Wasim Akram Recalls Bowling to a Young Sanju Samson

Wasim Akram Recalls Bowling to a Young Sanju Samson

Former Pakistan captain Wasim Akram, renowned for his exceptional bowling prowess, recently reminisced about his time as the bowling coach of Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) from 2010 to 2016. During a recent interaction, Akram shared a memorable anecdote involving a young Sanju Samson, who was then a shy 16-year-old.

Akram recalled that due to a shortage of bowlers in the camp, he had the opportunity to bowl in the nets. As Samson came to bat, Akram noticed his quiet demeanor and impressive wicketkeeping skills. However, it was Samson’s batting that caught Akram’s attention.

Akram began by testing Samson with a couple of outswingers, but the youngster remained unfazed. Determined to make an impact, Akram unleashed an inswinging delivery that rattled Samson’s stumps. Akram couldn’t resist giving Samson a playful send-off, recognizing his potential as a future star.

“At that time, he did not get a chance, but I felt that he had the potential to become a good player in the future,” Akram said. “He was silent. He was a young kid. When big names are around you, you tend to come under pressure. I was with him for a short time only, but I got that feeling that he can become a good player.”

Samson’s journey since then has been remarkable. He has emerged as a key player for Rajasthan Royals, leading the franchise to the top of the table in the ongoing IPL season. Akram’s early assessment of Samson’s talent has proven to be accurate, as the youngster has blossomed into a formidable batsman.

Jasprit Bumrah Takes Up Batting Practice to Aid Mumbai Indians' Struggling Batters

Jasprit Bumrah Takes Up Batting Practice to Aid Mumbai Indians’ Struggling Batters

Mumbai Indians’ pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah has taken it upon himself to address his team’s batting woes. With MI struggling to make the IPL playoffs due to inconsistent batting performances, Bumrah has been practicing his batting skills in the nets.

In a video shared by MI’s official social media handle, Bumrah is seen hitting some big shots during a net practice session ahead of their clash with Delhi Capitals on Saturday. The video highlights Bumrah’s determination to contribute to the team’s performance beyond his role as a bowler.

Bumrah’s batting practice comes as MI faces a crucial match against DC, who are currently sixth in the points table with eight points. MI, on the other hand, is eighth with six points. In their previous match, MI suffered a nine-wicket defeat to Rajasthan Royals.

Despite MI’s batting struggles, Bumrah has been in impressive form with the ball this season. He has claimed 13 wickets at an average of 15.69 and an economy rate of 6.37. His best bowling figures stand at 5/21, and he currently holds the ‘Purple Cap’ for being the leading wicket-taker in the tournament.

Bumrah’s batting practice is a testament to his commitment to the team and his willingness to go the extra mile to help MI succeed. It remains to be seen whether Bumrah’s batting skills will translate into runs on the field, but his efforts have certainly boosted the team’s morale.

Indian Prodigy Gukesh D Breaks Kasparov's Record, Eyes World Championship

Indian Prodigy Gukesh D Breaks Kasparov’s Record, Eyes World Championship

Garry Kasparov, the youngest-ever world champion at 22, could see his record being smashed later this year. Indian prodigy Gukesh D, just 17 years old, has already broken Kasparov’s youngest-ever Candidates winner record.

Kasparov himself acknowledged Gukesh’s remarkable achievement, writing on social media: “The Indian earthquake in Toronto is the culmination of the shifting tectonic plates in the chess world as the 17-year-old Gukesh D will face the Chinese champion Ding Liren for the highest title. The ‘children’ of Vishy Anand are on the loose!”

Gukesh’s victory in the Candidates Tournament has sent shockwaves through the chess world. He is the youngest player to ever qualify for the Candidates, and his performance has been nothing short of sensational. In the tournament, he defeated some of the world’s top players, including former world champion Fabiano Caruana and current world number two Ian Nepomniachtchi.

Gukesh’s success is a testament to the rising tide of young talent in chess. In recent years, we have seen a number of teenagers emerge as serious contenders for the world championship. This is due in part to the increasing popularity of chess online, which has allowed young players to gain experience and compete against top players from around the world.

If Gukesh can continue his meteoric rise, he could become the youngest-ever world champion. He is already one of the most talented players in the world, and he has the potential to achieve great things.

Gibbs Sparks Debate on Batting Skills in Challenging Conditions

Gibbs Sparks Debate on Batting Skills in Challenging Conditions

Former South African cricketer Herschelle Gibbs has sparked a debate on the intricacies of batting in challenging conditions, following Sunrisers Hyderabad’s loss to Royal Challengers Bengaluru in the Indian Premier League (IPL).

Gibbs took to social media to express his perspective on the complexities of batting on slower pitches, highlighting the exceptional skill and composure required to chase a challenging target on such surfaces.

“I know Travis Head said he wants 300 but chasing 207 on a slower wicket would have been just as skillful,” Gibbs remarked, referring to SRH opener Travis Head’s earlier comments about wanting to score 300 runs in an innings.

Gibbs’ post served as a reminder that chasing a challenging target on a surface unsuitable for free-flowing batting requires exceptional skill and composure from the batters.

“Talking international cricket, I’m pretty sure 300 in T20s and 500 in ODIs will be scored but the beauty will always be in the chase,” Gibbs later said in a separate post.

The context of Gibbs’ tweet stemmed from Head and his opening partner, Abhishek Sharma, jesting about their ambition to see a “3” at the start of the team’s total, hinting at their desire to score 300 runs or more.

However, the reality on the Hyderabad pitch proved to be a tough challenge for SRH’s batting lineup, as they struggled to keep up with the required run rate, ultimately falling short by 36 runs against RCB.

Despite the loss, SRH maintained a firm hold on the third position on the IPL 2024 league table, while RCB continued to strive for a comeback from the bottom spot.

Gibbs’ comments have sparked a debate among cricket enthusiasts, highlighting the importance of adaptability and skill in batting on different surfaces and conditions.

West Indies Stars Narine, Russell Stay Up All Night, Sleep During IPL

West Indies Stars Narine, Russell Stay Up All Night, Sleep During IPL

West Indies Stars Narine and Russell’s Bizarre IPL Schedule: Staying Up All Night, Sleeping During the Day

Former Pakistan pacer Wasim Akram has shed light on the unusual sleep patterns of West Indies cricketers Sunil Narine and Andre Russell during the Indian Premier League (IPL). Akram, who coached Narine and Russell at Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), revealed that the duo adheres to a nocturnal schedule while in India.

“When I was with KKR, I would wake up early for breakfast. Sunil Narine came for breakfast with swollen eyes. I asked him, ‘Hey mate! What’s happening?'” Akram recalled. “He said, ‘I haven’t slept.’ I said, ‘What do you mean you haven’t slept?’ He said, ‘I am on West Indies time.'”

Narine explained that he stays up all night and sleeps during the day in India, a practice that Russell also follows. This peculiar schedule stems from the significant time difference between India and the West Indies, which is 9 hours and 30 minutes.

Despite their unconventional sleep habits, Narine and Russell have been instrumental in KKR’s success. Narine has been a key contributor with both bat and ball, opening the batting and scoring 286 runs in the first seven matches. He has also taken nine wickets.

Russell, on the other hand, has scored 155 runs and taken nine wickets in seven games. His explosive batting and all-round abilities have made him a valuable asset for KKR.

Akram’s revelation highlights the unique challenges faced by international cricketers who travel to different time zones for tournaments. While some players may struggle to adjust to the time difference, others, like Narine and Russell, have found ways to adapt and maintain their performance levels.

Hardik Pandya Likely to Make T20 World Cup Squad Despite Form Slump

Hardik Pandya Likely to Make T20 World Cup Squad Despite Form Slump

India’s all-rounder Hardik Pandya may not be in top form, but his unique skillset and the lack of a suitable replacement make him a likely candidate for the T20 World Cup 2024 squad.

Despite his recent struggles, Pandya remains a valuable asset to the team. His ability to bat aggressively, field exceptionally well, and contribute with his medium-pace bowling makes him a versatile player.

While Chennai Super Kings’ Shivam Dube has impressed with his batting in the IPL, his limited bowling options may hinder his chances of selection. According to reports, the team’s reluctance to use Dube as a bowler could work in Pandya’s favor.

Pandya’s batting prowess, with a strike rate of 132, and his fielding skills are expected to outweigh his current form slump. He has also bowled 17 overs in eight games for Mumbai Indians in the IPL, demonstrating his all-round capabilities.

However, Pandya’s batting has been below par, with only seven sixes in eight games. His free-flowing style has been missing, and his strike rate of 142 is below his usual standards.

Despite Pandya’s struggles, Dube’s emergence as a finisher has made him a strong contender for a spot in the 15-member squad. While Dube may not be a direct replacement for Pandya as an all-rounder, his batting form cannot be ignored.

In terms of bowling options, Jasprit Bumrah, Arshdeep Singh, Mohammed Siraj, Ravindra Jadeja, and Kuldeep Yadav are considered certainties for the squad. The remaining spot is likely to be contested between Avesh Khan, Axar Patel, and Ravi Bishnoi.

Avesh has improved his death bowling and has eight wickets in eight matches, while Bishnoi has been economical on flat tracks. Axar, with seven wickets in nine games, is also a strong candidate.

Ultimately, the selection committee will have to weigh the pros and cons of each player and make a decision based on their current form and the team’s needs.

Ricky Ponting's Treasured Collection: Bats of International Centuries

Ricky Ponting’s Treasured Collection: Bats of International Centuries

Ricky Ponting, the legendary Australian cricketer, has revealed his meticulous collection of bats used to score international centuries. During his illustrious career, Ponting amassed an impressive 71 international hundreds, including 41 in Test matches.

Ponting’s passion for collecting bats began early on. He still possesses his first bat, adorned with stickers, as a cherished memento. Throughout his career, he meticulously preserved every bat with which he scored an international century, inscribing the score and opposition’s name on each one.

Among Ponting’s prized possessions is the bat he used to score his unforgettable unbeaten 140 against India in the 2003 World Cup final. This iconic innings played a pivotal role in Australia’s victory.

Ponting’s collection is not merely a display of his achievements but also a testament to his love for the game. He keeps his bats in his garage, away from public view.

Sourav Ganguly, former India captain and current Delhi Capitals Director, shared his own experience of receiving his first bat at the age of 13. He recalled the joy of hitting the ball with ease.

David Warner, playing for Delhi Capitals this season, also shared his childhood memories of his first bat, a birthday gift from his uncle. He kept it close to his bed, cherishing its significance.

Ponting’s collection serves as a reminder of his remarkable career and the countless memories he created on the field. It is a testament to his dedication, passion, and the enduring legacy he has left on the game of cricket.

DC Players Enjoy Football Banter Ahead of IPL Clash with Gujarat Titans

DC Players Enjoy Football Banter Ahead of IPL Clash with Gujarat Titans

Delhi Capitals Players Engage in Lighthearted Football Session Ahead of IPL Match

Ahead of their crucial IPL 2024 encounter against the Gujarat Titans, the Delhi Capitals (DC) players indulged in a lighthearted session of football at the Arun Jaitley Stadium on Wednesday. The atmosphere in the DC camp was jovial as the Indian players faced off against their overseas counterparts in a friendly game.

Star opening batter Prithvi Shaw stole the show with his hilarious commentary. As the Indian players struggled against the overseas stars, Shaw playfully referred to them as “Mere Lagaan ke bhaiyon,” a nod to Aamir Khan’s iconic movie “Lagaan.”

“Khaane ko roti nahi milega, pehen ne ko kapda nahi hoga,” Shaw quipped in a video uploaded by DC.

Shaw’s antics brought laughter to the field and lifted the spirits of his teammates. Despite their playful demeanor, the DC players remained focused on their upcoming match against the Gujarat Titans.

So far in IPL 2024, Shaw has been in impressive form, scoring 174 runs in six matches at a strike rate of 162.62. His highest score of 66 came against the Kolkata Knight Riders at Visakhapatnam.

The 24-year-old had a disappointing IPL 2023 season, where he was dropped midway through the tournament after amassing just 106 runs from eight innings. However, he has bounced back strongly this season and will be looking to continue his good form against the Gujarat Titans.

DC defeated GT in their away game earlier this season at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. The upcoming match at the Arun Jaitley Stadium will be a crucial test for both teams as they aim to secure a playoff berth.

Sanjay Manjrekar's Surprising Squad for T20 World Cup 2024

Sanjay Manjrekar’s Surprising Squad for T20 World Cup 2024

Former Indian cricketer Sanjay Manjrekar has unveiled his 15-member squad for India’s T20 World Cup 2024 campaign, sparking both surprise and debate among fans and experts.

Manjrekar’s squad features some unexpected inclusions and omissions. Notably, he has left out talismanic batter Virat Kohli, who has been a mainstay in India’s T20I setup for over a decade. Instead, he has opted for Lucknow Super Giants all-rounder Krunal Pandya.

At the top of the batting order, Manjrekar has gone with Rohit Sharma and Yashasvi Jaiswal. Sanju Samson and Suryakumar Yadav complete the top four, while Rishabh Pant, KL Rahul, and Samson provide wicket-keeping options.

In the all-rounder department, Manjrekar has selected Ravindra Jadeja and Krunal Pandya, leaving out pace-bowling all-rounders Hardik Pandya and Shivam Dube.

For the spin attack, Manjrekar has picked Kuldeep Yadav and Yuzvendra Chahal, while Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj are his marquee pacers. Avesh Khan and Mayank Yadav have also earned spots in the squad.

Manjrekar’s decision to snub Kohli has raised eyebrows, given the batter’s exceptional record in T20 cricket. However, Manjrekar has defended his choice, stating that he believes the team needs a more balanced approach.

“I think we need to move away from the idea of having a fixed top three or four batters,” Manjrekar said. “We need to have players who can bat anywhere in the order and contribute with both bat and ball.”

Manjrekar’s squad has sparked a lively debate on social media, with fans and experts weighing in on his selections. It remains to be seen whether his predictions will come to fruition, but his bold choices have certainly added to the anticipation surrounding the T20 World Cup 2024.

Virat Kohli: The Unstoppable Force Captivating Fans in IPL

Virat Kohli: The Unstoppable Force Captivating Fans in IPL

Virat Kohli, the former Indian captain and current Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) star, continues to captivate fans with his exceptional performances on and off the field. Despite RCB’s struggles in the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL), Kohli remains the tournament’s leading run-scorer, donning the coveted Orange Cap.

In the recent match against Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH), Kohli once again showcased his brilliance, scoring a crucial 51 off 43 deliveries, including a six and four boundaries. His innings played a pivotal role in RCB’s 35-run victory.

Kohli’s popularity extends beyond his team loyalties. During the match, fans from both RCB and SRH chanted his name, eager to witness his batting prowess. The official IPL Twitter handle shared a heartwarming video capturing Kohli’s pre-match batting practice, where he interacted with fans and displayed his signature fielding skills.

The video also highlights Kohli’s infectious enthusiasm and camaraderie with his teammates. As RCB secured the victory, Kohli was seen laughing and celebrating with his fellow players, demonstrating his unwavering passion for the game.

Kohli’s contributions extend beyond his on-field performances. He is known for his dedication to fitness and his commitment to improving his craft. His unwavering determination and relentless pursuit of excellence have made him an inspiration to aspiring cricketers and fans alike.

As RCB prepares for their next match against Gujarat Titans on Sunday, Kohli’s presence will undoubtedly be a source of motivation for his team and a spectacle for fans. His ability to connect with the crowd and inspire his teammates makes him a true icon of the sport.

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