The unpredictable Englishman suffered his first career defeat in May when Usyk won by split decision to become the first undisputed champion of the four-belt era
sports2 days ago
India skipper Rohit Sharma backed his deputy KL Rahul despite an extended dry run that saw the opener fall for one Sunday during their successful second Test chase against Australia.
Rahul has failed to go past 23 in his past 10 Test innings and scored just 17 and one in the team's six-wicket win inside three days at New Delhi.
The under-fire batsman remained unlucky in his latest dismissal after his shot hit the knee of the short-leg fielder and the ball lobbed to the wicketkeeper.
Social media was abuzz with memes lampooning Rahul's dismissal. Veteran commentator Harsha Bhogle said it "might be time" for Shubman Gill to replace the deputy skipper in the third Test.
But Rohit said any batsman with potential will be guaranteed an "extended run".
"It is not just about KL but anyone," he told reporters.
"It was clear from our side that we want him to go out and play his game. We are not going to look too much into what one individual is doing, it is about how everyone needs to come together."
Coach Rahul Dravid also backed 30-year-old Rahul to come good soon. Rahul has averaged more than 33 in 47 Tests since his debut in 2014 against Australia in Melbourne.
"I think he needs to trust his processes. This is just a phase, he has been one of our most successful overseas openers," Dravid told broadcaster Star Sports.
"He's got hundreds in South Africa and England, we'll continue to back him. I believe he has the quality and class to come out of this."
Ravindra Jadeja remained India's hero for the second straight game after his international return from a career-threatening knee injury.
The left-arm spinner returned career-best Test figures of 7-42 and combined with Ravichandran Ashwin to pack off Australia for 113 in 31.1 overs.
Rohit lauded his man-of-the-match bowler.
"He has been brilliant. Comebacks are not easy but the confidence that guy has in his ability, that is massive. And you can see it on the field," Rohit said of his champion performer, who passed 250 Test wickets in the match.
"There were times he was put under pressure but there was no sense of panic, he just kept relying on what he is good at and he kept doing that."
The hosts have retained the Border-Gavaskar trophy in the four-match series and are now close to securing a spot in the World Test Championship final.
ALSO READ:
The unpredictable Englishman suffered his first career defeat in May when Usyk won by split decision to become the first undisputed champion of the four-belt era
sports2 days ago
The team from Portugal also claimed the championship title after a hard-fought four-round season
sports2 days ago
Tristan Jass and Jesser, who continue to captivate millions worldwide with their innovative content, encourage young basketball enthusiasts in the Middle East to come forward and create content
sports2 days ago
Fresh off his birthday, the teenager delivers consistency to lead the Boys 15-18 Elite Division, while Russia's Ailsa Molokanova dominates the Girls 15-18 field
sports3 days ago
Terry Fox launched an epic run on a prosthetic leg in 1980 across Canada to raise money and awareness for cancer research
sports3 days ago
With new faces participating this year, the teams have been reshuffled to make the league more thrilling than ever
sports3 days ago
Spain win the mixed team event in trials
sports3 days ago
Antetokounmpo scored 26 points, grabbed 19 rebounds and dished 10 assists and to lead the Milwaukee Bucks to the NBA Cup title
sports3 days ago