“2011 World Cup is a memory I would like to relive. The journey and dream that started in 1983. I made many attempts, failed but never lost hope. So, that’s the best moment of my life,” Tendulkar shared.

The 2011 World Cup final saw India defeat Sri Lanka by six wickets at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai. After Sri Lanka posted 274/6, India chased the target with resilience. Despite early wickets from Sehwag and Tendulkar, Gautam Gambhir’s 97 and MS Dhoni’s unbeaten 91 steered India to victory, securing the nation’s first World Cup in 28 years.

In his speech, Tendulkar also paid tribute to his childhood coach, Ramakant Achrekar, who played a vital role in his development as a cricketer. Achrekar, who passed away in 2019, was honored with the Dronacharya Award for his coaching contributions and the Padma Shri in 2010.

Tendulkar’s recent recognition with the Col. CK Nayudu Lifetime Achievement Award at the BCCI Awards further solidified his legacy. With over 34,000 international runs and 100 centuries, Tendulkar remains a global cricket icon, known as the ‘God of Cricket.’ His remarkable career spanned from his debut in 1989 to his retirement in 2013, cementing his place as one of the greatest cricketers in history.

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Gambhir, who took over the coaching duties recently, stated that the team’s collective success is paramount. “There is only one tendency and there is only one discussion – it’s the team first ideology that matters. You need to play what the team needs. You can still play your natural game in a team sport – but if the team needs you – you need to play in a certain way,” said the coach.

The coach made it clear that the team’s immediate focus is squarely on the task at hand: winning the Sydney Test. “Every individual knows in which area they need to work. When you play for your country, you want to give your best. I think the debates between a player and a coach should remain between them – conversations should be restricted to the dressing room. Everything is fine with Rohit and we will announce that (Playing 11) tomorrow, after seeing the pitch. We had just one conversation in our dressing room – how we will win the next test, as it is important for us,” Gambhir added.

India’s preparations will be slightly disrupted due to an injury concern. The coach confirmed that pacer Akash Deep, who has been part of the squad in previous matches, will not feature in the final Test due to a back injury. “As of now, Akash Deep is out (for the fifth test) due to a back injury,” Gambhir said during the pre-match press conference.

Akash Deep, a right-arm fast-medium pacer, made his Test debut earlier in 2024 against England. The 28-year-old has played seven Test matches, taking 15 wickets at an economy rate of 3.59. In addition, he has scored 83 runs in the format at a strike rate of 49.40. In the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy, he has appeared in two matches, picking up five wickets at an average of 54.00.

Australia’s victory in the Melbourne Test, by 184 runs, put them ahead 2-1 in the series, leaving India’s chances of qualifying for the World Test Championship Final at Lord’s in jeopardy. As the series heads into its final match, the stakes are high for both teams.

The much-anticipated Sydney Test between India and Australia will begin on January 3. With India needing a win to square the series and finish strong, all eyes will be on their performance in the decisive encounter.

India Squad for Fifth Test

• Yashasvi Jaiswal
• Rohit Sharma (C)
• KL Rahul
• Virat Kohli
• Rishabh Pant (WK)
• Ravindra Jadeja
• Nitish Kumar Reddy
• Washington Sundar
• Jasprit Bumrah
• Akash Deep
• Mohammed Siraj
• Sarfaraz Khan
• Abhimanyu Easwaran
• Prasidh Krishna
• Shubman Gill
• Devdutt Padikkal
• Tanush Kotian
• Dhruv Jurel
• Harshit Rana

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Australia was bowled out for 337 in the first innings, with Mohammed Siraj taking the final two wickets, dismissing Mitchell Starc (18) and Scott Boland (0). Siraj finished with figures of 4/98, while India’s top bowler, Jasprit Bumrah, claimed 4/61. Off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin and Nitish Kumar Reddy each took one wicket.

Chasing a challenging total, India’s innings got off to a rocky start. KL Rahul (7) was the first to fall, dismissed by Australian captain Pat Cummins. Yashasvi Jaiswal, who had impressed in the previous match, played some stylish shots but was caught behind for 24, off a superb delivery from Scott Boland.

India’s top order continued to falter, with Virat Kohli managing only 11 before he was caught behind off Boland. Shubman Gill appeared settled but was bowled out by a brilliant delivery from Mitchell Starc for 28, leaving India at 86/4.

Rohit Sharma, who was dismissed for a duck but saved by a no-ball from Starc earlier, added just 6 runs before falling to Cummins. India reached 100/5 in 18.4 overs, with Rishabh Pant unbeaten on 28 off 25 balls. Pant’s unconventional shots and valuable boundaries kept India’s hopes alive, alongside Nitish Kumar Reddy, who was unbeaten on 15.

The Australian seamers, led by Pat Cummins and Scott Boland, continued to apply pressure throughout the day. Cummins and Boland each claimed two wickets, with Mitchell Starc picking up the crucial wicket of Shubman Gill, who had looked comfortable before his dismissal.

Earlier in the day, Travis Head once again proved his dominance against India, playing a remarkable knock of 140. Head, who had been in exceptional form in previous encounters with India, brought up his century in 111 balls, including 10 fours and 3 sixes. His aggressive play, especially against the inexperienced Harshit Rana, was a highlight of the day. At Tea, Australia was at 332/8, with Mitchell Starc (18*) unbeaten. Head had extended Australia’s lead over India to 152 runs, continuing his golden run against the visitors.

Australia resumed after lunch at 191/4, with Head and Mitchell Marsh (2*) unbeaten. The Australian pair had added 105 runs in the first session, with Head and Marnus Labuschagne (64) playing dominant knocks. However, Ravichandran Ashwin struck early, dismissing Marsh for 9. Head’s partnership with Alex Carey was crucial, with Head attacking India’s bowlers and finding boundaries regularly. However, Siraj removed Carey for 15, and Head’s brilliant innings finally came to an end when Siraj bowled him out for 140. Australia was at 310/7.

Skipper Pat Cummins (12) and Mitchell Starc tried to push the total further but were dismissed in quick succession, with Bumrah getting Cummins for his fourth wicket. Australia ended their innings at 332/8 after 85 overs.

The Indian bowling attack showed resilience but struggled to break the Australian partnership. Bumrah was the standout bowler with 3/23, while Nitish Kumar Reddy picked up 1/49. The visitors will need a monumental effort on Day 3 to mount a successful chase, with Australia leading by 29 runs.

Australia’s commanding position in the match has left India with a significant uphill task. With Pant and Reddy at the crease, India will need a strong partnership to challenge Australia’s lead and avoid another defeat in the ongoing series. Day 3 promises to be a crucial one, with India needing to surpass Australia’s lead while facing a challenging bowling attack under the lights of the Adelaide Oval.

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