Australia’s 19-year-old opener Sam Konstas, who scored a half-century on his Test debut at the MCG during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, revealed a heartfelt post-match conversation with his idol, Virat Kohli. Despite an on-field shoulder bump that earned Kohli a demerit point, the Indian star wished Konstas well for his upcoming Sri Lanka tour. "I idolise him. Playing against legends like Kohli and Bumrah was surreal," Konstas shared. The debutant, amazed by the 90,000-strong crowd at MCG, is set to play Big Bash League matches under David Warner before heading to Sri Lanka for red-ball cricket on January 29.

The Champions Trophy 2025, set to begin on February 19, may move from Pakistan to the UAE. Construction at Lahore, Karachi, and Rawalpindi stadiums remains incomplete. The ICC requires the venues to be ready by February 12. Reports suggest the PCB is struggling to meet the deadline. An ICC team is expected to visit Pakistan soon to assess progress. If the stadiums fail to meet standards, the tournament could shift entirely to Dubai. This would be a setback for the PCB, which had insisted on hosting the event in Pakistan. The coming days will decide the tournament’s future location.

Following India’s 1-3 Border Gavaskar Trophy defeat against Australia, the BCCI announced a review of the team’s performance. Despite scrutiny of senior players Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma for their poor performances, both will remain in contention for the Champions Trophy and England Test series. Head coach Gautam Gambhir, whose role faced criticism, will also retain his position. Kohli scored a century in the first Test but faltered later, while Rohit managed only 31 runs in 3 matches. Gambhir defended the players, citing their passion for Indian cricket. India will next face England in white-ball games and a five-match Test series.

India's Test captain Rohit Sharma faces scrutiny after a dismal performance in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, amassing only 31 runs across five innings in Australia. His "I'm not going anywhere" comment on retirement reportedly holds little weight in the BCCI circuit. The 37-year-old's poor form, averaging just over 10 in his last eight Tests, has raised questions about his future in the format. The upcoming BCCI Special General Meeting will review the team's performance, with chief selector Ajit Agarkar expected to play a pivotal role in deciding Rohit's fate. Speculation grows as fans await clarity on his Test career.

Sunil Gavaskar criticized the Ajit Agarkar-led selection committee after India’s 1-3 Border-Gavaskar Trophy loss, questioning Virat Kohli’s automatic Test selection. Kohli scored just 190 runs in nine innings, averaging 23.75. Gavaskar urged Kohli to play Ranji Trophy, citing it as crucial for regaining confidence and form. "If no one can drop him, why have a selection committee?" Gavaskar asked, adding that Kohli’s inclusion for the England tour must be debated. India's coach Gautam Gambhir also emphasized domestic cricket's importance. Kohli’s declining Test performance, with only three centuries in his last 39 matches, has raised serious concerns.

Former Indian captain Sunil Gavaskar criticized the "star culture" in Indian cricket following the 1-3 Border-Gavaskar Trophy loss to Australia. Gavaskar urged the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to enforce strict accountability, emphasizing that players must prioritize Indian cricket over personal agendas. He highlighted the team's failure to qualify for the World Test Championship final, calling it a missed opportunity. Gavaskar stressed, “Indian cricket comes first. Full commitment is non-negotiable.” The series loss, marked by senior players’ underperformance, including Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, has reignited calls for reforms in Indian cricket.

Australian captain Pat Cummins expressed his admiration for Virat Kohli, calling him a great competitor who brings excitement to the game. Responding to rumours about Kohli's retirement, Cummins said he would be "sad" if the Border-Gavaskar Trophy was the Indian star's final series in Australia. He praised Kohli's theatrical style and consistent performances, noting that dismissing him is crucial for any team. Cummins also mentioned that Kohli’s absence would be a loss to the game, adding that the series win was significant, especially with a spot in the World Test Championship Final secured.

Australian batter Usman Khawaja described Jasprit Bumrah as the toughest bowler he has ever faced, following the conclusion of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. Bumrah claimed 32 wickets at an astonishing average of 13.06, earning the Player of the Series title. Reflecting on the final Test in Sydney, Khawaja expressed relief when Bumrah missed the last innings due to a back spasm, saying, "I was just getting Bumrah’d!" Travis Head also lauded Bumrah's exceptional performance during the series. Despite India’s efforts, Australia chased down 162 in the final innings, clinching the series 3-1.

Virat Kohli made headlines on Day 3 of the fifth Test against Australia at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG) with a pointed response to crowd jeers. Following Steve Smith's dismissal at 9,999 Test runs, Kohli turned to the stands, mimicking empty pockets, referencing the infamous Sandpapergate scandal of 2018. Smith, aiming to become the fourth Australian to score 10,000 Test runs, was caught by Yashasvi Jaiswal off a Prasidh Krishna delivery. The Sandpapergate scandal involved Smith, David Warner, and Cameron Bancroft using sandpaper to tamper with the ball against South Africa. Kohli's antics reignited discussions about the controversial incident.

Cricket legend Sunil Gavaskar voiced disappointment over not being invited to present the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, despite being present at the venue during Australia's victory over India in the five-match Test series. The trophy, named after Gavaskar and Allan Border, was handed to Australia by Border alone. Gavaskar remarked, "It should not matter who won; I would have been happy to present it alongside my friend Allan Border." Cricket Australia acknowledged the oversight, stating it would have been preferable for both to participate. Australia reclaimed the trophy after 10 years, winning the Sydney Test and drawing record crowds across venues.