Aakash Chopra, the ex-Indian cricketer turned commentator always on the news due to his analysis on cricket. Recently, Aakash Chopra had done an analysis on ex-Indian captains. Aakash Chopra analyzed three of India's best captains ever, Sourav Ganguly, MS Dhoni and Virat Kohli. The analysis was based on their performances as captains in ICC tournaments.

According to Aakash Chopra, MS Dhoni was the best among those three Indian captains. To support his answer, Chopra said, "Dhoni's class has been that under him the team has flourished. The few things I see that make Dhoni the best captain in the world is that he doesn't make changes. He didn't make anyone feel insecure in the team."

India won three major ICC trophies under MS Dhoni's leadership. Also, he is the only captain in the world who won all three ICC trophies as a captain. His first success came in 2007 when India won the inaugural T20I World Cup. Then he went on to win the 2011 Cricket World Cup and 2013 ICC Champions Trophy. Perhaps, Dhoni was the last Indian captain to win any major ICC trophy.

Read Also: New Zealand wins the World Test Championship as Jamieson stars for the Blackcaps

Under Ganguly, India played in the three ICC tournament finals. But, unfortunately, they lost two out of them. However, they shared the trophy in one in the 2002 Champions Trophy after the match was washed out due to rain.

Virat Kohli does not have any ICC trophy as a captain in his cabinet.  Under Virat Kohli, India played in the final of the 2017 Champions Trophy and the recently concluded WTC final. But India lost both of those finals.

"If you see his team from the league stage to the knockouts, the team and the protagonists have remained the same. He has always got players who make runs in the big encounters. When you reach the quarterfinals, semi-finals or a final, the team that makes the least mistakes wins, the team that panics the least and the team which consistently plays the same XI so that all players are secure in the end,"

Aakash Chopra on MS Dhoni's

Aakash Chopra thinks it was because MS Dhoni gave everyone a log run, everyone was able to perform consistently in bigger stages.

"That's what MS Dhoni did for his team. If you see the 2007 and 2011 finals, you will remember Gautam Gambhir. You will remember the entire 2011 World Cup for Yuvraj Singh and Dhoni himself in the final. In 2013, you will see consistent performances from everybody."

Read Also: 5 Youngest Captains to lift the ICC Cricket World Cup

Chopra also added, "In 2014, you were left behind because only Kohli's bat fired while it fell silent for the rest of the players. So Dhoni the captain will always be dependent on some players. The big-ticket players, they all came to the party in knockout matches,"

Pink Ball Test, a five-day match contested under lights like a One Day International, was first held in November 2015 after a lot of trials in First-Class cricket across the globe. Day-Night Test was introduced to add more to the longer format as white-ball especially the T20s has taken over the game with crowds preferring the shorter format.

Also Read: Border–Gavaskar Trophy: India's record in Pink Ball Test

India are set to play their second Test match of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Adelaide. After winning the Perth Test match by a massive margin of 295 runs, India will face Australia against the pink ball, under lights. So before the start of the series, let's take a look at the Indian batters who scored the most runs in the Pink Ball Test. 

1# Virat Kohli | 277 Runs

Former Indian skipper Virat Kohli has a fine record against the pink-ball, having played all of India's four pink-ball matches so far. He leads the scoring chart in pink ball Test cricket for India. In six innings so far, he has scored 277 runs at an average of 46.16, with a century and fifty. His knock of 136* against Bangladesh in 2019 at Kolkata is the only century by an Indian in a pink-ball Test.

After having overcome a lean patch of form with a century at Perth, Virat would be raring to continue his golden run in Australia and at the Adelaide Oval.

2# Rohit Sharma | 173 Runs

Indian team captain Rohit Sharma comes second on the list scoring just one half-century in Pink Ball Tests, accumulating 173 runs in five matches at an average of 39. This will be Rohit Sharma’s first Day-Night Test match on foreign soil, as all three of his previous Pink Ball Tests were played in India. 

As an opener, Rohit will need to weather the new ball, especially during twilight and night sessions when the pink ball is at its most ferocious. It will be quite interesting to see how Rohit goes about his business in the upcoming game.

3# Shreyas Iyer | 159 Runs

Shreyas Iyer has played just one day-night Test match and has scored 159 runs in it. He put up knocks of 92 and 67 in the second test between India and Sri Lanka in 2022. India were 86/4 after electing to bat. Iyer shone with a blistering 92 off 98 deliveries, whipping 10 fours and four maximums. He played with the tail-enders and was the last man to be dismissed (252/10). India eventually won by 238 runs.

4# Ajinkya Rahane | 100 Runs

Ajinkya Rahane comes in 4th place with 100 runs in 3 matches. Rahane also scored a half-century against Bangladesh in 2019.

5# Cheteshwar Pujara | 98 Runs

Cheteshwar Pujara is 5th on this list. He has amassed just 98 runs in 3 day-night Test matches. Pujara put up knocks of 55 and 43 against Bangladesh and Australia respectively. 

The second match of the five-match Border–Gavaskar Trophy series between India and Australia will be played in Adelaide from December 6. This will be a day-night test played with the pink ball. 

The good thing for India is that regular captain Rohit Sharma has returned. Apart from this, Shubman Gill is also on the verge of becoming fit. With the return of these two, Indian batting will become stronger. However, the team management will be worried about the playing 11. Fitting Rohit and Gill into a winning combination is a matter of concern.

Also Read: Indian captains to win POTM awards in Australia in Tests

It is considered certain that Devdutt Padikkal will sit on the bench. Apart from this, Dhruv Jurel can also be seen sitting on the bench. The biggest problem will be whether KL Rahul will be sent to open or he will be sent back to number five. Before that let us look at India's statistics in Day-Night Test or Pink Ball Test.

India has played four pink ball tests so far

India has played four day-night tests so far. Out of these, they have won in three, while they have faced defeat in one. Team India has won 75 percent of the matches in the day-night test. The only Test in which the Indian team lost was played in Adelaide four years ago. This was the first Test of India's tour of Australia in the 2020/21 Border–Gavaskar Trophy. Team India, captained by Virat Kohli, had to face a crushing defeat by eight wickets.

What happened in the India-Australia match in Adelaide in 2020?

Batting first in Adelaide, India had scored 244 runs. Cheteshwar Pujara scored 43 runs and Ajinkya Rahane 42 runs. In reply, Australia's first innings was limited to 191 runs. Marnus Labuschagne scored 47 runs and captain Tim Paine scored 73 runs.

The Indian team was devastated in the second innings and was reduced to just 36 runs. This is also India's lowest score in Tests. Cummins and Hazlewood took four and five wickets respectively. India had set a target of 90 runs by taking the lead against Australia. Australia won the match by scoring 93 runs for two wickets. Matthew Wade scored 33 runs, while Joe Burns remained unbeaten on 51 runs.

India played first pink ball test in 2019

India played its first pink ball test against Bangladesh in 2019 at Eden Gardens, Kolkata and won by 46 runs. After this, after playing against Australia in 2020, Team India defeated England by 10 wickets in the day-night test in Ahmedabad in February 2021 and then Sri Lanka by 238 runs in Bengaluru in March 2022. India's highest score in the day-night test is 347/9.

Indian batter who scored most runs in pink ball test

Virat Kohli has scored the most runs for India in the day-night test. He has scored 277 runs in four such matches at an average of 46.16. At the same time, Rohit Sharma is at second place with 173 runs in three matches at an average of 43.25. Shreyas Iyer is at third place in the list. He has scored 155 runs at an average of 79.50. 

Whereas, if we talk about bowlers, Ravichandran Ashwin has taken the most wickets for India in the day-night test. He has taken 18 wickets in four such matches. At the same time, Akshar Patel has taken 14 wickets in two pink ball tests. Umesh Yadav has taken 11 wickets in two such matches.

Also Read: Highest catches dropped percentages since 2011 (Min 100 chances) | Virat tops the list among batters

Highest runs for India in day-night test

Most wickets for India in day-night test

Australia's figures in day night test

Australia has an exceptional record in day night tests. They have played 12 day-night tests so far, out of which they have won 11 while losing only one. What makes their record even more impressive is that their wins have come against different opponents. These include India, England, New Zealand, Pakistan, South Africa, Sri Lanka and West Indies. Australia defeated New Zealand by three wickets in the first international day-night Test in Adelaide in 2015. 

The matter of concern for Australia is that Josh Hazlewood, who wreaked havoc in 2020, will not play in the second Test of the Border–Gavaskar Trophy due to injury.

India created history in the first Test of the 2024 Border-Gavaskar Trophy by achieving their largest-ever win in Australia. At Perth's Optus Stadium, a venue where the Australian team had never lost before, India registered a stunning victory. Led by Jasprit Bumrah’s Player of the Match (POTM) worthy 8/72 across the two innings, India defeated Australia by 295 runs, their biggest every victory by runs in the country (if innings wins not considered). 

Also Read: Highest catches dropped percentages since 2011 (Min 100 chances) | Virat tops the list among batters

After achieving the POTM Award in Perth, Jasprit Bumrah became the fifth Indian captain who won POTM awards in Australia in Tests. Here's the other captain who achieved this feat on Australian soil.

1. Kapil Dev | Adelaide, 1985

The Haryana Hurricane Kapil Dev earned the POTM award following his spell of 8 for 106 in the first innings of the 1985 Adelaide Test, which set the stage for India to secure a draw against the home team. He was the first Indian captain who won POTM awards in Australia in Tests.

2. Sachin Tendulkar | Melbourne, 1999

In Melbourne in December 1999, when the weather was damp and batting a struggle, Australia rallied to 405 and India crumbled around Tendulkar. He scored his third ton on Australian soil since his twin shows in the 1991-92 series. His 116 off 191 balls (nine fours, one six) saw a follow-on-saving 43-run partnership with Anil Kumble (28 not out) and India ended on 238. The 167-run lead proved to be decisive as India lost the game by 180 runs, with Tendulkar’s POTM award coming as the visiting side’s consolation.

3. Sourav Ganguly | Brisbane, 2003

At the Gabba, India slipped from 61 for 0 to 62 for 3, in response to Australia's 323. In conditions that offered the pace and bounce that are the hallmark of Australian venues, Ganguly displayed remarkable judgement in his handling of the short delivery, and scored his first Test hundred in Australia.

Ganguly's 146-run stand with VVS Laxman (75) for the 5th wicket was notched up in 206 balls and his 144-run knock was studded with 18 hits to the fence. Such was the class of Ganguly's knock that it drew applause even from some of the Aussie players. This was India's first drawn series in Australia since 1981.

4. Ajinkya Rahane | Melbourne, 2021

After India were hammered in the first match in Adelaide Test series in 2021, skipper Kohli returned home for personal reasons and the responsibility fell on Rahane. Under Rahane's captaincy, India won the game by eight wickets and level the series 1-1. During this Rahane slammed his 12th Test hundred (112 off 223 balls). Rahane later led India to win the fourth and final Test in Brisbane to give his side a 2-1 series victory.

Also Read: Border-Gavaskar Trophy: Jasprit Bumrah breaks record with five-wicket haul in first test

5. Jasprit Bumrah | Perth, 2024

India played superb cricket over the span of the three and a half days in Perth, and defeated Australia by 295 runs, their biggest every victory by runs in the country (if innings wins not considered). 

Led by Jasprit Bumrah’s Player of the Match worthy 8/72 across the two innings at the Optus Stadium in Perth, India were rampant in the Test match right after their disappointing first innings on Day 1 when they folded for 150. They blew away Australia for just 104 in their first innings, and took a 46 runs lead. India scored 487/6d in the second innings and gave Australia a target of 534. The Australian top order collapsed once again in the second innings and the hosts could have repeated the first innings performance.

The form of Indian cricket team's star batsman Virat Kohli is proving to be a matter of concern for Team India. After the poor performance in the three-match home series against New Zealand, India has a lot of expectations from its former captain. Kohli's record in Australia has been excellent. However, in the first innings of the Perth Test match, Virat has disappointed the team and his fans.

Also Read: Border-Gavaskar Trophy: Jasprit Bumrah breaks record with five-wicket haul in first test

Kohli dropped Labuschagne's catch

Virat Kohli played an innings of 5 runs in 12 balls and was out on the ball of Josh Hazlewood. Apart from this, Kohli also dropped the catch during Indian bowling. He dropped an easy catch of Marnus Labuschagne on the ball of Jasprit Bumrah. This brilliant ball found the edge of Labuschagne's bat, on which Kohli did not make much movement and dropped the ball in a hurry to take the catch.

Kohli dropped 29.6% of his catches

Virat is generally considered a good fielder but among the players who have got at least 100 chances since 2011, Kohli has the highest catches dropped percentages among Indian players. This figure also raises questions on Kohli's catching ability.

Kohli has dropped 29.6 percent of his catches in this period and only the England Test great James Anderson is ahead of him in terms of the catches dropped percentages. However, Anderson is a bowler who was never known for his fielding abilities. If we talk only about batsmen, then Virat Kohli has dropped the maximum number of catches since 2011.

Also Read: AUS vs IND Border-Gavaskar Trophy Day 1 report: India bounce back with bowlers with 17 wickets falling on Day 1

Kohli dropped the most catches in the last 5 years

From 2019 till now, Virat Kohli has been the number one Indian in terms of dropping catches. This trend has continued in all three formats of cricket. Kohli has dropped a total of 36 catches in international cricket since 2019. He has dropped 16 catches in Tests, 13 catches in T20I, and 7 catches in ODI format. 

Highest catches dropped percentages since 2011 | Min 100 chances

• 31.7% James Anderson
• 29.6% Virat Kohli
• 27.9% Alastiar Cook
• 25.7% Tim Southee

The first Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 between Australia and India will be played from 22nd November (Friday) at Optus Stadium in Perth. The Indian team aims to achieve its third consecutive Test series win on Australian soil, while the strong Australian team is ready to give its full strength to foil this attempt of the guests.

Here are all the details including head-to-head records, mini battle, and streaming info before the Australia vs India 1st Test match.

Also Read: Border-Gavaskar Trophy Head-to-head stats: Which team has won the most between Australia and India?

Captain Rohit Sharma will not be available for the first test due to the birth of his second child. At the same time, Shubman Gill, who batted at number three, is also out of the series due to injury. To make it to the final of the 2025 World Test Championship (WTC), India needs to win at least four out of five matches in this series, but considering the current conditions, it seems challenging. The Indian batting order is struggling at the moment and this is the biggest concern of the team.

On the other hand, there are some weaknesses for the Australian team also. Their top order looks inexperienced. However, there will be a lot of responsibility on Steve Smith, Travis Head, and Marnus Labuschagne. In bowling, the trio of Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, and Josh Hazlewood will try to take early lead by taking advantage of the weak morale of the visiting team.

AUS vs IND Head-to-Head Records in Tests

Since India's independence in 1947, both the teams have faced each other in 107 Test matches. Australia holds the head-to-head record with 45 wins, while India has won 32 matches. 29 matches between the two teams have been drawn, while only 1 match has been tied.

AUS vs IND Head-to-Head Records in Border-Gavaskar Trophy (1996-2023)

Named as the Border-Gavaskar Trophy in 1996, this series took the excitement and competition in Test cricket between India and Australia to new heights. Of the 56 matches played so far, India has won 24, while Australia has won 22 times. However, India's performance on Australian soil has been challenging, as it has won only 6 out of 27 Test matches.

Also Read: Which player has played the most games in Border-Gavaskar Trophy? 8th player in the list might shock you

AUS vs IND Key Players To Watch Out

Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Nathan Lyon, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Rishabh Pant, Nitish Kumar Reddy, these are some of the players who know how to change the course of the match. Everyone's eyes will be on them.

AUS vs IND Mini Battle

The clash between Australia's star batsman Marnus Labuschagne and Jasprit Bumrah can be exciting. At the same time, the clash between Nathan Ellis and Virat Kohli can also affect the outcome of this match. Both teams have a balanced lineup with many impressive young players.

When and where will AUS vs IND 1st Test be played?

The first match of the 5-match Test series between Australia and India will be played from 22nd November (Friday) at Optus Stadium in Perth at 07:50 AM IST. Toss will take place at 07:20 AM.

Where and how to watch live streaming and telecast of AUS vs IND 1st Test?

Star Sports Network has the broadcasting rights of the AUS vs IND Test Series 2024. The match will be telecast live in India on TV channels of Star Sports Network.

Fans can watch the live streaming of the AUS vs IND 1st Test match online on the Disney+ Hotstar app and website. 

Probable playing XI for AUS vs IND 1st Test match

Australia:

Usman Khawaja, Nathan McSweeney, Marnus Labuschagne, Steve Smith, Travis Head, Mitch Marsh, Alex Carey (wk), Nathan Lyon, Pat Cummins (c), Josh Hazlewood, Mitchell Starc

India:

Yashasvi Jaiswal, KL Rahul, Devdutt Padikkal, Virat Kohli, Rishabh Pant (wk), Dhruv Jurel, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Ravindra Jadeja, Harshit Rana, Mohammed Siraj, Jasprit Bumrah (c).