'We had the choice of taking risk. But I wasn't okay with it': Hardik explains why Hooda replaced Gaikwad in 1st T20I

After having been set a target with a required run-rate of 9 at the Malahide Cricket Club ground in Dublin, with strong performances in the bowling department by Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Yuzvendra Chahal, Indian fans were slightly surprised to see Deepak Hooda walk out alongside Ishan Kishan to open the batting.

'Australia? They couldn't believe what India were doing to them...': Ganguly fires salvo recalling historic series

As the India and Australia start another chapter in their glorious history with the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2023 starting in Nagpur on Thursday, former India captain Sourav Ganguly recalled fond memories of the historic series that has become a part of Indian cricket's folklore.

Watch: Suryakumar Yadav beams with pride as Shastri hands debut Test cap to India star before BGT opener vs Australia

World No.1 T20I batter Suryakumar and Indian wicketkeeper-batter KS Bharat made their respective Test debuts in the series opener of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy on Thursday. Former India head coach Ravi Shastri handed the debut caps to SKY and Bharat ahead of the 1st Test at the Vidarbha Cricket Association Stadium in Nagpur.

'That's the main goal for me': Steve Smith opens up on competition with Kohli, points out Virat's biggest strength

The series will also see a healthy competition between two modern era greats - Virat Kohli and Steve Smith, who would look to stamp their authority on the field right from the word go.

'Sure, Rahul is vice-captain. But...': Azharuddin's fiery verdict settles 'KL vs Shubman Gill' debate ahead of 1st Test

Former India captain Mohammad Azharuddin had a no-nonsense verdict on the debate over Shubman Gill and KL Rahul ahead of the opening Test of the series against Australia.

‘He should be an automatic choice for 1st Test vs Australia’: Gavaskar says ‘bold calls must be taken’ with India’s XI

Ahead of the clash there has been plenty of discussion on India's playing XI, with many arguing Shubman Gill should be considered over KL Rahul, who is returning after a break due to personal reasons.

'In that case, you might as well not play him...': Kapil Dev's eye-opener on Gill vs Rahul for India vs Australia Test

On the eve of the series opener, Rohit did nothing to help ease the media and fans' suspense, adding further to the mystery of India's Playing XI. But while the team combinations present several puzzled, the one toss-up which everyone is extremely invested emotionally is between Gill and KL Rahul.

Watch: MS Dhoni breaks the internet in never seen 'desi' avatar, posts video of driving tractor in Ranchi farm

MS Dhoni surprised his fans in a never seen ‘desi’ avatar as the former India captain was seen driving a tractor to plough his farm, which is located at the outskirts of his hometown Ranchi.

'When we go there, we don't…': Sachin Tendulkar after Australia accuse India of 'doctoring' Nagpur pitch

Ahead of the series opener, which will be played in Nagpur on Thursday, Australia have made some serious allegations regarding the pitch, accusing the hosts of 'doctoring' it to produce rank turners.

'It's a pretty silly thing to say': Chappell roasts ex-players for believing 'Australia are favourites' to beat India

Former captain Ian Chappell though feels such claims are 'silly' and that the players and media cannot be further from reality given how bullish India have been playing at home, ransacking touring teams over the year. Since losing to England in 2012, India have been undefeated at home and Chappell reckons the streak is only going to extend.

'I've been on 2 tours of Australia and I know...': Ravi Shastri’s jaw-dropping scoreline prediction for IND vs AUS BGT

Ravi Shastri, who masterminded India's twin Test series triumphs over Australia, has come up with a jaw-dropping scoreline prediction for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy.

'Speaking about doctored pitch...': Rohit Sharma shuts down ex-Australia players, media over Nagpur wicket for 1st Test

India captain Rohit Sharma has also had his say on the doctored pitches accusation from the Australian media. In the pre-match press conference, the India captain and opener urged the fans and media to focus on cricket rather than worrying too much about the nature of the pitch.

WTC final to start on June 7 in Oval; India, Australia, Sri Lanka in race for top spots

Australia currently top the standings, with India in hot pursuit in second place, and both teams go head-to-head across a four-Test series from 9 February with a place at The Oval, and the coveted ICC World Test Championship Mace, firmly in their sights. India need to win the Border-Gavaskar Trophy comprising four Tests to stand a chance of qualify for the WTC final.

Virat Kohli, Cheteshwar Pujara and Steve Smith eye staggering batting records in Border-Gavaskar Trophy

Indian run-machine Virat Kohli can shatter multiple records in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy between India and Australia. India's Cheteshwar Pujara and former Australian skipper Steve Smith are also on verge of shattering batting records in the four-match Test series.

'Shubman Gill scored big hundreds but SKY…': Rohit Sharma's remark on Pant, Iyer's replacements builds mystery

Pant is ruled out of the entire series while Iyer is likely to join the squad for the second Test match in New Delhi starting February 17. But who will take gloves in Nagpur? Will it be Ishan Kishan or KS Bharat? Will India ask Shubman Gill to bat in the middle order or take the gamble of handing a debut to Suryakumar Yadav?

'Issue is match practice': Sanjay Manjrekar's bold take on Rohit Sharma's Test form before Border-Gavaskar Trophy vs AUS

Former Indian batter Sanjay Manjrekar has explained how the hosts can have a reliable top-order batter in the form of Rohit Sharma, who will have a point to prove after missing crucial games in the ongoing edition of the ICC World Test Championship. Rohit-led India will lock horns with Australia in the Test series opener at the Vidarbha Cricket Association Stadium on Thursday.