Departure from England

• Gambhir departed England on Wednesday evening after receiving the news.
• He was originally overseeing intra-squad warm-up matches at Beckenham, intended to fine-tune preparations for the India-England Test series starting June 20 in Leeds.

Team Management Update

In his absence:

• Ryan ten Doeschate (Batting Coach) is leading operations.
• Sitanshu Kotak and Morne Morkel are supporting him in coaching responsibilities.
• BCCI sources confirmed Gambhir’s situation and expressed solidarity, stating they hope he rejoins the team ahead of the Leeds Test, pending his mother’s recovery.

🇮🇳 India’s Test Campaign Ahead

India’s squad is a youthful unit under the leadership of Shubman Gill, and Gambhir’s return was highly anticipated for strategic inputs.

Despite his absence, the coaching bench is focused on:

• Player acclimatization to English conditions
• Finalizing bowling combinations

WTC Final 2025: Legends Predict Winner, Pressure Mounts on One Team

The stage is set for the final match of the World Test Championship (WTC) 2025, as Australia and South Africa face off at Lord’s, the historic ground often referred to as the “Mecca of Cricket.” This high-stakes battle marks Australia’s second WTC final appearance, while South Africa is playing in their first.

Australia vs South Africa: Clash of Titans

Australia enters the final as clear favourites, with many cricket legends backing them for the win. The team is already the reigning ODI and Test World Champion, and their current form reinforces their dominance. Led by Pat Cummins, who has an unbeaten record in ICC finals, the Aussies boast a formidable lineup with match-winners like David Warner, Steve Smith, Marnus Labuschagne, and Cummins himself.

But South Africa is not a team to be taken lightly. Under Temba Bavuma’s captaincy, the Proteas have won seven consecutive Test matches and remain undefeated in this period. With fiery pacers like Kagiso Rabada and Anrich Nortje, and Bavuma in prime form, they could pull off a surprise.

Cricket Legends Weigh In

Several cricketing greats have shared their predictions:

• Michael Clarke: Backed Australia, citing their depth and bowling strength.
• Mark Boucher & Aaron Finch: Also picked Australia as favourites due to experience and form.
• Shaun Pollock: Warned against underestimating South Africa.
• Allan Donald: Highlighted Australia’s balance in both batting and bowling.

These predictions have added pressure on South Africa, while bolstering confidence in the Australian camp.

A Match to Watch

The final promises to be thrilling and competitive. Both teams are in excellent form, and while the spotlight is on Australia, South Africa has the momentum and hunger of a team chasing history.

Who Will Win?

With history, form, and experience on Australia’s side, they look set to dominate. However, South Africa’s fearless cricket and unbeaten run under Bavuma could make this a nail-biting finish. One thing is certain — cricket fans around the world are in for a spectacle.

A Jaw‑Dropping Moment

Ahead of India’s high-stakes five-Test series against England, newly appointed vice-captain Rishabh Pant delivered a knockout blow in the nets—literally. Facing spinner Washington Sundar, Pant unleashed a monstrous slog-sweep that rocketed into the training ground’s roof, breaking its panel and causing visible damage

Why This Matters

• Confidence Booster: After a subdued IPL 2025 season (269 runs at an average of ~24), ending with a century for LSG, Pant needed this display to reassert his red-ball credentials
• Tour Readiness: Such raw power in the nets sends a message—Pant is physically and mentally sharpened for the demanding English conditions starting June 20 (Headingley)

Practice Intensity

The session, led by Shubman Gill, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, and Ravindra Jadeja, was captured in a BCCI net-practice video. It showcased intense focus and intricate drills under the watchful eyes of coach Gautam Gambhir and fielding trainer T. Dilip

The Bigger Picture

• Vice‑Captain Role: Pant’s six underlines why India entrusted him with responsibility. His aggressive approach is an asset under the leadership of captain Gill.
• England Record: Known for espousing aggressive Test batting in England, Pant averages 32.70 with two centuries and two fifties in nine Tests there — this hit sets the tone for a continuation of style and dominance

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