Barcelona player ratings vs Girona: Errors galore as Catalans gift La Liga title to Real Madrid & third place now stares them in the face amid season to forget

The Blaugrana defence crumbled once again as they lost to their Catalan neighbours for the second time this season

Barcelona finally succumbed to what has seemed inevitable for weeks, losing to a high-octane Girona side, 4-2, and officially cede La Liga to Real Madrid.

Andreas Christensen opened the scoring inside five minutes for the Blaugrana, a fine volleyed effort from outside the box giving the visitors a 1-0 lead. Girona responded from the ensuing kick off – La Liga top scorer Artem Dovbyk nodding home to complete a sweeping attack.

Both sides had their chances before the break. Girona goalkeeper Paulo Gazzaniga denied first Christensen, then Ilkay Gundogan. The Blaugrana backline, too, was subjected to wave-after-wave of Girona counter-attacks. Robert Lewandowski gave the Blaugrana the lead on the stroke of half-time, though, converting from the penalty spot.

But Girona clawed their way back into it. Cristian Portu got the first, finishing at the near post after a mishit Sergi Roberto backpass gifted the home side a clear run on goal. And Miguel Gutierrez gave the hosts the lead, his deflected strike trickling in past a wrong-footed Marc-Andre ter Stegen. Portu smashed home the fourth to cap off a miserable afternoon for Xavi in Catalonia.

The result was the manifestation of a much-delayed reality. Barca have officially ceded La Liga to their biggest rivals, and now face the unenviable task of hunting down a side that only seem likely to improve.

GOAL rates Barcelona's players from Montilivi…

Getty ImagesGoalkeeper & Defence

Marc-Andre ter Stegen (4/10):

Couldn't really do anything about the first three, and was rather unfortunate to see the third roll past him. Odd that he didn't dive for the fourth, though.

Jules Kounde (6/10):

Kept the dangerous Savio quiet, but some of his play in the attacking third was frustrating.

Ronald Araujo (4/10):

Made to look foolish on Girona's first equalising goal. Struggled against the physical Dobvyk all afternoon. His levels have dropped of late.

Pau Cubarsi (5/10):

A bit lost on two of Girona's goals. He's looked tired in recent weeks.

Joao Cancelo (5/10):

Once again full of ideas in the attacking sense, but his defensive weaknesses are highlighted more every week.

AdvertisementGetty ImagesMidfield

Andreas Christensen (6/10):

Opened the scoring with a memorable volley. Denied a second by an impressive goal-line stop soon after. Positionally mixed, but looks a good option as a No.6.

Sergi Roberto (5/10):

Really poor from the captain. Practically handed Girona their second goal, and didn't offer much going forward either.

Ilkay Gundogan (7/10):

Unlucky not to score with a bullet header. Offered real attacking thrust in behind Lewandowski. A rare standout this season.

Fermin Lopez (6/10):

As energetic as ever, and was clean on the ball. Didn't get involved enough in a slightly unfamiliar left-sided spot.

Getty ImagesAttack

Lamine Yamal (8/10):

Assisted Christensen, served as a constant source of chance creation. Won the penalty for Barca's second. Magic all afternoon.

Robert Lewandowski (8/10):

Scored yet again, tucking his penalty home. Now has four in his last two games. Barca could have done with this earlier in the season, in truth.

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

Getty ImagesSubs & Manager

Pedri (6/10):

Never really got involved in the game, and was probably introduced too late.

Raphinha (5/10):

Barely touched the ball in 20 minutes of action.

Ferran Torres (N/A):

No time to make an impact.

Oriol Romeu (N/A):

Benched again from the start.

Joao Felix (N/A):

No time to make an impact.

Xavi (4/10):

Selected something like a full strength lineup with Barca hoping to delay Madrid's La Liga title win by at least a week. His team were good for passages going forward, but defensively abysmal again. League officially gone, ending a miserable campaign.

BPL 'far from ideal' preparation for NZ ODIs, accepts coach Rhodes

The Test specialists, who will be involved later, shouldn’t have a problem, but the ODI regulars might be undercooked, feels Bangladesh coach

Mohammad Isam18-Jan-2019Bangladesh are headed for New Zealand next month, but might not have the ideal preparation for the tour, according to their coach Steve Rhodes.Their top players currently engaged in the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL), which is being played in conditions vastly different from those they will encounter on their travels. The BPL will end on February 8, and Bangladesh’s warm-up game in Lincoln is slotted for February 10, followed by the first ODI on February 13 in Napier.The group stage of the BPL finishes on February 2, and the touring players whose teams will exit the tournament then will leave for Christchurch early. The players who will be playing in the knockout stage, meanwhile, are likely to miss the practice match and get straight into the three-match ODI series, which will be followed by a series of three Test matches.Rhodes accepted that the team could have trained in more appropriate conditions before the tough tour, but were left with no choice.”Let’s keep that quiet from the New Zealanders that we’ve been playing on these wickets,” he joked. “It is far from ideal preparation, the way that we go straight from the BPL into ODIs in New Zealand. But what can we do about it? This tournament is a fantastic tournament, it needed fitting in, and it was the only slot available. We understand that, [those of us] involved in the national team, and we’ll deal with that.”We know that the preparation is going to be very rushed for the ODIs against New Zealand but we’ll put up with that and we’ll give it our best shot and try and win the games that are put in front of us. The Test boys are different. They’ve got a little bit longer to prepare and acclimatise in New Zealand, so that shouldn’t be a problem.”Rhodes suggested that the performances in the BPL shouldn’t be an indicator for judging the quality of the players.Soumya Sarkar works one on the off side•AFP”I don’t think we should get too carried away with the performances in BPL, whether the players do well or not so well. It’s a very different format to 50 overs,” he argued. “We have been doing quite well recently in ODIs, so I’m not getting too carried away. It doesn’t reflect too much on selection for World Cup, but it doesn’t do any harm if you play well in this tournament.”One point of concern is that Rajshahi Kings had dropped Soumya Sarkar, the top-order batsman, from their last game after he returned 35 runs in five innings. Sarkar, however, will be on the trip to New Zealand.”Most of the (franchise) owners are Bangladeshi and therefore you would think they have a strong interest in playing Bangladeshi players. But, having said that, they are here to win as well and if it means that some of the foreign stars get a go and Soumya doesn’t, then that’s because maybe Soumya hasn’t scored the runs that they wanted,” said Rhodes.”I can understand it, you can only play so many players, and it’s up to Soumya and others to make sure they stay in that team and do well.”On the subject of Sarkar, Rhodes said that the player must also try and figure out what role he wants to see himself in. “He is a player that can play all formats, he can bat in lots of different positions. I think, sometimes, being the player that does that, sometimes you don’t quite nail that position. Is he an opener, is he a middle-order player, is he an all-rounder?”Those are the questions that still remain maybe unanswered. There is only one guy who can answer that and that’s Soumya, to hopefully get some consistency and success regularly in one position. But he’s a very good player to have because of that simple fact that he could do several things.”

Pundit thinks 49ers could sign midfielder who can "add 10+" goals for Leeds

Leeds United could look to strengthen in January and the 49ers Enterprises could now look to enact a cut-price deal for an exciting player at Elland Road, according to BBC pundit John Hartson.

Leeds United look ahead to Blackburn Rovers…

Last Saturday, Leeds ensured they remained seven points behind Ipswich Town in their chase for automatic promotion by defeating Middlesbrough 3-2 at Elland Road, courtesy of goals from Daniel James, Crysencio Summerville and Joel Piroe.

Winning their seventh home match in succession, the Whites look to be a credible force this term after an uncertain few months over the summer. Speaking in his post-match press conference, Farke commended how his side were able to handle elements of the tie against a contender for promotion, saying:

"It’s a really good side and it was important today to be brave, to press with intensity and perhaps even be a bit over-aggressive and emotional instead of being too relaxed. It's always important you're fully committed off the ball, against Boro, or you are punished and they’ve proved this, this season.

"We showed this in the first half; we created so many good situations and moments. It was a wild game in the first half and probably every football fan must have enjoyed this game. I’m a football fan as well, so I loved what we did, but as a manager I liked the second half when we calmed everything down."

Leeds United keen on signing "very talented" ace wanted by multiple clubs

Leeds United are in the market as Daniel Farke looks to strengthen his side’s promotion bid…

BySean Markus Clifford Dec 4, 2023

Blackburn Rovers lay in wait on Saturday as Leeds United delve into a busy period of festive fixtures, which will go a long way to determining the level of squad surgery Farke may well carry out in January. Speaking of the mid-season window, BBC pundit Hartson has now suggested one man that the Whites should look to pursue that would add further squad depth at Elland Road.

John Hartson recommends David Turnbull to Leeds United

As cited by Leeds Live, former Wales international Hartson has recommended Celtic midfielder David Turnbull as a potential cut-price signing for Leeds United in January, with the 24-year-old facing an uncertain future at Parkhead due to his contract at the Scottish Premiership giants being set to expire in the summer of 2024.

David Turnbull in 2023/24 – all competitions (Transfermarkt)

Appearances

15

Goals

7

Assists

0

Hartson stated: "I like David Turnbull. I have always said it, he is a goalscoring midfield player. He adds that 10-14 goals every year for you from midfield. I can see him going to a top Championship team, like Leeds United."

Celtic midfielder David Turnbull.

Known as a cultured midfielder with an eye for goal, Scotland international Turnbull has shown incision when trusted by Brendan Rodgers this campaign, averaging around 2.1 shots and 1.4 key passes per match in the Scottish Premiership (Turnbull statistics – WhoScored).

Given his potential availability, Turnbull could be a worthwhile pick-up for Leeds who still has the potential to develop further as a player; however, it remains to be seen whether Celtic would be willing to sanction his departure in mid-season.

Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez match 16-year record held by LA Galaxy's David Beckham and Landon Donovan as Inter Miami star duo light up MLS

Inter Miami star duo Lionel Messi and Luis Suares have matched a long-standing record held by ex-LA Galaxy stars Landon Donovan and David Beckham.

Article continues below

Article continues below

Article continues below

Messi named Player of MatchdayArgentine & Suarez match 16-year recordLook ahead at Herons scheduleGet the MLS Season Pass today!Stream games nowWHAT HAPPENED?

After notching two goals and an assist for the second-straight game, Messi was named MLS Player of the Matchday for his performances at the weekend.

It's Messi's second time winning the award this campaign, with the Argentina and Suarez having combined for four of the awards through 11 matches this season, equaling a total set in 2008 by LA Galaxy duo Landon Donovan and David Beckham.

AdvertisementUSA Today Sports THE BIGGER PICTURE

The Argentine and his Uruguayan compatriot have been running the Eastern Conference into the ground this season, with Messi accumulating nine goals and four assists in MLS action while Suarez has seven goals and four assists.

The former Barcelona stars have had a dominant start to the campaign, and look set to continue their form heading into summer.

DID YOU KNOW?

Beckham is now a co-owner of Inter Miami, 16-years on from his record-setting season with the U.S. star.

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

GettyWHAT NEXT FOR INTER MIAMI?

Inter Miami take on the New York Red Bulls this weekend in a contest between Eastern Conference heavyweights. The Herons will look to make it four straight wins in MLS action while RBNY will look to pull off an early-season double on their opponents.

Crystal Palace scouting “interesting” defender who could replace Marc Guehi

Crystal Palace are interested in a deal to bring an overseas defender to the Premier League to potentially replace Marc Guehi, according to a reliable journalist.

Marc Guehi linked with Palace exit

According to Football Insider, Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester United have both made contact to register their interest in a deal for Guehi, who has been set a price tag of £60m, but there has recently been an update which is contrary to reports.

Eagles sources are now claiming that the centre-back leaving the club in January is looking impossible and that it is instead likely to happen at the end of the season, but regardless of when he departs, a replacement will still need to be found.

Crystal Palace eyeing "rapid" defender wanted by Spurs, Rangers & Newcastle

He’s been revered for his pace.

ByEmilio Galantini Nov 28, 2023

Valencia’s Cristhian Mosquera has emerged as a possible target, with the 19-year-old having worked his way up through his club’s various youth ranks to get promoted to their first-team, where he’s so far made a total of 26 senior appearances to date (Transfermarkt – Mosquera statistics).

The Spain youth international still has just under two years remaining on his deal at the Mestalla Stadium (Valencia contracts), but that hasn’t stopped Roy Hodgson from keeping tabs on his situation as he looks to make an official move in the new year.

Crystal Palace eyeing Mosquera

Writing in his Patreon report, Alan Nixon revealed that Crystal Palace are keen on Mosquera and have indeed placed him onto their shortlist of defensive targets should they be forced to cash in on Guehi in January.

Quoted by We Are Palace, he said: “Crystal Palace are putting Valencia’s top young centre half Cristhian Mosquera on their list of replacements for England’s Marc Guehi.

"The strong defender, who is also good on the ball, was checked out by Palace last week as they prepare for Guehi to move on for a huge fee. Guehi is likely to leave the Eagles next summer but if a massive bid came in next month then they could have to scramble to find someone new.”

Valencia defenderCristhian Mosquera.

Mosquera would be an "interesting" recruit

Standing at 6 foot 2, Mosquera provides a real physical presence at the heart of Valencia’s backline which he’s proven so far this season by averaging 3.4 clearances and 1.6 tackles per game in La Liga (WhoScored – Mosquera statistics).

The Alicante native is also extremely calm and composed in possession, recording an 88.2% pass success rate, which is higher than any of the regular features have managed to achieve this term at Selhurst Park (WhoScored – Crystal Palace statistics). It seems, then, that he'd actually be an upgrade on the current options in terms of ball progression from the back.

Considering he’s only 19, Mosquera is a really “interesting” prospect, as per football talent scout Jacek Kulig, and with his versatility to even operate as a right-back, he possesses all of the qualities that could make him the perfect long-term successor to Guehi.

Sarah Taylor to make limited return for India tour

Katherine Brunt also back in action as England ring changes

ESPNcricinfo staff07-Feb-2019Sarah Taylor will make a limited return to action for England women’s tour of India later this month, after missing the recent World T20 in West Indies due to the ongoing management of her anxiety condition.Taylor will take part in England’s three-match ICC Women’s Championship ODI series in Mumbai, but will miss the T20I leg of the tour, as well as the subsequent tour of Sri Lanka.She will be joined in the squad by another notable absentee in the Caribbean, Katherine Brunt, who was forced to fly home during England’s preparation for the tournament after suffering the recurrence of a back injury. Brunt will be available for all six games in India, but will also fly home ahead of the Sri Lanka tour.Both Taylor and Brunt had last toured India in 2016, for the World T20. The upcoming ODI series in Mumbai will be the pair’s first 50-over assignment in the country since the 2013 World Cup.Jenny Gunn, who was on Wednesday retained on the ECB’s list of central contracts, has been given a break from both series after years of touring and will report back in April. Spin bowler Kirstie Gordon and left-arm seamer Katie George were unavailable for selection through injury.”We’ve looked to use as many players as we can to give everyone an opportunity as we head into a busy year,” said Mark Robinson, England’s head coach.”We’ve included 18 players across the squads and they’ll come in and out as the tours progress as we look to improve our strength in depth.”We’ve got a huge Ashes series in the summer, as well as hosting the West Indies, and obviously there are ICC Women’s Championship points up for grabs across both of these tours so there’s hard work ahead of us but we’re excited.”ODI squad for tours of India and Sri Lanka
Tammy Beaumont (Kent), Katherine Brunt (Yorkshire), Kate Cross (Lancashire), Sophia Dunkley (Middlesex), Sophie Ecclestone (Lancashire), Georgia Elwiss (Sussex), Alex Hartley (Lancashire), Amy Jones (Warwickshire), Heather Knight (Berkshire, captain), Laura Marsh (Kent), Nat Sciver (Surrey), Anya Shrubsole (Somerset), Sarah Taylor (Sussex, wicketkeeper), Lauren Winfield (Yorkshire), Danni Wyatt (Sussex), Freya Davies* (Sussex), Linsey Smith* (Sussex), Fran Wilson** (Kent)* T20Is in India only
** Sri Lanka only

VIDEO: Everton boss & renowned hardman Sean Dyche bizarrely stars in music video for indie band Blossoms

Everton manager Sean Dyche has made a special appearance in indie band Blossoms' music video.

Article continues below

Article continues below

Article continues below

Dyche features in music videoEverton boss a fan of Indie band BlossomsToffees on three-game winning streak WHAT HAPPENED?

Stockport-based indie rock band Blossoms are set to release a new music track on May 1 where the Everton manager will make a special appearance. The band released a teaser of their latest track on X on Monday, and Dyche was spotted in the video.

AdvertisementWATCH THE CLIPGetty ImagesTHE BIGGER PICTURE

The Toffees manager is known to be a fan of the British rock band as he recently expressed his admiration for the group while speaking on The Overlap podcast. He said, "I was with the lads from the Blossoms recently who are just great, there are so many."

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

GettyWHAT NEXT FOR EVERTON?

The Merseyside club are on a three-game winning streak in the league which includes a remarkable victory over rivals Liverpool. They will be next seen in action against Luton Town on Friday away from home.

Spurs could sign a Saliba clone with move for £39m titan

It's probably fair to say that many thought Champions League contention would be out of reach for Tottenham Hotspur this season, having lumbered to an eighth-placed Premier League finish last term and waved a forlorn goodbye to Harry Kane in August.

But Ange Postecoglou said no, and stemmed the grungy flow that has seeped into the confidence of the staunch Spurs support, instilling life and a verve that had wandered astray; ten matches in, Tottenham top the table.

But disaster struck and Postecoglou's side faltered with a raft of absences exposing the frailty and thinness of the Lilywhites' squad, who have now suffered three league losses on the trot.

Tottenham Hotspur manager Ange Postecoglou.

The forthcoming winter period threatens bleakness – especially with clashes against Manchester City and Newcastle United around the corner – and while Spurs have enough quality to stay in the race for top four, it's imperative that the January transfer window is used to fortify the fold.

Tottenham transfer news – Jean-Clair Todibo

According to a recent report from the Evening Standard, Tottenham have registered an interest in OGC Nice star Jean-Clair Todibo, with the Frenchman excelling in Ligue 1.

It's understood that Spurs are desperate for defensive reinforcements after losing both Micky van de Ven and Cristian Romero against Chelsea highlighting the lack of depth.

Nice defenderJean-Clair Todibo.

However, with Liverpool and Manchester United also eyeing a move for the 23-year-old, who has been valued at around £39m by his side, Spurs chairman Daniel Levy will have his work cut out to present an enticing package.

Todibo's style of play

Todibo is a tall and imposing defender with a modern style that allows him to blend physicality and power with style and progression, always seeking to influence play from an attacking standpoint.

Only last month, Todibo set the record for the most touches in a Ligue 1 match since the records began in 2006/07, and given that Postecoglou is building a free-flowing, pass-proficient team in Tottenham, a transfer could work wonders for all involved parties.

It could also spell danger for Eric Dier, whose career down the N17 already hangs by a thread, having only started one game across all competitions this season and currently playing his final season, out of contract in June.

The 29-year-old Englishman ranks among the bottom 9% of positional peers across Europe's top five leagues over the past year for progressive passes for 90, which evidences his incongruity within the new system.

As per FBref, Todibo ranks among the top 8% of central defenders for passes attempted, the top 18% for progressive passes, the top 7% for successful take-ons and the top 5% for tackles per 90.

Proclaimed to be "solid as a rock" by talent scout Jacek Kulig, Todibo has been a centrepiece within Ligue 1's strongest defence this term, with second-placed Les Aiglons having shipped just four goals from the opening 13 matches.

Todibo has indeed been instrumental, completing 90% of his passes across 11 outings, averaging two tackles, 2.8 clearances and 7.8 ball recoveries per game, and also impressively winning 62% of his duels and 88% of his dribbles, as per Sofascore.

The £20k-per-week ace was once a prospect in Spain with Barcelona and has clearly developed his passing prowess from his time at the club, which has been a key factor behind the recent wave of Premier League interest.

How Todibo compares to the Premier League's best

Dubbed a "Rolls-Royce" of a centre-back by journalist Antonio Mango, Todibo has earned his stripes in France and cemented his name as one of the finest in the country, but after 114 appearances with Nice, it's perhaps time to take the leap onto the Premier League scene.

Ange could forget about Dier by unleashing Spurs academy star

Tottenham have been forced to contend with a wave of setbacks after a stunning start to the campaign.

ByAngus Sinclair Nov 15, 2023

The Evening Standard's report reveals that the player himself is actually keen on the move but, having made his Les Bleus debut in September, will be seeking assurances that his playing time will not be hindered by making such a decision.

Tottenham's defensive axis does consist of Van de Ven and Romero and proved to be as formidable as any in the division before that fateful match against former boss Mauricio Pochettino, but aside from the pair Postecoglou doesn't really have much to work with in regard to senior and reliable options.

Player

Club

Fikayo Tomori

AC Milan

William Saliba

Arsenal

Antonio Rudiger

Real Madrid

Sven Botman

Newcastle United

Andreas Christensen

Barcelona

*Sourced via Football Transfers

It's an interesting mix of defenders that Football Transfers has listed as Todibo's most comparable players, with the similarities between Arsenal sensation William Saliba particularly eye-catching for those of a Tottenham persuasion.

Saliba and Todibo were actually heralded as "diamonds" by Kulig for their partnership with Nice several seasons ago, which only further strengthens the claim that he could thrive on English shores.

The Gunners centre-half, aged 22, spent several seasons on loan in his homeland after signing for Arsenal from Saint Etienne for £27m in 2019, but he has been a mainstay since the start of last season and has chalked up 52 appearances, with his rise coinciding with his club's certainly not a coincidence.

The £190k-per-week colossus ranks among the top 7% for pass completion and the top 11% for passes attempted per 90, showcasing his first-class ball-playing talent that has led to Mikel Arteta describing him as "exceptional."

With Arsenal boasting the best defensive record in the English top-flight this season while also currently topping the table, Saliba's role has been vital, making 5.7 recoveries per match and winning 61% of his ground duels.

Todibo offers a skill set that really does look custom-made for Postecoglou's fluid system, actually noted for his strength in passing and tackling by statistical site WhoScored – indeed, such attributes bolster claims from Statman Dave that he has "complete control" on the field.

£39m is certainly no small sum and would eclipse the £27m January acquisition of Steven Bergwijn in 2020, but it would be an impactful addition that could shape the success of Tottenham's exciting season under Postecoglou's guidance.

Granit Xhaka sends Premier League title race message to Arsenal and reveals he still watches Gunners' matches

Former Arsenal midfielder Granit Xhaka has sent an inspiring message to the Gunners as they enter the final leg of their Premier League title battle.

Article continues below

Article continues below

Article continues below

Xhaka sends inspiring message to ArsenalInvolved in Premier League title battle Two points behind Man City and level with Liverpool Getty ImagesWHAT HAPPENED?

All season long, Arsenal have been involved in a tight Premier League title battle against Liverpool and Manchester City and as we enter the last five matchdays of the intriguing season, the former Gunners captain has sent a message to the young Arsenal squad.

AdvertisementWHAT XHAKA SAID

Speaking to the media, the former Gunner said [via The Mirror]: "This is part of the game, I think it was 10 or 11 games unbeaten. When you lose one game, it doesn't mean you lost everything already.

"There are six games left in the Premier League and there is still a big chance to get the Premier League title. I wish them all the best for sure because I am still in contact with the staff and players and also still watching the games.

"Can Arsenal win the title? I hope so because the team, the staff and the football club as well deserve to win trophies. They are very close this year as well like it was last year but football is about small details. I hope they can do it."

GettyTHE BIGGER PICTURE

Xhaka made his move to Bayer Leverkusen last summer for £21.4 million ($26.5m) after the Gunners' heartbreaking title loss to Manchester City after having led the league for the major part of the season. This season, he won the Bundesliga unbeaten with Die Werkself as they beat Bayern Munich to the title for the first time since 2012/13.

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

WHAT NEXT FOR ARSENAL?

The Gunners will take on Wolves in the Premier League on Saturday, April 20 as they look to reduce the gap between themselves and Manchester City who have a two-point atop the standings.

We definitely don't support inappropriate comments – Kohli

The captain has said it has been made clear to Hardik Pandya and KL Rahul that their controversial comments made on an Indian TV show are not acceptable and the personal opinions are not the view of the India team

Andrew McGlashan in Sydney11-Jan-20191:40

They were purely individual opinions – Kohli

Virat Kohli has said it has been made clear to Hardik Pandya and KL Rahul that their controversial comments made on an Indian TV show, which has left them facing a suspension, are not acceptable and the personal opinions are not the view of the India team.Pandya and Rahul appeared on a talk show on Sunday where their comments – Pandya’s in particular – came in for widespread criticism and raised concerns over the team culture. The BCCI issued the players a show-cause notice to which Pandya responded with an apology to the board.”From the Indian cricket team point of view, any inappropriate comments that are made in that scenario are something that we definitely don’t support and the two concerned players felt what has gone wrong and they have understood the magnitude of what’s happened,” Kohli said at the SCG ahead of the opening ODI against Australia. “Definitely it has to hit anyone hard, they will definitely understand the things that have not gone right.”We, definitely, as the Indian cricket team do not support views like that and that has been communicated. I can definitely say that as the Indian cricket team and responsible cricketers we definitely don’t align with those views and those are purely individual views.”We are still waiting for a decision to be made but from the Indian cricket team point of view this changes nothing in terms of our beliefs in the change room. It does nothing to the spirit that we’ve been able to create within the change room and these are purely individual opinions and something as I said which is inappropriate.”While the controversy is dealt with by the Committee of Administrators (CoA), which is overseeing the BCCI, it creates a headache for Kohli ahead of the first ODI on Saturday, especially the uncertainty around Pandya’s availability given how key he is to balancing the India line-up as the seam-bowling allounder in the middle order.Kohli acknowledged the outcome of the process may require the team to rethink their plans, but was confident that with Ravindra Jadeja in the squad, they had the options to cover for Pandya even though Jadeja is a spin-bowling allrounder.”From the combination and team balance point of view, yes, you’ll have to think about the combination you’ll need now,” Kohli said. “You don’t have control over these things so you have to address it the way it unfolds. That’s how we are looking at it, the combinations will have to be looked at when the decision comes out and from there on we’ll see what needs to be done about the whole situation.”

Game
Register
Service
Bonus