securing a second consecutive bronze medal at the Olympic Games, after a narrow loss to Germany.
The team's resilience was evident as they regrouped to defeat Spain 2-1, marking an incredible achievement for the sport in India.
<h4>Manu Bhaker&rsquo;s Redemption in Shooting</h4>
<img src="https://cdn.editorji.com/6772713fc8918_1735553343.jpg" width="632" height="355">
Manu Bhaker became a key highlight of India&rsquo;s Olympic success, making history by winning multiple medals. After overcoming a tough Tokyo Games, Bhaker clinched the bronze in the 10m air pistol mixed team event, partnering with Sarabjot Singh on July 30.
Her redemption story became one of the most memorable moments in Indian Olympic history.
Wrestling and Other Near-Misses
<img src="https://cdn.editorji.com/67727172208cb_1735553394.jpg" width="634" height="356">
India&rsquo;s wrestling contingent, led by Vinesh Phogat, was poised for a gold medal in Paris but was disqualified due to a weight discrepancy, which ended her hopes of a historic win. Other athletes like Lakshya Sen, Mirabai Chanu, and Arjun Babuta came close to medal finishes, with many narrowly missing out on podium finishes.
<h4>2024 Paralympics: India's Historic Performance <img src="https://cdn.editorji.com/677271ad5282a_1735553453.jpg" width="634" height="356"></h4>
India&rsquo;s para-athletes made 2024 a groundbreaking year, bringing home 29 medals, including 7 golds, 9 silvers, and 13 bronzes, marking their most successful Paralympic campaign ever. This stellar performance saw India finish 18th on the overall medal table, with athletes like Avani Lekhara, Sumit Antil, and Mariyappan Thangavelu rising to prominence as national heroes.
Their achievements highlighted the strength and determination of Indian para-athletes, with many setting new records and achieving personal bests on the global stage.
<h4>Chess: A Rising Power in the Game of 64 Squares</h4>
<img src="https://cdn.editorji.com/677271ff2bbd4_1735553535.jpg" width="634" height="356">
In December, India continued its dominance in chess with two historic performances. D Gukesh, at just 18, became the youngest-ever FIDE World Chess Champion, surpassing Garry Kasparov's long-held record on December 12. His victory in Singapore not only established him as a future chess superstar but also marked India&rsquo;s growing influence in global chess.
<img src="https://cdn.editorji.com/6772722e03a6b_1735553582.jpg" width="634" height="356">
Additionally, the Indian chess teams, both men&rsquo;s and women&rsquo;s, triumphed at the Chess Olympiad in Budapest, winning gold medals. Individually, Koneru Humpy won the Women's Rapid World Championship title in New York, further solidifying India&rsquo;s chess credentials.
<h4>Para-Sports: A Year of Milestones</h4>
<img src="https://cdn.editorji.com/6772725c72d6d_1735553628.jpg" width="632" height="355">
India's para-sports contingent had a breakthrough year in Paris. With 29 medals, the country finished 18th in the medal standings &mdash; its best-ever finish at the Paralympics. Stars like Avani Lekhara and Sumit Antil clinched multiple gold medals, showcasing India&rsquo;s growing prowess in para-athletics.
Other standout performances came from Mariyappan Thangavelu, Sheetal Devi, Nitesh Kumar, and Praveen Kumar, who added to India's medal tally with inspiring performances.
<h4>India&rsquo;s Success in Other Sports</h4>
<img src="https://cdn.editorji.com/6772728f3ebf6_1735553679.jpg" width="634" height="356">
In addition to Olympic and Paralympic achievements, India also excelled in non-Olympic sports. Rohan Bopanna, at 44, won the Australian Open men's doubles title, marking a new peak in Indian tennis.
Another major achievement was in table tennis, where India secured its first-ever medal at the Asian Table Tennis Championships. The women&rsquo;s team, featuring Manika Batra, Sreeja Akula, and Ayhika Mukherjee, clinched a historic bronze in Astana, Kazakhstan.
Sumit Nagal Breaks into Top 100
<img src="https://cdn.editorji.com/677272c486cfc_1735553732.jpg" width="639" height="359">
In tennis, Sumit Nagal made history by breaking into the ATP Top 100 for the first time in his career. His rise in the rankings marked a significant breakthrough for Indian tennis, signalling the potential for more success on the international stage in the coming years.
<h4>The Road Ahead: A Vision for the Future</h4>
<img src="https://cdn.editorji.com/677272f3b9ad1_1735553779.jpg" width="632" height="355">
Looking forward, India&rsquo;s sporting landscape is brighter than ever. The country has made remarkable strides in cricket, chess, Olympic sports, and para-sports. The next milestone is the 2036 Olympic bid, with the formal intent to host the Games a significant step toward a more structured and global sporting presence.
However, systemic improvements are still needed to support athletes and administrators better. The vision for the future hinges on ensuring that India&rsquo;s sporting infrastructure evolves to meet the growing demands of its athletes. Conclusion
2024 has been a transformative year for Indian sports. From cricket to chess, and Olympic to Paralympic achievements, the country has shown that it is poised to become a dominant force in global sports. While challenges remain, India&rsquo;s athletes continue to push boundaries, with a bright future ahead.

Jaiswal and Rishabh Pant (30 off 104) batted out the entire second session to take India to 112/3 but the latter’s fall opened the doors for the home team.

Australia beat India by 184 runs in fourth Test

Jaiswal and Rishabh Pant (30 off 104) batted out the entire second session to take India to 112/3 but the latter&rsquo;s fall opened the doors for the home team.

India slumped to a demoralising 184-run loss to Australia in the fourth Test here on Monday with contemporary greats Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli failing to come good yet again, signalling that their walk towards the exit door is not too far.
Chasing a near improbable target of 340, both Rohit (9 off 40 balls) and Kohli (5) failed to battle their technical frailties and mental cobwebs as India lost seven wickets for 34 runs in just 20.4 overs in the final session to be all out for 155 in 79.1 overs.
Australian captain Pat Cummins (3/28 in 18 overs) was superb as usual and Scott Boland was also magnificent (3/39 in 16 overs) in his every spell.
Nathan Lyon (2/37 in 20.1 overs) took advantage of variable bounce while Mitchell Starc (1/25 in 16 overs) got the prized scalp of Kohli.
This was after an 88-run fourth-wicket stand between Yashasvi Jasiwal and Rishabh Pant.
"Pretty disappointing. We wanted to fight but we could not do it," a dejected Rohit said in the post-match presentation.
"We tried everything but they fought hard. We did not grab our chances," he conceded.
Australia now lead the series 2-1 and unless India draw level in Sydney, a third successive World Test Championship final could become a distant dream. Even to retain the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, India would need to post a win.
Save Jaiswal (84, 208 balls), whose controversial caught-behind in which the third umpire overruled technology to adjudge him out, none of the other batters performed well enough to save the team.
"They batted well in the middle session. We knew that we had to get one breakthrough and anything can happen and that proved to be the case.
"We had plenty of runs to play with, we had plenty of fielders with the helmet around," a beaming Cummins, who was also adjudged player of the match for his haul of six wickets, said in the presentation ceremony.
The art of saving Test matches has slowly become extinct but India would have depended on their two senior-most players, who are also fighting to save their legacy and reputation built over nearly two decades.
In case of Rishabh Pant, it was one bad shot too many after a full session in which he concentrated. He got a rank long hop from Travis Head but after a 103-ball vigil, it all came to a naught.
Even Jaiswal's guts and grit couldn't prevent a once highly-rated, but currently a trifle over-rated, Indian batting line-up from implosion with over-the-hill seniors and young superstars unable to handle the pressure.
The defeat could have severe repercussions as there seems to be no light at the end of the tunnel for skipper Rohit.
As for Kohli, despite all his white-ball exploits, the problems outside the off-stump will stick out like a sore thumb.
For Rohit, his ultra-defensive approach in the opening slot, is causing India to stare down the barrel with alarming regularity.
Rohit did all the hard work during the first hour before opposition skipper Cummins got his bunny for the 10th time in Test matches.
Kohli could never control his urge of playing the cover drive again and was caught at first slip after Mitchell Starc pushed one across with the angle.
Rahul was out without troubling the scorers after getting a second good ball in the game.
Rohit's decision to bat up the order backfired and it also tinkered with Rahul's mindset despite him being perfectly fine opening the innings.
The captaincy was pedestrian as he let the game drift on occasions and there were lot of phases that led to India's defeat but none more telling than the final wicket partnership between Scott Boland and Nathan Lyon where the target went out of reach on Sunday.
Save Jasprit Bumrah, who once again toiled manfully for 50 overs and took nine wickets, and find-of-the-series Nitish Reddy, who scored a gritty hundred, there are no positives to be taken from this defeat.
The batting, save for the second innings in the opening Perth Test, has been absolutely below par and India won't be doing themselves any favours if they have walking wickets at the top of the order.
The team is going through a tough transition and it is now time that their feisty head coach Gautam Gambhir shows some spark along with chairman of selectors Ajit Agarkar.

The Melbourne Cricket Ground set a new all-time attendance record during the India-Australia fourth Test, with 350,700 spectators attending the match.

India vs Australia: MCG sets attendance record with 350,700 spectators

After lunch, as India fought to chase a challenging 340-run target, the attendance surpassed 60,000.

The Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) set a new all-time attendance record on Monday, with the total attendance for the fourth Test between India and Australia reaching an unprecedented 350,700. The crowd of 51,371 spectators at lunch on Day 5 pushed the overall attendance past the previous record of 350,535, set during the 1937 Ashes series when Don Bradman was at his peak.
After lunch, as India fought to chase a challenging 340-run target, the attendance surpassed 60,000. Cricket Australia confirmed that the MCG's total attendance of 350,700 was the largest for any Test match ever played at the venue. This number also surpassed the previous record for a Test in Australia, which was set during the 1937 Ashes match.
The fourth Test has become the second most-attended Test match in history, just behind the India-Pakistan clash at Eden Gardens in 1999, which drew 465,000 spectators. On Day 1, 87,242 fans packed the stadium, while Day 2 saw a new record with 85,147 attendees, and Day 3 welcomed 83,073. Day 4 had 43,867 spectators in the stands.
All tickets for Day 5 were priced at 10 Australian dollars.
Stuart Fox, the Melbourne Cricket Club&rsquo;s boss, expressed his amazement at the event&rsquo;s scale, telling cricket.com.au, &ldquo;I&rsquo;ve not seen anything like it at a cricket match.&rdquo; He added, &ldquo;The spirit in the stadium was incredible, with all of our staff remarking on how happy the crowd was. I thought Taylor Swift was big, but this has been something else. With Taylor Swift coming in, a fantastic AFL season, and this Boxing Day Test, 2024 is going to be hard to beat, I can assure you.&rdquo;

Ravi Shastri discusses the future of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, with Kohli expected to continue for a few more years, while Rohit’s career decision depends on his form.

Ravi Shastri weighs in on Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma's future in cricket

Rohit Sharma, instead of playing his natural aggressive style, appeared to adopt a defensive mindset amidst his lean patch, which didn&rsquo;t pay off.

Ravi Shastri, former head coach of the Indian cricket team, believes that Virat Kohli still has several years of cricket left in him. However, when it comes to Rohit Sharma, Shastri feels that the decision regarding his future in the game should be made by the player himself.
Both Kohli and Rohit have been facing poor form in the ongoing Test series against Australia, which has led to significant criticism from fans and cricket experts. During Day 5 of the fourth Test in Melbourne, commentator Mark Nicholas asked Shastri on Star Sports whether he thought the series could mark the end of the road for the two Indian cricketers.
Shastri responded by saying, &ldquo;I think Virat will play for some time. Forget the way he got out, or whatever. I think he'll play for another three or four years. As far as Rohit is concerned, it's a call. At the top of the order, you know, just feel the footwork isn't the same. He's probably at times, late in meeting the ball so it's his call at the end of the series.&rdquo;
On the fifth day, India&rsquo;s chase of a 340-run target was off to a disastrous start. Rohit Sharma (9 off 40 balls) spent considerable time against the Australian attack but was dismissed again by Pat Cummins (2/10), marking his tenth Test match dismissal by the Australian bowler. Kohli (5 off 29), unable to resist the cover drive, was caught at slip after an angled delivery from Mitchell Starc.
By lunchtime, India was struggling at 33 for 3, with hopes of a win fading fast. KL Rahul failed to score, and Yashasvi Jaiswal, though surviving longer, could only muster 14 runs off 83 deliveries.
This cautious approach reflected India&rsquo;s diminishing chances of victory. Earlier in the day, Jasprit Bumrah had completed a remarkable 13th five-wicket haul in Test cricket, helping India dismiss Australia for 234 in their second innings.
Rohit Sharma, instead of playing his natural aggressive style, appeared to adopt a defensive mindset amidst his lean patch, which didn&rsquo;t pay off. Meanwhile, Jaiswal also curbed his natural attacking instincts, even surviving a close call when a late-moving delivery from Cummins narrowly avoided an edge to the gully. Rahul followed soon after, dismissed by a ball that moved away late.

Kagiso Rabada's extraordinary batting performance leads South Africa to a dramatic two-wicket victory over Pakistan, securing a spot in the World Test Championship Final at Lord’s in 2025.

Rabada’s heroics take South Africa to World Test Championship final

Batting at No. 10, Rabada came in just before lunch with his team in dire straits, having slumped from a winning position as they chased a modest target.

Kagiso Rabada has performed plenty of heroics for his country, earning a reputation as a fearsome bowler with more than 300 test wickets, but rarely has he delivered as dramatic a performance as he did with the bat on Sunday to take South Africa to a two-wicket win over Pakistan.
Rabada struck an unbeaten 31 as South Africa squeaked through to a dramatic first-test victory at Centurion and ensured themselves a place in the World Test Championship final at Lord&rsquo;s next June.
"There was a lot of pressure on today. This without doubt is the one innings that I will remember for the rest of my life," Rabada said after the rousing finish.
Batting at No. 10, Rabada came in just before lunch with his team in dire straits, having slumped from a winning position as they chased a modest target.
South Africa needed 148 runs for victory and despite a nervy start looked on course at 96-4 before a sudden collapse saw them reduced to 99-8 and facing imminent defeat.
But Rabada and Marco Jansen put on an unbeaten 51-run partnership including a host of elegant, flourishing shots that any established batter would have been proud of to haul the team over the line.
The 29-year-old said he had a plan in his head and told Jansen so when he got to the crease.
"When I came in, I said to him that I was going to look to be positive. Without any hesitation he said 'OK'. He had his own game-plan, his main thing was one ball at a time, play it on its merit, and that's what he did. He was a bit more orthodox, I was unorthodox, but it worked out."
The pair took the score to 116-8 at lunch, but the odds were still stacked against them with Pakistan requiring only two more wickets and seamer Mohammed Abbas in full flight after taking six wickets in the innings.
&nbsp;
COMMON VICE
At lunch, Jansen and Rabada huddled with coach Shukri Conrad in the corner as they shared their common vice &ndash; a puff on a cigarette.
Conrad said he was refreshingly blunt with them: "Whatever they were going to do, they had to back themselves from the start. I said 'If you are going to go, then go balls to the wall, even if you get close, just continue with what you set out to do'."
Rabada then came out and hit some lusty blows as he and his partner knocked off the remaining 32 runs needed.
"There were little visions of Brian Charles there at times," Conrad joked, in a reference to West Indian great Brian Lara.
"The main thing I was thinking about was to continue to stay positive. If I went into my shell and got out doing that, then I was going to be upset. If I went out being positive I would have accepted that," Rabada added.
Meanwhile his captain, Temba Bavuma, hid for most of the drama after his dismissal sparked the earlier mini-collapse. "I was sulking in the toilet," he told a post-match press conference.
"I didn&rsquo;t know what to say to Marco and KG (Rabada) and KG sits next to me. I only came out when we needed about 15 runs to win."
A teary Bavuma had no words for Rabada's feat when the changeroom celebrations kicked off. "I just jumped on him."

Indian sports personalities, including cricketers, wrestlers, and athletes, paid heartfelt tributes to Dr. Manmohan Singh following his passing. 

Indian Sports Legends Honor Dr. Manmohan Singh’s Legacy After His Passing

Cricket great Sachin Tendulkar termed Singh's demise as a huge loss for the country.

Stalwarts of Indian sports paid rich tributes to former Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh, who died on Thursday, describing him as a visionary, who had quiet strength and humility.
Singh died here after losing consciousness at his home due to age-related ailments. He was 92. 
&nbsp;
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Rest in peace, Dr. Manmohan Singhji. His quiet strength, wisdom, and humility were truly inspiring. I had a brief interaction with him in 2013&mdash;he was kind, gracious, and left a lasting impression. My heartfelt condolences to his family 🙏
&mdash; Pvsindhu (@Pvsindhu1) <a href="https://twitter.com/Pvsindhu1/status/1872570928808481024?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 27, 2024</a></blockquote>
 
&nbsp;
&nbsp;
"Rest in peace, Dr. Manmohan Singhji. His quiet strength, wisdom, and humility were truly inspiring. I had a brief interaction with him in 2013 &mdash; he was kind, gracious, and left a lasting impression. My heartfelt condolences to his family," wrote India's ace shuttler Sindhu on 'X'.
Cricket great Sachin Tendulkar termed Singh's demise as a huge loss for the country. 
&nbsp;
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Dr Manmohan Singh ji&rsquo;s demise is a profound loss for India. His contributions to our nation shall always be remembered. My prayers are with his family and loved ones as we mourn his passing away. Om Shanti. <a href="https://t.co/NO6jB1UZoL">pic.twitter.com/NO6jB1UZoL</a>
&mdash; Sachin Tendulkar (@sachin_rt) <a href="https://twitter.com/sachin_rt/status/1872557892303454336?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 27, 2024</a></blockquote>
 
&nbsp;
&nbsp;
"Dr Manmohan Singh ji's demise is a profound loss for India. His contributions to our nation shall always be remembered. My prayers are with his family and loved ones as we mourn his passing away."
Legendary golfer Jeev Milkha Singh recalled Singh's simplicity and humility, saying he was committed to national duty all his life. 
&nbsp;
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Dr Manmohan Singh was probably one of the most humble men I had met in my life - a simple and extremely intelligent man. His sense of duty and responsibility shone through. The world has lost a visionary. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/RIPDrManmohanSingh?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#RIPDrManmohanSingh</a> <a href="https://t.co/B98HyaMuun">pic.twitter.com/B98HyaMuun</a>
&mdash; Jeev Milkha Singh (@JeevMilkhaSingh) <a href="https://twitter.com/JeevMilkhaSingh/status/1872576929473380660?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 27, 2024</a></blockquote>
 
&nbsp;
&nbsp;
"Dr Manmohan Singh was probably one of the most humble men I had met in my life - a simple and extremely intelligent man. His sense of duty and responsibility shone through. The world has lost a visionary," wrote Jeev. <img src="https://cdn.editorji.com/676e82dfea5bf_1735295711.jpg" width="703" height="392">
On Friday, both the men's and women's cricket teams wore black armbands during their respective national assignments to pay homage to the former PM.
Earlier, World Cup-winning former cricketer Yuvraj Singh called Singh a "true statesman".
&nbsp;
&nbsp;
&nbsp;
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Sad news of the passing of Dr. Manmohan Singh Ji. A visionary leader and a true statesman who worked tirelessly for India&rsquo;s progress. His wisdom and humility will always be remembered. My heartfelt condolences to his loved ones. 🙏 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ManmohanSingh?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ManmohanSingh</a> ji
&mdash; Yuvraj Singh (@YUVSTRONG12) <a href="https://twitter.com/YUVSTRONG12/status/1872328489048875014?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 26, 2024</a></blockquote>
&nbsp;
&nbsp;
&nbsp;
A visionary leader and a true statesman who worked tirelessly for India's progress. His wisdom and humility will always be remembered. My heartfelt condolences to his loved ones," Yuvraj Singh posted on X.
Similar sentiments were expressed by his former teammate and Aam Aadmi Party's Rajya Sabha member Harbhajan Singh, who described Singh as a thorough gentleman and visionary leader.
&nbsp;
&nbsp;
&nbsp;
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Saddened by the news of sudden demise of former Prime Minister, a thorough gentleman, and a visionary leader, Dr. Manmohan Singh Ji 💔💔What truly set him apart was his calm and steady leadership in times of crisis, his ability to navigate complex political landscapes, and his&hellip; <a href="https://t.co/WKbjrnADJQ">pic.twitter.com/WKbjrnADJQ</a>
&mdash; Harbhajan Turbanator (@harbhajan_singh) <a href="https://twitter.com/harbhajan_singh/status/1872329509380444538?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 26, 2024</a></blockquote>
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"What truly set him apart was his calm and steady leadership in times of crisis, his ability to navigate complex political landscapes, and his unwavering belief in India's potential," he wrote.
It was during Singh's second term that India hosted the 2010 Commonwealth Games in the national capital. It was the first international multi-sport extravaganza to be held in the country after the 1982 Asian Games, also hosted by Delhi.
He had also inaugurated the National Football League's 11th edition in Kolkata back in 2005 when late Congress leader Priya Ranjan Dasmunshi was heading the All India Football Federation.
Former wrestler Vinesh Phogat, who is now a Congress MLA in Haryana, called Singh a man of "extraordinary wisdom, simplicity and vision." 
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
भारत ने आज एक ऐसे महानायक को खो दिया, जिन्होंने अपनी असाधारण बुद्धिमत्ता, सादगी और दूरदृष्टि से देश को नई ऊंचाइयों पर पहुंचाया। डॉ. मनमोहन सिंह केवल एक प्रधानमंत्री नहीं थे, बल्कि वे एक विचारक, अर्थशास्त्री और सच्चे देशभक्त थे। उनकी शांत नेतृत्व शैली और आर्थिक दूरदृष्टि ने 1991&hellip; <a href="https://t.co/JDoXy8PvmV">pic.twitter.com/JDoXy8PvmV</a>
&mdash; Vinesh Phogat (@Phogat_Vinesh) <a href="https://twitter.com/Phogat_Vinesh/status/1872330514277023966?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 26, 2024</a></blockquote>
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"Dr. Manmohan Singh was not just a Prime Minister, but he was a thinker, economist and a true patriot. His calm leadership style and economic vision gave the country a new direction, from the 1991 economic reforms to establishing India's reputation on the global stage.
"There was depth in his humility and wisdom in his every word. His services and contributions to the country will always be remembered. You will always live in our hearts, Sir," she wrote in her emotional tribute on social media.
Former cricketers Virender Sehwag and VVS Laxman and ex-women's hockey team captain Rani Rampal were also among those who expressed their sadness at his death.
Before serving as Prime Minister from 2004 to 2014, Singh was finance minister in the P V Narasimha Rao-led government and was the brain behind the economic reforms of 1991 that marked the beginning of liberalisation in the country.
Widely respected for his intellect and grace in public life, Singh had retired from active politics in April this year after over a three-decade run as a Rajya Saha MP.

Virat Kohli was booed by fans after his dismissal in the Boxing Day Test against Australia. Following the incident, he had a brief stand-off with the crowd at MCG, adding to the controversy.

Virat Kohli Faces Boos and Stand-Off with Fans After Dismissal in Boxing Day Test

Kohli's conduct has become a hot topic in the ongoing fourth Test where he shoulder-charged 19-year-old debutant Sam Konstas on the opening day. It resulted in a fine and a demerit point.

Star India batter Virat Kohli was booed and jeered while walking back to the dressing room after his dismissal in the Boxing Day Test against Australia here on Friday, prompting him to turn around for a brief stand-off with the fans.
Kohli's conduct has become a hot topic in the ongoing fourth Test where he shoulder-charged 19-year-old debutant Sam Konstas on the opening day. It resulted in a fine and a demerit point.
On Friday, Kohli batted well for his 36 before being caught behind off Scott Boland.
He was dismissed shortly after a mix-up with Yashasvi Jaiswal resulted in the opener running himself out at 82. Watch video: 
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Virat Kohli booed badly by crowd <a href="https://t.co/Cc0w27pZQP">pic.twitter.com/Cc0w27pZQP</a>
&mdash; imran Alaqband (@ImranAlaqband) <a href="https://twitter.com/ImranAlaqband/status/1872567866542932387?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 27, 2024</a></blockquote>
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As he entered the tunnel leading up to the dressing room, fans in that section of the MCG began booing him and also made some comments in a short clip that has since gone viral.
Kohli strode back after hearing something that was not clearly audible in the 22-second video.
The 36-year-old didn't seem pleased as he looked at the stands on his left before being escorted back to his original destination by a security personnel.
His face off with Konstas on Thursday was condemned as unnecessary by even former India players. ALSO WATCH: <a href="https://www.editorji.com/sports-news/watch-yashasvi-jaiswal-run-out-following-mix-up-with-virat-kohli-in-boxing-day-test-1735286663343" target="_blank">Yashasvi Jaiswal Run Out Following Mix-Up With Virat Kohli in Boxing Day Test</a> &nbsp;

Yashasvi Jaiswal and Virat Kohli's communication error leads to a run-out mishap on Day 2 of the fourth Test at MCG, leaving India trailing by 310 runs.

Jaiswal and Kohli's Mix-Up Costs India in 4th Test

Jaiswal, after clipping the ball towards mid-on, immediately called for a run, but Kohli, unaware of the fielder&rsquo;s position, was slow to respond.

Indian batters Yashasvi Jaiswal and Virat Kohli were involved in a frustrating mix-up on Day 2 of the fourth Test against Australia at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) on Friday.
The pair had built a solid 102-run partnership for the third wicket before the misunderstanding led to Jaiswal's unfortunate dismissal. The incident occurred on the final ball of the 41st over, bowled by Scott Boland.
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">
A massive mix-up between Virat Kohli and Yashasvi Jaiswal sees Jaiswal run out for 82! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AUSvIND?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AUSvIND</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/PlayOfTheDay?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#PlayOfTheDay</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/nrmainsurance?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@nrmainsurance</a> <a href="https://t.co/a9G4uZwYIk">pic.twitter.com/a9G4uZwYIk</a>
&mdash; cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) <a href="https://twitter.com/cricketcomau/status/1872533433701806530?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 27, 2024</a></blockquote>
&nbsp;
 Jaiswal, after clipping the ball towards mid-on, immediately called for a run, but Kohli, unaware of the fielder&rsquo;s position, was slow to respond.
By the time Kohli realized the situation, Jaiswal was already nearly at the striker's end, resulting in a mix-up. Jaiswal found himself stranded, and Australian captain Pat Cummins threw the ball to the striker&rsquo;s end, where wicketkeeper Alex Carey completed the dismissal. ALSO WATCH: <a href="https://www.editorji.com/sports-news/cricket/virat-kohli-booed-at-mcg-after-dismissal-boxing-day-test-1735290246614?ch=uufdf" target="_blank">Virat Kohli booed at MCG after dismissal; turns around for short standoff with fans</a>
Jaiswal, however, played a composed innings, impressing with his technique and a series of elegant boundaries, finishing with 82. At 22, the talented batsman, who had scored 161 runs in the first Test in Perth, looked set for another century before the unfortunate run-out.
The mix-up, where Jaiswal attempted a quick single but was called back by Kohli, brought an abrupt end to their threatening 102-run stand.
Kohli, who had already been fined 20% of his match fee for a shoulder charge on debutant Sam Konstas on Day 1, was dismissed shortly after for 36 when he was caught behind by Alex Carey off Boland&rsquo;s bowling. Boland also dismissed nightwatchman Akash Deep for a duck.
At the end of Day 2, India were at 164/5, still trailing Australia by 310 runs. Australia had been bowled out for 474 shortly after lunch, with Steve Smith contributing a stylish 140. <a href="4.	https:/www.editorji.com/sports-news/cricket/boxing-day-test-india-end-day-two-at-164-5-trail-australia-by-310-runs-1735284445323" target="_blank">ALSO READ: </a><a href="4.	https:/www.editorji.com/sports-news/cricket/boxing-day-test-india-end-day-two-at-164-5-trail-australia-by-310-runs-1735284445323" target="_blank">Boxing Day Test: India end day two at 164/5, trail Australia by 310 runs</a>

Cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar has been awarded honorary membership by the prestigious Melbourne Cricket Club, acknowledging his outstanding contributions to the sport.

Sachin Tendulkar Accepts Honorary Membership at Melbourne Cricket Club

Earlier in 2012, Tendulkar was awarded the Order of Australia, one of the country's highest honours.

The Melbourne Cricket Club (MCC) on Friday said Indian icon Sachin Tendulkar has accepted its invitation to become an honourary member of the prestigious institution.
Founded in 1838, the MCC is one of the oldest sports clubs in Australia and is responsible for the management and development of the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG), one of the game's premier venues.
"An icon honoured. The MCC is pleased to announce that former Indian captain Sachin Tendulkar has accepted an Honorary Cricket Membership, acknowledging his outstanding contribution to the game," the MCC posted on 'X'.
The legendary Tendulkar currently holds the record of most runs at MCG with 449 from five Tests at an average of 44.90 and a strike-rate of 58.69 with a hundred and three fifties.
Earlier in 2012, Tendulkar was awarded the Order of Australia, one of the country's highest honours.
The MCG is currently hosting the vital fourth and penultimate Test match between India and Australia with the rubber evenly poised at 1-1.

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According to a France local daily, Brazil are keen to hire France's 1998 World Cup hero. He has also been in the running for Les Blues' top position

Brazil looking to hire France's Zinedine Zidane as new manager: Report

Following Tite's departure after Brazil's quarterfinal exit in FIFA World Cup, the Selecao are looking to hire France's veteran footballer and coach Zinedine Zidane as the new manager.

Tap to know more

According to a France local daily, Brazil are keen to hire France's 1998 World Cup hero. He has also been in the running for Les Blues' top position

Following Tite's departure after Brazil's quarterfinal exit in FIFA World Cup, the Selecao are looking to hire France's veteran footballer and coach Zinedine Zidane as their new manager.
According to a France local daily, Brazil are keen on hiring France's 1998 World Cup hero. He has also been in the running for Les Blues' top position.
Zidane is currently a free agent since he relinquished his position as Real Madrid's manager in May 2021.
Also read: <a href="https://www.editorji.com/sports-news/football/police-investigate-crowd-trouble-at-man-city-liverpool-game-1671880713975">Police investigate crowd trouble at Man City-Liverpool game</a>

As India prepares for the final Test against Australia, speculation surrounds Rohit Sharma's place in the team due to poor form, while Rishabh Pant’s shot selection could see him dropped.

Pressure mounts on Rohit Sharma as India braces for must-win Sydney Test

There are reports that Rishabh Pant's shot selection has invited the wrath of Gambhir, who is now planning a rap on the knuckles by dropping him in favour of Dhruv Jurel.

Battered by extra bounce and seam movement along with scathing criticism of his leadership, India skipper Rohit Sharma's career as a Test cricketer seems headed for a dispiriting climax amid swirling speculation that he is set to be dropped from the fifth and final Test against Australia starting here on Friday.
Rohit, just like Melbourne, was last among recognised batters to enter the nets but this was after head coach Gautam Gambhir refused to confirm whether the out-of-form skipper will be at the toss on Friday morning.
"We will take a call on the playing XI after looking at the pitch," Gambhir gave a cryptic reply to a straight query on whether Rohit will play.
If it happens, Rohit will become the first Indian captain to be dropped on account of poor form and he would have none to blame except for the abysmal return of 31 runs from five innings.
Should this happen, pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah, who has been the team's top performer with an astonishing 30 wickets in four outings at a sub-20 average, will take over the leadership role. It was under Bumrah's captaincy that India won its only Test on the tour so far -- the lung-opener in Perth.
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Where would that leave Rohit?
Mahendra Singh Dhoni and Anil Kumble walked into Test retirements mid-series as their bodies could no longer take the rigours of the longest format.
However, in Rohit's case, he will be dropped on the basis of form after Gambhir made it clear that performance is the only thing that would keep a player in the dressing room helmed by him.
If he doesn't come out for toss on Friday, it would be safe to conclude that Rohit, the Test batter, played his last knock at the MCG earlier this week where he looked completely out of place on a good track.
While Gambhir didn't spell out the playing eleven, there were enough indications that India might bring back Shubman Gill at number three.
"Indian cricket's transition is in safe hands as long as there are honest people in the dressing room. Only criteria to be in that dressing room is performance," Gambhir said at the pre-match press conference.
Trailing 1-2, a win for Australia will seal their place in the final at the Lord's against South Africa.
India, on other hand, not only require a win but also need Sri Lanka to not lose any of their two Tests at home against Pat Cummins' men.
The visitors aren't looking like a team at ease right now especially Rohit, who is caught between a rock and a hard place both as skipper and batter.
He may or may not announce retirement but playing the traditional format after Sydney looks a long shot.
Add to this, the murmurs of dissension in the team that could have a bearing on how the players perform.
The implosion started with Ravichandran Ashwin retiring and going back home midway through the series and Rohit's poor form has certainly made him lose a bit of command.
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Rishabh Pant in line of fire
There are reports that Rishabh Pant's shot selection has invited the wrath of Gambhir, who is now planning a rap on the knuckles by dropping him in favour of Dhruv Jurel.
If Pant is indeed axed from the game, it would be a redux of the time when legendary all-rounder Kapil Dev was taught a lesson for his poor shot selection during a 1984 tour of England with a similar omission.
During practice on Thursday, Jurel got the same net time as his senior.
When an Australian reporter asked if had some stern words for the boys post the 184-run drubbing in Melbourne, Gambhir didn't deny having an "honest conversation" and also stressed on the need to play for the team's cause.
Pant was also seen engaged in a long conversation with vice captain Jasprit Bumrah.
India will also have to make one change owing to Akash Deep's stiff back that has forced him out.
The coach's favourite Harshit Rana could be in but with his questionable consistency and drop in speed in the second and third spells, Prasidh Krishna can't be ruled out either.
In this backdrop, facing an Australian team with Steve Smith and Marnus Labuschagne back in form isn't an easy proposition.
"I haven't actually noticed as I am in my own bubble," Pat Cummins said when asked about whether he noticed that in the rival camp, another out-of-form batter Virat Kohli has been looking more proactive in the leadership role than the regular skipper.
The Australian team will be handing a debut to all-rounder Beau Webster, who would replace an off-colour Mitchell Marsh who hasn't scored much runs throughout the series.
"There is one change with Beau Webster coming in place of Mitch Marsh. Mitch knows that he hasn't scored enough runs," the home skipper informed.
Cummins will also have Mitchell Starc for company as he has been cleared after back scans.
The pitch, according to Cummims, is seamer-friendly. He said the fast bowlers are "happy with the surface".
Despite the challenging build-up, Gambhir said he is "extremely confident" of retaining the Border Gavaskar Trophy. The players will hope to be as confident as they prepare for the fight to keep their World Test Final chances alive.
Teams (from):
Australia: Pat Cummins (captain), Sam Konstas, Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Steve Smith, Alex Carey (wk), Beau Webster, Mitchell Starc, Scott Boland and Nathan Lyon
India: Rohit Sharma (captain), Jasprit Bumrah (vice captain), Yashasvi Jaiswal, KL Rahul, Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Rishabh Pant (wk), Dhruv Jurel (wk), Ravindra Jadeja, Mohammed Siraj, Harshit Rana, Prasidh Krishna, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Tanush Kotian, Sarfaraz Khan.
Match starts at 5 am IST.

India's top sporting honor, the Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award, celebrates excellence in sports. Manu Bhaker, D Gukesh, Harmanpreet Singh, and Praveen Kumar are recognized for their outstanding contributions.

Manu Bhaker, D Gukesh to get Khel Ratna award

The 22-year-old Bhaker became independent India's first athlete to win two medals in a single edition of the Olympics.

The quartet of shooter Manu Bhaker, chess world champion D Gukesh, men's hockey captain Harmanpreet Singh and para-athlete Praveen Kumar were on Thursday named recipients of this year's Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award -- the country's highest sporting honour.
The 22-year-old Bhaker became independent India's first athlete to win two medals in a single edition of the Olympics with her bronze-winning show in the 10m air pistol individual and 10m air pistol mixed team events in August.
In the same Games, Hamranpreet led the Indian hockey team to its second consecutive bronze medal.
The 18-year-old Gukesh, on the other hand, became the youngest ever World champion while also helping the Indian team win a historic gold in the Chess Olympiad last year.
The fourth recipient will be para high-jumper Praveen, who was crowned the T64 champion in the Paris Paralympics.
The T64 classification is for athletes who have one or both legs missing below the knee and rely on a prosthetic leg for running.
"The awardees will receive their awards from the President of India at a specially organised function at Rashtrapati Bhavan on 17th January, 2025 (Friday) at 1100 hours," the sports ministry said in a press release.

India pacer Akash Deep ruled out of the fifth Test against Australia due to a stiff back. India trails 1-2 in the series and needs a win to retain the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. Replacement options include Harshit Rana or Prasidh Krishna.

Akash Deep Ruled Out of Fifth Test Against Australia

India trail 1-2 in the five-match series and need to win the fifth and final game to retain the Border-Gavaskar Trophy.

India pacer Akash Deep was on Thursday ruled out of the the fifth and final Test against Australia starting here on Friday owing to a stiff back.
Akash had taken five wickets from two Tests in Brisbane and Melbourne so far. He was a bit unlucky to not get more as multiple catches were dropped off his bowling during the two games.
" Akash Deep is out with back issue," India coach Gautam Gambhir said in the pre-match press conference here.
Gambhir said the playing XI would be decided after taking a look at the pitch.
The 28-year-old right-arm pacer bowled a total of 87.5 overs across two Test matches and his niggle could be a result of the heavier than usual workload he has endured.
The hard Australian grounds can cause knee, ankle and back issues for pacers.
Either Harshit Rana or Prasidh Krishna could make it to the eleven in place of Akash.
India trail 1-2 in the five-match series and need to win the fifth and final game to retain the Border-Gavaskar Trophy.

India's head coach Gautam Gambhir emphasizes the importance of private dressing room debates, honest conversations, and performance as key to staying in the team.

Gautam Gambhir Prioritizes Honesty and Performance in Indian Cricket

Gambhir also confirmed that pacer Akash Deep will miss the New Year Test with a stiff back, though he refrained from naming a replacement for him.

Asserting that "debates" in the dressing room should not come out in public domain, India head coach Gautam Gambhir on Thursday said he has had some "honest" conversations with his players as only performance can help them stay in the set-up.
Gambhir also side-stepped queries on whether out-of-form skipper Rohit Sharma will get a place in the final XI for the fifth and final Test against Australia starting on Friday.
Amid speculation of unrest in the dressing room, the feisty head coach sought to douse the fire by declaring that they were "just reports, not truth".
"Debates between coach and player should remain in dressing room. Stern words. They were just reports not truth," Gambhir said in the pre-match press meet here.
"Indian cricket will be in safe hands till honest people stay in the dressing room. Only thing that keeps you in the dressing room is performance," he added.
"There were honest words and honesty is important," he asserted.
Gambhir refused to say whether Rohit will get a place in the team. The question thrown at him was why the captain had not come to address the match-eve press conference as is the norm and if he is there in the final XI.
"Everything is fine with Rohit. The head coach is here and that should be enough. We will decide on the playing XI after looking at the pitch," Gambhir said.
The former opener also said his discussions with senior batter Virat Kohli and Rohit have only been about strategies to win the ongoing Test series.
"Every individual knows what are the areas to work on. We have only had one conversation with them (and that is) how to win Test matches," he said.
Gambhir also confirmed that pacer Akash Deep will miss the New Year Test with a stiff back, though he refrained from naming a replacement for him.
Although he refused to analyse individuals when asked about the questionable shot selection of players like Rishabh Pant in crunch situations, Gambhir did assert that the team's interest is paramount.
"I don't want to talk about individuals. Team first ideology matters. People can play natural game but in team sport, individuals only contribute," he said.

Travis Head’s unique "finger on the ice" celebration after dismissing Rishabh Pant in the Boxing Day Test sparks both intrigue and controversy, drawing reactions from players and critics.

Travis Head explains 'finger on ice' celebration after dismissing Pant

Head's celebration quickly gained attention and went viral on social media. After the match, Australian captain Pat Cummins was asked about it and he offered a lighthearted explanation.

Australia batter Travis Head has explained his unusual celebration after dismissing Rishabh Pant in the Boxing Day Test, stating it signifies "finger on the ice," a quirky gesture that he first showed during the tour of Sri Lanka.
After batting through an entire session, Yashasvi Jaiswal and Rishabh Pant appeared poised to guide India to a draw on the final day of the Boxing Day Test.
However, Head turned the game on its head by dismissing Pant, which triggered a dramatic Indian collapse and paved the way for a 184-run Australian victory, giving the hosts a 2-1 lead in the five-match series.
Pant mis-timed a pull shot and was caught at long-on, after which Head celebrated the moment with his distinctive gesture of folding the fingers of his left hand into a circle and dipping the forefinger of his right hand into it.
"Finger on the ice. I started in Sri Lanka. I put my finger on the ice and be ready to go for the next one," Head told 'Triple M Radio' after the Melbourne Test.
"I didn't expect to be bowling. I thought Galle would be my next bowling. I'll go put it down in a little cup of ice, be ready to go up there next," he added, referring to Australia's upcoming tour of the island nation.
Head's celebration quickly gained attention and went viral on social media. After the match, Australian captain Pat Cummins was asked about it and he offered a lighthearted explanation.
"I can explain it. It's his finger so hot he's got to put in a cup of ice. Yeah that's what it is," Cummins told reporters.
"So, that's normally the running joke. It was in the Gabba or somewhere he got a wicket as well and just straight to the fridge, grabs a bucket of ice, puts his finger in and just walks in front of Lyno (Nathan Lyon)...just like that (he) thinks it's very funny.
"So that's what it would have been, nothing else."
However, Head's celebration didn't sit well with former India cricketer Navjot Singh Sidhu, who demanded "stringent action" against the Australian player, calling it "obnoxious".
"Travis head's obnoxious behaviour during the course of the Melbourne test doesn't auger well for for the gentleman's game...sets the worst possible example when there are kids, women , young &amp; old watching the game.
"...this caustic conduct did not insult an individual but a nation of 1.5 billion Indians...stringent punishment that would serve a deterrent for the future generations needs to be slapped on him so that no one dares follow suit !!!" Sidhu posted on X.
The two teams will play the pivotal final Test at the Sydney Cricket Ground, starting January 3.

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