Ahead Of Border-Gavaskar Trophy, Pat Cummins Reflects On Rishabh Pant's Impact In Game

Pant made his return to Test cricket in the two-match long-format series after his life-threatening road accident back in 2022-end. In the Chennai Test, the wicketkeeper-batter played a 109-run knock from 128 balls at a strike rate of 85.16 during India's second inning.

Rohit Sharma-led India clinched a massive 280-run win over Bangladesh in the first Test match at the MA Chidambaram Stadium on Sunday.

In the upcoming days, Australia will take on India in the prestigious Border-Gavaskar Trophy.

The most awaited Border-Gavaskar series between India and Australia will begin on November 22, with the first Test at Perth.

Over the years, India has regained an upper hand over Australia in the series. India has won its previous four series against Australia in a row, including two wins in Australia in the 2018-19 and 2020-21 seasons.

This has made India a much more successful side in the series, with India winning the BGT 10 times and Australia winning it five times, with their last series win coming in during the 2014-15 season. Their last series win in India was in 2004-05.

Pant has played seven Test matches and 12 innings against Australia, where he scored 624 runs at a strike rate of 72.13.

Speaking on Star Sports, Cummins said that every team has one of those players who can take a game away. He also praised Pant's reverse lap shot and called it "incredible".

"Look, I think every team has one or two of those players who can take the game on. We have Travis Head and Mitchell Marsh. I think with those guys, you know they're going to be aggressive. You miss your area a little bit, and they can take the game on. Someone like Rishabh Pant might play a reverse lap, and it's an incredible shot," Cummins said.

The Australia Test skipper said that Pant had a lot of influence in plenty of Test series.

"That's just a part of who he is. We've become accustomed to it nowadays because some of those ridiculous shots are a bit more common. He is someone who has had a big influence on a couple of series. Got to try to keep him quiet," he added.

The second Test, scheduled for December 6 to 10 at Adelaide Oval, will feature the exciting day-night format under the stadium's lights. After that, fans will turn their attention to The Gabba in Brisbane for the third Test, which will be held from December 14 to 18.

The customary Boxing Day Test, set for December 26 to 30 at Melbourne's storied Melbourne Cricket Ground, will bring the series to its penultimate stage.

The fifth and final Test, to take place at the Sydney Cricket Ground from January 3 to 7, will serve as the series climax, promising a dramatic conclusion to an exciting contest. (ANI)

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The event was presided over by Vice Admiral Krishna Swaminathan, Vice Chief of Naval Staff, in New Delhi.

Indian Naval Sailing Vessel (INSV) Tarini will embark on this challenging expedition with two courageous women officers--Lt Cdr Dilna K and Lt Cdr Roopa A--on October 2. The historic voyage will be flagged off from the Naval Ocean Sailing Node at INS Mandovi, Goa.

Over a period of eight months, the duo will sail 21,600 nautical miles without any external assistance, relying solely on wind power. The circumnavigation will showcase the exceptional valour, courage, and perseverance of the officers as they face the rigours of the high seas, extreme weather conditions, and push the limits of human endurance.

The route will take them through some of the most treacherous waters, including the perilous passage around the three great Capes--Cape Leeuwin, Cape Horn, and the Cape of Good Hope. The voyage is not just a testament to their personal bravery and skill but also a celebration of the Indian Navy's commitment to Nari Shakti, showcasing the indomitable spirit and determination of women.

The expedition was conceived by the Indian Navy with the inaugural Navika Sagar Parikrama, the first Indian circumnavigation of the globe, by an all-women crew of six officers in 2017. The second edition is unique as it will be the first time two officers from India will attempt such a feat in a double-handed mode. Previously, Capt. Dilip Donde became the first Indian to circumnavigate the globe in 2009-10, followed by Commander Abhilash Tomy, the first Asian skipper to complete two circumnavigations, including the Golden Globe Race in 2022. Notably, Cdr Abhilash Tomy has closely mentored both officers.

The expedition is being conducted under the aegis of the Indian Naval Sailing Association, based at Naval Headquarters in New Delhi, and the Ocean Sailing Node, Goa, under the Southern Naval Command. Both nodal centres will coordinate the voyage in liaison with international maritime agencies and authorities.

Speaking on the occasion, the VCNS described Navika Sagar Parikrama II as a journey of empowerment, innovation, and commitment to India's maritime heritage, while charting new paths for a brighter and empowered future. He reaffirmed the Indian Navy's pledge to uphold the highest standards of professionalism and responsibility, not just within India's waters but across the vast expanse of the world's oceans.

A short film highlighting various aspects of the voyage, including preparatory expeditions and the crew's training, was screened during the event.

During the interaction, both officers shared their experiences and expressed their utmost confidence in the upcoming expedition, embodying the spirit of resilience and indomitable courage.

Navika Sagar Parikrama II is more than just a voyage; it underscores India's maritime prowess, self-reliance, and commitment to a greater cause. (ANI)

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Addressing the UN’s Summit of the Future, Modi said: "By lifting 250 million people out of poverty in India, we have demonstrated that sustainable development can be successful."

"We are ready to share this experience of our success with the entire Global South friends," he said.

"One Earth, One Family, One Future is a commitment," PM Modi declared.

"This commitment is also reflected in our initiatives such as One Earth, One Health and One Sun, One World, One Grid. India will continue to work in thought, words and deeds to protect the rights of all humanity and for global prosperity."

Outlining another area of cooperation, he said: "Digital public infrastructure should be a bridge, not a barrier for global good". "India is ready to share its digital public infrastructure with the entire world," he said.

Addressing the gathered world leaders focusing on the future of the United Nations and the world, he said: "India will continue to work in thought, words and deeds to protect the rights of all humanity and for global prosperity." (IANS) 

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