Virat Kohli Hails Shikhar Dhawan's Legacy as India's Dependable Opener

Virat Kohli Hails Shikhar Dhawan’s Legacy as India’s Dependable Opener

Virat Kohli Lauds Shikhar Dhawan’s Legacy as India’s Dependable Opener

Former Indian skipper Virat Kohli has paid a heartfelt tribute to Shikhar Dhawan, who recently announced his retirement from all forms of cricket. Kohli hailed Dhawan as one of India’s most dependable openers, whose passion, sportsmanship, and signature smile will be dearly missed.

Dhawan, fondly known as ‘Gabbar,’ has had an illustrious career, amassing 10,867 runs in 34 Tests, 167 ODIs, and 68 T20Is. He is the 12th highest run-scorer for India in international cricket, with 24 centuries and 79 fifty-plus scores.

Kohli highlighted Dhawan’s fearless debut and his rise to becoming one of India’s most reliable openers. He credited Dhawan for giving countless memories to cherish, both on and off the field.

“Your passion for the game, your sportsmanship, and your trademark smile will be missed, but your legacy lives on,” Kohli wrote on social media.

Dhawan’s most notable achievement came in the 2013 Champions Trophy, where he was named the player of the tournament for scoring the most runs (363). Along with Kohli and Rohit Sharma, he formed an unmatched triumvirate in the international white-ball formats from 2013 to 2019.

Kohli and Dhawan shared a deep bond, both on and off the field. They hail from the same region in West Delhi and came through the system at almost the same time. They were teammates for the Indian team for almost a decade.

Kohli expressed his gratitude to Dhawan for all the memories and wished him luck in his future endeavors. “Thank you for the memories, unforgettable performances, and always leading with your heart. Wishing you the best in your next innings, off the field Gabbar!” he added.

Shikhar Dhawan’s retirement marks the end of an era for Indian cricket. His contributions to the team have been immense, and his legacy as a dependable opener will forever be etched in the annals of Indian cricket history.

Ball-Change Controversy Erupts in England-Sri Lanka Test

Ball-Change Controversy Erupts in England-Sri Lanka Test

A controversial ball-change decision in the first Test between England and Sri Lanka in Manchester has sparked outrage, with Sri Lankan all-rounder Angelo Mathews labeling it “unfair.”

During Sri Lanka’s second innings, England took a new ball at 4-146, a move that Mathews believes shifted the momentum in England’s favor. With a slender 24-run lead, Sri Lanka had been in a strong position, but the new ball allowed England’s pacers to exploit the firmer cherry.

Mathews, who was batting on 59 at the time of the ball change, was dismissed in the 10th over after the new ball was taken. “It was unfortunate, to be honest,” Mathews said. “Yesterday we were sitting pretty until the ball was changed.”

Mathews argued that the ball change disadvantaged batters on both teams, as they had worked hard to take the shine off the old ball. “The batters are waiting to get rid of the hardness of the ball, and it’s unfortunate that the ball was changed and it started swinging and it changed the whole complexion of the game,” he said.

This is not the first time England has been criticized for a ball-change decision. In last year’s Ashes Test at the Oval, Australia great Ricky Ponting expressed frustration at a similar incident.

England eventually won the opening Test by 5 wickets, but the ball-change controversy has left a sour taste in the mouths of Sri Lankan players and fans.

Manu Bhaker and Suryakumar Yadav Swap Sports Roles in Playful Social Media Moment

Manu Bhaker and Suryakumar Yadav Swap Sports Roles in Playful Social Media Moment

Manu Bhaker and Suryakumar Yadav Engage in Playful Sports Swap

Indian shooting sensation Manu Bhaker and star cricketer Suryakumar Yadav recently shared a lighthearted moment on social media, showcasing their playful camaraderie. In a photo posted by Bhaker, the two athletes engaged in a role reversal, with Bhaker posing as a batter and Yadav taking on the role of a pistol shooter.

Bhaker, who recently won two medals at the Paris Olympics, captioned the photo, “Learning techniques of a new sport with the Mr. 360 of India! Suryakumar Yadav.” The interaction delighted fans, who appreciated the athletes’ sense of humor and sportsmanship.

Bhaker’s impressive performance at the Paris Olympics included two bronze medals – one in the 10m air pistol and another in the 25m air pistol mixed event with partner Sarabjot Singh. Her achievements have solidified her status as one of India’s most promising young shooters.

Meanwhile, Suryakumar Yadav has also been making waves in the cricketing world. His game-changing catch in the final of the T20 World Cup against South Africa helped India secure a seven-run victory and the coveted trophy. Yadav’s exceptional performance earned him the appointment as India’s T20I captain after Rohit Sharma’s retirement from the format.

The playful interaction between Bhaker and Yadav highlights the camaraderie and mutual respect that exists among athletes from different sports. It also serves as a reminder that even the most accomplished athletes can find joy and inspiration in trying new things and interacting with their peers.

Bangladesh Bowlers Dominate Pakistan in Dhaka Test

Bangladesh Bowlers Dominate Pakistan in Dhaka Test

Bangladesh’s bowlers tightened their grip on the second Test against Pakistan in Dhaka, dismissing key batsmen and putting the visitors under pressure. Mehidy Hasan and Shakib Al Hasan shared five wickets between them, while Nahid Rana chipped in with a crucial scalp.

Pakistan resumed their second innings at 188/2, trailing by 114 runs. However, they lost Abdullah Shafique (23) and Agha Salman (0) in quick succession, both falling to Mehidy. Shakib then removed Mohammad Rizwan (29) and Shaheen Afridi (10) to leave Pakistan reeling at 199/6.

Rizwan, who had been Pakistan’s top scorer in the first innings, was particularly unlucky. He was initially given not out after being hit on the pad by Shakib, but the decision was overturned on review.

Mehidy continued to impress, bowling with accuracy and control. He dismissed Rizwan with a well-flighted delivery that turned sharply and took the outside edge. Shakib, on the other hand, used his experience to outfox Shafique and Afridi.

Nahid Rana provided valuable support, removing Salman with a delivery that kept low and trapped him in front. Pakistan’s hopes now rest on captain Babar Azam and Faheem Ashraf, who are unbeaten on 13 and 10 respectively.

Bangladesh, on the other hand, will be confident of wrapping up the match quickly. They have a significant lead of 114 runs and a potent bowling attack that has already taken 10 wickets.

Indian Cricket Team Prepares for Busy Test Season

Indian Cricket Team Prepares for Busy Test Season

The Indian cricket team is gearing up for a busy Test season, with a two-match series against Bangladesh in September, followed by a three-match series against New Zealand and a five-match series against Australia.

Captain Rohit Sharma has already begun his preparations for the upcoming challenges. Videos on social media show Sharma engaged in intense training sessions with India’s assistant coach Abhishek Nayar. The sessions include rigorous cardio exercises in a park.

Nayar, who joined the Indian support staff last month, has been working closely with Sharma. The skipper’s last Test appearance for India was in March 2024 against England, where he scored a century in the first innings.

The Bangladesh series will be a good warm-up for India before they face New Zealand and Australia. Bangladesh has improved significantly in recent years and will pose a tough challenge.

The New Zealand series will be a stern test for India. The Kiwis are one of the top Test teams in the world and will be looking to avenge their defeat in the World Test Championship final last year.

The Australia series will be the ultimate challenge for India. The Aussies are the current World Test champions and have a formidable record at home. India will need to be at their best to win the series.

The upcoming Test season will be a crucial one for India. They will be looking to build on their success in the World Test Championship and establish themselves as the best Test team in the world.

Yuvraj Singh Emerges as Frontrunner for Delhi Capitals Head Coach Role

Yuvraj Singh Emerges as Frontrunner for Delhi Capitals Head Coach Role

With the departure of Rick Ponting as head coach of the Delhi Capitals ahead of the 2024 Indian Premier League (IPL) season, the franchise is reportedly eyeing Yuvraj Singh as his replacement. Yuvraj, a legendary Indian middle-order batter, has limited top-tier coaching experience but is highly regarded for his cricketing acumen and leadership qualities.

The Delhi Capitals are keen to replicate the success of the Gujarat Titans, who appointed Ashish Nehra as their head coach last season. Nehra, who was initially linked with a move away from GT, is now expected to remain with the franchise. This has prompted the Capitals to turn their attention to Yuvraj, who is seen as a potential replacement for Ponting.

Yuvraj’s extensive playing experience, including 40 Tests, 304 ODIs, and 58 T20Is, makes him a valuable asset to any coaching staff. He was a key member of India’s victorious campaigns in the 2007 ICC World T20 and the 2011 ODI World Cup.

If Yuvraj accepts the role, he will have the support of Sourav Ganguly, who is the Director of Cricket Operations at the Delhi Capitals. Ganguly was initially considered for the coaching position but ultimately decided against it.

Yuvraj has unofficially mentored players like Abhishek Sharma and Shubman Gill, helping them improve their game. His ability to inspire and motivate young players could prove invaluable to the Delhi Capitals.

Whether Yuvraj can replicate his success as a player in the coaching role remains to be seen. However, his appointment would undoubtedly add experience and star power to the Delhi Capitals’ coaching staff.

India's 2019 World Cup Journey: Dominance and Heartbreak

India’s 2019 World Cup Journey: Dominance and Heartbreak

India’s 2019 ICC Cricket World Cup campaign was a tale of both triumph and disappointment. The team, led by Virat Kohli, entered the tournament as one of the favorites and lived up to expectations in the group stages, winning seven out of nine matches. However, their journey came to an abrupt end in the semi-final against New Zealand, leaving Indian fans heartbroken.

India’s dominance in the group stages was evident from their consistent performances. They defeated South Africa, Australia, Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Afghanistan, while their match against New Zealand was washed out due to rain. Rohit Sharma emerged as the tournament’s leading run-scorer with 648 runs at an average of 81.00, including five centuries. Virat Kohli also contributed significantly with 442 runs, while Jasprit Bumrah was the leading wicket-taker with 18 scalps.

The semi-final against New Zealand proved to be a turning point for India. Chasing a modest target of 240, India’s top order collapsed, with Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and KL Rahul all departing early. Despite a valiant effort from Ravindra Jadeja and MS Dhoni, who stitched together a gritty partnership, India fell short by 18 runs.

The defeat was a bitter pill for Indian fans to swallow, as the team had been strong contenders throughout the tournament. Rohit Sharma later expressed his belief that MS Dhoni should have batted at number four, a position that would have allowed him to play a more influential role in the chase.

Despite the disappointment of the World Cup exit, India has since won the ICC T20 World Cup 2024 title under Rohit Sharma’s captaincy. The team remains one of the strongest in the world and will be looking to add to their trophy cabinet in the years to come.

Australia A Triumphs in Four-Day Thriller Against India A

Australia A Triumphs in Four-Day Thriller Against India A

Australia A emerged victorious in the four-day match against India A, securing a 45-run victory after a thrilling final day. The match marked the conclusion of India A’s tour, which included three formats.

On the final day, India A resumed their chase of 289 with a promising start, as Raghvi Bist and Uma Chetry forged a 79-run partnership for the seventh wicket. However, the momentum shifted when Tess Flintoff dismissed Chetry and Bist in quick succession, leaving India A reeling.

Mannat Kashyap’s dismissal to Maitlan Brown further dented India A’s hopes, and despite a late resistance from the lower order, Australia A wrapped up the victory with Charlie Knott claiming the final wicket.

Australia A’s victory was built on key performances throughout the match. Georgia Voll’s opening-day 71 and Kate Peterson’s five-wicket haul gave them a narrow lead. Maddy Darke’s second-innings century and Grace Parsons’ all-round display, including 70 runs and two wickets, proved crucial.

“We only won by 40-something runs in the end so without those [runs] we wouldn’t have got over the line,” said Knott.

India A’s tour had been a tale of improvement, with the team performing better as the trip progressed. They lost the T20s 3-0 and the one-dayers 2-1, but showed resilience and determination in the four-day match.

Shikhar Dhawan's Heartfelt Message to Son Amidst Custody Battle

Shikhar Dhawan’s Heartfelt Message to Son Amidst Custody Battle

Shikhar Dhawan, the former Indian cricketer, has been vocal about his longing for his son, Zoraver, after announcing his retirement from international cricket. Despite being granted visitation rights and video call access, Dhawan has been blocked from seeing his son for months.

In a recent interview with Hindustan Times, Dhawan expressed his hope that Zoraver would learn about his cricket journey and remember him as a good human being. “I would like for Zoraver to remember me as a good human being who does good deeds and brings positivity to people around him,” Dhawan said.

Dhawan’s divorce from his ex-wife, Aesha Mukherji, in October 2023, resulted in him losing custody of Zoraver. The court ruled that Zoraver would be allowed to meet Dhawan and his family during trips to India and Australia.

However, Dhawan has revealed that he has been unable to see or contact Zoraver for months. In December 2023, he posted a heartfelt message on his birthday, expressing his sadness and acceptance of the situation. “I write messages to him every day, I don’t know whether he is receiving those or not, whether he is reading them or not. I don’t have any expectations. I have accepted it. I am a father and I am trying to do my duty. I miss him, I feel sad but I have learnt to live with it,” he said.

Dhawan’s longing for his son was also evident during the IPL 2024 season. He posted a photo on Instagram of a Punjab Kings jersey with Zoraver’s name on the back, with the caption “You’re Always with Me, My Boy.”

Despite the challenges, Dhawan remains hopeful that he will be able to reconnect with his son in the future. “I hope that one day, when Zoraver is old enough to understand, he will come to me and ask me about my life and my cricket journey. I will be there for him, whenever he needs me,” Dhawan said.

England Clinch Five-Wicket Victory in First Test Against Sri Lanka

England Clinch Five-Wicket Victory in First Test Against Sri Lanka

England emerged victorious in the first Test against Sri Lanka at Old Trafford, securing a five-wicket triumph on Saturday. The hosts chased down a modest target of 205 runs, thanks to a composed 64-run stand between Joe Root and Jamie Smith.

Root played the anchor role, reaching his half-century off 108 deliveries. England’s chase got off to a shaky start with the early dismissals of Ben Duckett and Ollie Pope. Dan Lawrence was trapped lbw by Milan Rathnayake, leaving England in a precarious position at 119-4.

Smith, who scored his maiden Test century in the first innings, provided stability alongside Root. The duo patiently navigated a challenging period, going an hour without finding the boundary. England regained control before Asitha Fernando dismissed Smith for 39.

Root remained unbeaten on 62, hitting only his second four off the final ball to seal England’s victory. Earlier, Sri Lanka resumed the day at 204-6, with Kamindu Mendis and Dinesh Chandimal adding 117 runs for the seventh wicket. Kamindu scored his third Test century, showcasing his consistent form.

However, England capitalized on the new ball after lunch, with Gus Atkinson dismissing Kamindu. Matthew Potts removed Chandimal, who battled through pain after injuring his thumb. Sri Lanka’s innings concluded on 326, adding just 19 runs for the last three wickets.

The second Test of the three-match series will commence at Lord’s on Thursday. England will look to extend their lead, while Sri Lanka will aim to level the series.

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