Former England spinner Monty Panesar has made a significant statement regarding Gautam Gambhir’s role as India’s head coach, expressing doubts over the team’s perceived lack of seriousness toward his coaching methods. Panesar’s remarks come after India’s disappointing performances in the longer format of the game, which include a 0-3 whitewash at home against New Zealand and a 1-3 series defeat to Australia in the Border Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) 2024-25. His analysis draws attention to Ga?mbhir’s on?going struggles to establish authority and credibility in the eyes of the players.

Gautam Gambhir’s workload and transition challenges

Panesar has pointed out that Gambhir, despite his transition from playe??r to coach, may be struggling to manage the dual responsibility across all formats. He believed that Gambhir’s relationship with senior players, who once shared the dressing room with him?, adds an additional layer of difficulty in asserting his role as a leader. Furthermore, Panesar brought attention to Gambhir’s underwhelming record in Test cricket overseas, particularly in Australia and England, which has hindered his credibility as a tactical coach.

“I think maybe the workload is too much for Gambhir. He’s just transitioned into a coach. Sometimes it can be difficult for some of the senior players who will actually be thinking, ‘Well, I was his teammate a few years ago, now he’s telling us how to play cricket.â€?It can be difficult, that transition,” Panes??ar was quoted ?as saying by the Times of India.

Panesar further emphasized Gambhir’s struggle with ??performing in chal?lenging conditions.

“He averages 23 in Australia. He doesn’t average well in England either. He didn’t play the moving ball very well. I think the selectors will be thinking, ‘Is Gambhir taking it seriously as a coach, or should we get him to just focus on ODIs and T20Is?,” the former left-arm spinner added.

Also READ: Sunil Gavaskar, Irfan Pathan? reveal t?heir India squad for the Champions Trophy 2025

Need for a more respected coaching figure: Monty Panesar’s choice

Given these challenges, Panesar has suggested that VVS Laxman could be a better fit for the Test coaching role. Laxman’s career has been defined by his success in difficult conditi?ons, including his stellar performances in Australia and England. Panesar believes that Laxman, with his experience and ability to command respect, would bring much-needed authority to India’s Test side.

“You need some sort of Indian legend who has done really well in all conditions to come in as a coach because then you naturally command that respect. If Laxman tells you, ‘You are not going to play the ball on the up when it is swinging,â€?you listen, right?,” Panesar emphasized.

Panesar also noted Laxman’s similarity to Rahul Dravid, whose success as a coach ??has been widely acknowledged, and believes that Laxman could bring similar technical acumen and tactical insig?ht to India’s setup.

“He’s similar to Rahul Dravid. He’s been successful in all conditions. Laxman could be brought in as a batting coach to assist Gambhir, or even take over the Test coaching role entirely,” the 42-year-old stated.

Gambhir’s limited appeal to players

One of the critical points that Panesar raised is the lack of trust and respect Gambhir seems to have among the current players. Unl?ike someone like Laxman, whose stellar international career has earned him immense respect, Gambhir’s transition into coaching hasn’t ??yet gained that same level of credibility. According to Panesar, this gap could be a key reason why the players might not fully engage with Gambhir’s tactical advice.

“I’m not sure if they really take Gambhir seriously, or they’re just saying, ‘Okay, yeah, we’ll listen to him, but we’re going to play our natural game.â€?With Laxman, the players would naturally listen because of his terrific record,” Panesar concluded.

Also READ: Harbhajan Singh picks his India squad for the C????hampions Trophy 2025; big names misses out

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Former England cricketer Monty Panesar, known for his prowess as a spinner, recently weighed in on one of cricket’s long-standing debates: who is the better off-spinner between Nathan Lyon and Ravichandran Ashwin? Both bowlers rank among the top wicket-takers in Test history, with Lyon standing seventh on the all-time list with 530 wickets from 129 Tests and Ashwin close behind with 522 wickets in just 101 matches. Both spin wizards will soon be seen in action in the Border Gavaskar Trophy (BGT).

Monty Panesar settles the debate: Ravichandran Ashwin vs Nathan Lyon

In Panesar’s assessment, Lyon holds a slight edge over Ashwin due to his remarkable performances on Australian soil as it’s renowned for its fast, bouncy pitches that offer little assistance to spinners. Despite these challenging conditions, Lyon has dominated opposition batters with consistency, making him a potent weapon in Australia’s bowling arsenal. His ability to thrive in a country where spinners generally struggle underscores his skill and resilience.

“I think I see Nathan Lyon in my opinion. Yes, he is a better bowler,” Panesar was quoted as saying by NDTV Sports.

Also READ: Here’s why Muttiah Muralitharan believes his 800 Test wickets record will rem?ain unbroken

Nightmare for the batters

However, Panesar also acknowledged that Ashwin reigns supreme in Asian conditions, where pitches are more conducive to spin. With his deep understanding of how to extract turn and bounce from subcontinental surfaces, Ashwin has been a nightmare for batters in India and across the region. Panesar emphasized that Ashwin’s all-round abilities, especially his contributions with the bat, further elevate his status. As a bowler who can think like a batter, Ashwin’s mental acumen allows him to outfox opposition players with remarkable consistency.

“But I think Ashwin is a better bowler in India. I think he thinks like a batter when he bowls. He is able to pick out the weakness and he can exploit it, and that is his biggest advantage. He bats really well when he bowls; he knows what the batters are thinking,” Panesar concluded.

Cricketing brilliance on full display 

Ashwin’s brilliance was on full display in the first Test of the two-match series against Bangladesh at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai. At 38, Ashwin ??continues to defy age, delivering world-class performances with both bat and ball. His all-round efforts in this match earned him the Player of the Match award, wit??h a splendid century and a match-defining six-wicket haul.

In a tricky situation during India’s first innings, Ashwin played a pivotal role by scoring a crucial 113 off 133 balls, lifting India from a precarious position. The home crowd witnessed Ashwin at his best as he guided his team to a formidable total. Later, as the pitch began to offer assistance to spinners, Ashwin ran through the Bangladeshi batting ord??er, picking up six wickets for 88 runs in 21 overs. His spell, full of guile and control, helped India register an emphatic 280-run victory, proving once again why he is one of the finest spinne??rs in world cricket.

Also READ: Sri Lanka great Rangana Herath reveals his top 5 favourite spinners in ?modern cricket

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India and South Africa are on the cusp of a monumental showdown in the final of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024, set to unfold in Barbados on Saturday (June 29). Both teams have marched into the ultimate contest with unb??lemished records, showcasing sheer dominance throughout the tournament.

India and South Africa

India’s journey to the final was punctuated by a resounding 68-run victory over defending champions England in the semifinals, solidifying their status as tournament favorites. Meanwhile, South Africa exuded confidence with a commanding nine-wicket triumph over Afghanistan, further fortifying their unbeaten streak.

This final will mark a historic moment in T20 World Cup history as it feature two teams that have navigated their way without a single defeat. South Africa have triumphed in every encounter, while India’s only setback came in a rain-affected match against Canada.

South Africa’s maiden voyage

For South Africa, the 2024 edition final presents a historic opportunity as they aim for their maiden title in this format. Unwavering in their pursuit, the Proteas have demonstrated clinical precision and tactical prowess throughout the tournament, culminating in an impressive journey to their first-ever T20 World Cup summit clash. Led by their seasoned campaigners and buoyed by recent victories, South Af??????????????????????????rica enter the final with a blend of confidence and determination to etch their name in cricketing history.

Also READ: From MS Dhoni to Aiden Markram: List of captains to reach T?20 World Cup finals

India’s formidable challenge

Meanwhile, despite India’s comprehensive preparations and all-encompassing strategy, star batter Virat Kohli has faced a formidable challenge in the ongoing mega event. Kohli has managed a mere 75 runs across seven innings, grappling with two golden ducks in this edition of the mega event. However, amidst his lean patch, former England cricketer Monty Panesar??, speaking to ANI, has backed Kohli to shine in the final, predicting a potential century from the stalwart against South Africa.

“Virat Kohli will score 100,” Panesar said.

Monty Panesar’s winner for the T20 World Cup 2024

As anticipation builds towards the final showdown, cricket pundits and fans alike are eagerly awaiting the outcome of this epic clash between India and South Africa. Apart from Kohli’s resurgence with a century , Panesar further predicted the triumph of Men in Blue over the Proteas in the final encounter.

“India will win the T20 World Cup final,” Panesar concluded.

Also READ: Andy Flower makes ?a bo??ld prediction for the winner of T20 World Cup 2024

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The cricketing world is still buzzing with excitement following England’s spectacular triumph over India in the opening Test at Hyderabad. The unexpected victory has sparked discussions and predictions about the outcome of the five-match Test series, and one of the most notable voices in this discourse is none other than veteran English spinner Monty Panesar.

In a recent interview with ANI, Panesar shared his insights on England’s performance in the first Test, praised the heroes of the match, and made a bold prediction that has caught the attention of cricket enthusiasts around the globe.

The heroes of the Hyderabad Test

England’s victory in Hyderabad showcased the resilience and skill of two standout players, Ollie Pope and Tom Hartley. When the odds seemed stacked against England, Pope played a heroic innings, accumulating a magnificent 196 runs. Hartley, on the other hand, played a pivotal role in the fourth innings, claiming seven crucial wickets to secure the victory for his team. Their exceptional performances not only turned the tide of the match but also laid the foundation for Panesar’s audacious prediction.

Monty Panesar predicts the scoreline of the Test series

In his conversation with ANI, Panesar didn’t hold back in expressing his admiration for Pope and Hartley. He acknowledged their Herculean efforts and suggested that if these two players continue to perform at such a high level, England has the potential to create history by whitewashing India 5-0 in the series. Panesar’s bold prediction reflects the confidence and optimism surging through the English cricketing landscape after their victory in Hyderabad.

“If Ollie Pope and Tom Hartley continue to play like this it will be a whitewash, it will be 5-0 for England. It can happen if Ollie Pope and Tom Hartley play like this,” said Panesar.

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Panesar reflects on the value of England’s win in Hyderabad

Panesar went on to emphasize the significance of England’s triumph in Hyderabad, comparing it to the feeling of winning a World Cup. The unexpected success has injected a new sense of belief and enthusiasm into the English team, and Panesar believes that this momentum can carry them through the entire series.

Critical assessment of Rohit Sharma’s captaincy

Notably, Panesar also did not shy away from offering a critical assessment of Rohit Sharma‘s captaincy in the first Test. He termed Sharma as “clueless” during certain phases of the match, highlighting areas where the Indian skipper may have faltered.

“It is a very big victory, no one even imagined this was even possible. Everyone thought that England would lose after a 190 deficit but Ollie Pope had a brilliant inning one of the best innings we have seen in a long time and Rohit Sharma was clueless,” highlighted the former spinner.

“It was one of the most famous victories England have ever produced overseas. This is big news in England. It feels like we have won the World Cup,” he added.

Also READ: Fans unleash social media outrage? aft?er Pakistan batter Imam-ul-Haq congratulates Sarfaraz Khan on maiden India call-up

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The anticipation among fans is escalating as India and England gear up for their Test series, commencing on January 25 in Hyderabad. The inaugural match of the 5-game series is schedu??led to unfold at the renowned Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium. Subsequent Tests will be held in Visakhapatnam (Feb 2 to Feb 6), Rajkot (Feb 15 to Feb 19), Ranchi (Feb 23 t??o Feb 27), and Dharamsala (Mar 07 to Mar 11).

England last toured India in the 2020-2?1 series, where India emerged victorious with a 3-1 scoreline. When it comes to England’s last series win in India, it dates back to the 2012-13 season when they secured a hard-fought 2-1 triumph.

India’s batting lineup â€?England’s biggest challenge

Like always, the biggest challenge in the upcoming series for England would be the formidable Indian batting lineup. Players such as Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and KL Rahul are renowned for their substantial impact on the game, and in their home conditions, they pose an even greater threat to England’s bowling attack.

However, the biggest w??icket for England would undoubtedly be superstar Kohli. The former India skipper has a tremendous record against the English side with 1991 runs, including five hundreds and nine half-centuries??.

Also READ: From Virat Kohli to James Anderson – 7 players to watch out for in India vs England Test series

Monty Panesar on how to dismiss Virat Kohli

While it remains to be seen what England team would come up to tackle Kohli, former spinner Monty Panesar has shared a strategy to unsettle the Indian superstar. Panesar proposed a psychological tactic, advising the English skipper, Ben Stokes, to exploit Kohli’s ego.

Panesar suggested that the English players should engage in sledging, specifically targeting Kohli about the lack of ICC titles in his record. According to Panesar, employing this tactic could potentially disrupt Kohli’s concentration and help England to dismiss him.

“Play with his ego and get physiologically stuck into him. They should also say things to him like, you guys are chokers when it comes to the final. They should sledge him on those lines because Stokes has won the ODI and T20 WC and Kohli has not and that is going to mentally pinch him,” said Panesar as quoted by India.com.

Also READ: IND vs ENG 2024 – Here’s how fans can buy match tickets for the Hyderabad Test

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Cricket, often hailed as a game of glorious uncertainties, unfolds its unique charm and challenges most prominently when the battleground transforms into a turning pitch. In th?e intricate tapestry of this sport, the playing surface holds paramount significance, and the turning pitch adds a fascinating dimension to the contest between bat and ball.

As the ball grips and spins, seemingly with a mind of its own, batters are confronted with a test of skill and technique, while spinners relish the opportunity to weave their magic. Playing on turn??ing pitches demands a nuanced approach, strategic acumen, and a profound understanding of the subtle dance between the willow and leather.

Recognizing mastery on turning tracks

Not many batters can navigate the challenges posed by turning pitches, particularly those in India. However, cricketing legends like Sachin Tendulkar, Rahul Dravid, Sourav Ganguly, and VVS Laxman ha??ve left an indelible mark, displ??aying their prowess against spin.

When it comes to the contemporary era, there are few players who have earned recognition for their ability to tackle spin, which makes it challenging to single out one standout performer. However, former England spinner Monty Panesar, known for his spin wizardry, has identified a batter he deems the ‘Don Bradman of turning wickets.’

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Monty Panesar picks the ‘Don Bradman of turning wickets.’

Speaking ahead of the much-anticipated India-England Test series, Panesar lauded India’s attacking approach against the turning ball. He singled out Indian skipper Rohit Sharma as the pivotal figure, dubbing him the ‘Don Bradman of turning pitches.’ Panesar emphasized the importance of England dismissing Rohit early to disrupt India’s game plan.

“Indian batters are attacking against the turning ball. They are a bit more fearless. The key man for India is going to be Rohit Sharma. He’s the Don Bradman of turning pitches. His record is unbelievable. England have to get Rohit out early right through to have a chance of winning the Test series. If England can keep Rohit quiet, India will be going to Plan B. You then put the younger batters under pressure. That is going to be key,” said Panesar as quoted by Hindustan Times.

Notably, Rohit’s stellar performance in the previous home Test series against England in 2021 substantiates Panesar’s acclaim. Despite challenging conditions, Rohit displayed impeccable technique, amassing 345 runs at an average of 57.50, including a hundred and a half-century.

Panesar heaps praises on Ravichandran Ashwin

Panesar also showered accolades on India’s star spinner Ravichandran Ashwin, likening him to an app that continually updates itself. Ashwin, on the brink of reaching 500 Test wickets, earned admiration for his adaptability and abilit??y to evolve his bowling repertoire.

“He has had the mindset to keep adapting and bowling different deliveries. He has kept getting better. It’s not easy all the time to take a lot of wickets on turning pitches. He’s been given turners at home, but you can see the way he adapts all the time. He’s like an app, he keeps updating every six months! That’s what he has done through his career,” added Panesar.

Also READ: Mic?hael Clarke names the player who can break Brian Lara’s 400-run Test record

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The World Test Championship (WTC) Final will soon begin on June 7 at the Oval, where India and Australia, the top two sides in the WTC 2021-23 points table, will take on each other. Ahead of the highly-anticipated clash, many experts of the game have laid down their analysis, team combination and game plan for both sides. Following the bandwagon, former England spinner Monty Panesar has picked an ‘X Factor’ of Team India for the summit clash.

Panesar has backed Cheteshwar Pujara to play a vital role for Team India in the upcoming battle mentioning that the Indian top order has been performing exceptionally well. The spin wizard reckoned that Pujara would make a significant impact while referring to Pujara’s performances for Sussex in the County Championship.

Panesar opined that Pujara’s defensive skills make him valuable against the Australian bowlers, particularly in challenging conditions. He also felt that Pujara has successfully adapted his batting technique to suit the specific conditions in England.

“The Indian top order is in form. The conditions will be similar to the Wankhede pitch which is fast and bouncy. My x-factor batter will be Pujara because he has done so well in these English conditions for Sussex. He is the guy who binds this batting line up together,” Panesar told PTI.

“He is good with his defence and if the ball is going to do a little bit, he can negotiate the Aussie bowlers and when the pitch is flat, the others can cash in with some attacking cricket,” he added.

Panesar also observed that Indian pacer Umesh Yadav would most likely play the summit clash due to his excessive pace and batting depth with options like Ravichandran Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja down the order.

“India are the stronger side in my opinion on all fronts. As they will get extra batting options with Ashwin and Jadeja, I would go with Umesh as the third pacer. He is the guy Rohit can go to and say ‘I want you to bowl five overs at 140 plus and rough up the Australian batters’. You will need that extra pace,” Panesar opined further.

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Team India has been lauded for its recent achievements against Australia and New Zealand. Former West Indies skipper Clive Lloyd even hailed the current?? Indian team?? as the best of their ilk.

Many critics opine that the reason behind India’s unstaggering success has been the seamless collaboration between head coach Ravi Shastri and skipper Virat Kohli.

However, former England spinner Monty Panesar reckoned that the Indian team’s success belong more to Shastri than to Kohli and the 59-year-old is responsible for India’s unprecedented victories.

“If one analyses the performance of India in the past few months, you can see that it is more of Ravi Shastri’s team than Virat Kohli’s. At least that’s what I feel,” Panesar told India Today.

Former Pakistan skipper Salman Butt when asked to opine on Panesar’s views, stated that Kohli was equally responsible for his side’s accomplishments as he is one of the best batsmen in the world and failure of a series or two cannot take away the Delhi-lad’s credibility.

“See, I don’t understand why somebody would need to say this. Virat has scored so many runs, was it possible to get such a good winning ratio without it? Not at all. He was not there for one series, we can consider it as a failure. One or two failed series are normal but you still can’t take away his contribution. Similarly, a coach’s positive influence ensures that the team is with him,” Butt said on his YouTube channel.

The Lahore-born further asserted that both the head coach and skipper were equally happy to work with each other, and there was no reason to label one as the precursor to the team’s growth. Butt even took a jibe at Panesar’s outlook, stating that it had no ‘context’ or ‘logic.’

“They both [Ravi Shastri and Virat Kohli] didn’t say anything and are happy to work together… I believe both are equally valuable. In fact, every member is valuable. And when they are all happily working together as a team, why would you say that it’s one’s team more than the other? I don’t know what context and logic he has used,” Butt suggested.

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The day is not too far when India will face New Zealand in the much-awaited battle of the inaugural World Test Championship (WTC). The summit clash will take place from June 18 to ?22 at the Rose Bowl in Southampton.

Notably, the WTC final will be played with some modifications in the rules as well, like DRS Reviews, Short Runs and Player Reviews. Not only that, but a reserve day (on June 23) has also been set aside for maki??ng up for any lost time during the regular days of the game.

As the match-day is getting closer, many cricket experts have started rev??ealing their analysis and prophecies concerning team combinations and the result of the game.

The latest to follow the trend is former England spinner Monty Panesar. The 39-year-old revealed his playing XI of Team? India via Twitter.

Starting with the openers, Monty picked Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill. Both Rohit and Gill have pe?rformed well in the recent past, and they enjoy e??ach others company as well.

After the openers, Panesar selected the middle-order by placing Cheteshwar Pujara, Virat Kohli and Ajinkya Rahane at number three, four and five, respectively. Among the current Indian slot, Kohli is the highest run-g?etter in Test cricket, with 7490 runs from 91 matches. On the other hand, Pujara has managed to score 6244 runs in 85 Tests, while Rahane has amassed 4583 runs from 73 matches.

The former Sussex player chose Rishabh Pant as wicketkeeper and named Ravindra Jadeja and Ravichandran Ashwin as all-rounders. Pant has proven his dexterity in the longest format, especially with his spectacular performance against Australia earlier this year. Similarly, Jadeja and Ashwin have built their statu?re as two of the most valuable players of the current Indian side.

For the pace attack, Panesar went with Jasprit Bumrah, Ishant Sharma, and Mohammed Shami. This trio has been successful in puzzling ou??t batters from various teams, and in the English conditions, all three bowlers would b?e quite lethal.

Here is Monty Panesar’s India’s XI for the WTC final:

Rohit Sharma, Shubman Gill, Cheteshwar Pujara, Virat Kohli, Ajinkya Rahane, Rishabh Pant, Ravindra Jadeja, Ravi Ashwin, Ishant Sharma, Jas??prit Bumrah, Mohammed Shami.

#IndiaVsTwitter #IndiavsEngland #IPL2021 #Mumbai #mumbaiindians #SachinTendulkar #IPL #Bollywood #ViratKohli #ViratKohli #barmyarmy #Cricket pic.twitter.com/iwypR8jRgt

— Monty Panesar (@zkp_scroll) May 30, 2021

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