Rohit Sharma Hailed as One of India's Greatest Captains by Ravi Shastri

Rohit Sharma Hailed as One of India’s Greatest Captains by Ravi Shastri

Ravi Shastri, the former Indian cricketer and head coach, has hailed Rohit Sharma as one of the greatest Indian captains in history, predicting that his legacy will be cemented after the 2024 T20 World Cup triumph.

Since taking over the captaincy in 2021, Sharma has transformed India’s fortunes, leading them to the semi-finals of the 2022 T20 World Cup, the finals of the 2023 ODI World Cup, and the World Test Championship. His aggressive playing style and strategic prowess have earned him widespread acclaim.

Shastri believes that Sharma’s tactical acumen is on par with MS Dhoni, the legendary Indian captain. “As a tactician, he’s been an outstanding guy. He’ll go down as one of the best captains ever alongside Dhoni,” Shastri said.

Sharma’s exceptional leadership extends to the Indian Premier League, where he has guided the Mumbai Indians to five titles since 2013. His ability to handle pressure and make crucial decisions was evident in India’s comeback victory in the 2024 T20 World Cup final against South Africa.

“Rohit is not far behind and I thought tactically he was just outstanding in this year’s (T20) World Cup. Just the calmness, the ability to get a (Jasprit) Bumrah or a (Hardik) Pandya, or even an Axar Patel at just the right time when needed was great to see,” Shastri added.

Sharma’s batting prowess has also flourished under his captaincy, making him a formidable all-rounder. His partnership with head coach Rahul Dravid has been instrumental in India’s resurgence, creating a cohesive and successful team environment.

As India gears up for the 2024 T20 World Cup, Shastri believes that Sharma’s leadership will be crucial in securing the coveted trophy. “If India wins the World Cup, Rohit will be considered one of the greatest Indian captains ever,” Shastri concluded.

Ashwin's Batting Brilliance Powers Dindigul Dragons to TNPL Victory

Ashwin’s Batting Brilliance Powers Dindigul Dragons to TNPL Victory

Ravichandran Ashwin, India’s renowned off-spin wizard, showcased his exceptional batting prowess in the Tamil Nadu Premier League (TNPL) 2024. Leading the Dindigul Dragons as captain, Ashwin played a pivotal role in his team’s victory over the Chepauk Super Gillies in the Eliminator.

Chasing a modest target of 159 in 20 overs, the Dragons lost an early wicket. However, Ashwin, batting at number three, displayed his versatility with a blistering knock. He started cautiously, but soon unleashed his power, smashing the fourth ball he faced for a towering six.

Ashwin’s innings was a symphony of power and precision. He struck four more sixes and four boundaries, amassing 57 runs off just 35 deliveries. His aggressive approach kept the Dragons in the hunt, and his dismissal in the 14th over did little to dampen their spirits.

Inspired by Ashwin’s heroics, the Dragons rallied to victory with one ball to spare and four wickets in hand. Ashwin’s match-winning performance earned him the Man of the Match award.

Ashwin’s batting exploits in the TNPL 2024 are a testament to his all-round abilities. Despite being primarily known for his bowling prowess, he has consistently demonstrated his batting prowess in various formats. In Test cricket, he boasts five centuries and 14 half-centuries, while in ODIs, he has scored a fifty.

The Dragons will now face IDream Tiruppur Tamizhans in Qualifier 2 at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai on Friday. Ashwin’s leadership and batting prowess will be crucial as the Dragons aim to secure a berth in the final.

India Complete 3-0 T20I Sweep of Sri Lanka with Super Over Thriller

India Complete 3-0 T20I Sweep of Sri Lanka with Super Over Thriller

India’s T20I dominance over Sri Lanka continued as they completed a resounding 3-0 clean-sweep with a thrilling super over victory in the final match. The hosts’ chase of 138 seemed comfortable until Suryakumar Yadav’s inspired bowling changes turned the tide.

With Sri Lanka needing nine runs off 12 balls, Yadav summoned part-time off-spinner Rinku Singh. Singh, making his T20I bowling debut, conceded only three runs and claimed two wickets in a remarkable 19th over.

Yadav’s audacity continued as he brought himself on to bowl the final over. Despite conceding five runs, he picked up two more wickets, forcing the game into a super over. India’s dominance extended into the super over, where they restricted Sri Lanka to just two runs and secured a comprehensive victory.

Former India cricketer Mohammad Kaif lauded Yadav’s captaincy, particularly his unconventional bowling choices. “Suryakumar is a true disciple of Rohit Sharma,” Kaif tweeted. “Using Rinku in the 19th over and himself in the 20th over shows what it takes to be a great leader.”

Rinku, who had never bowled in T20Is before, expressed his surprise at being asked to bowl. “I was informed by Surya to be ready for bowling in the series,” he said. “When he asked me to bowl, it was God’s plan.”

Off-spinner Washington Sundar, who starred with an all-round performance, praised Yadav’s inventiveness. “It was a great decision to bring in Rinku,” Sundar said. “For Surya to bring himself into such a crunch situation was amazing.”

Yadav’s bold captaincy and the unexpected contributions of Rinku and Sundar proved decisive in India’s clean-sweep. The victory further cements India’s status as a formidable force in T20I cricket.

Sri Lanka's ODI Woes Mount as Pathirana, Madushanka Ruled Out

Sri Lanka’s ODI Woes Mount as Pathirana, Madushanka Ruled Out

Sri Lanka’s ODI squad against India has been further depleted by injuries, with fast bowlers Matheesha Pathirana and Dilshan Madushanka ruled out. The duo joins Dushmantha Chameera and Nuwan Thushara on the sidelines, leaving the hosts with a depleted bowling attack.

Pathirana, who impressed in the recent T20 World Cup, suffered a shoulder complaint while fielding in the third T20I against India. The injury is a recurrence of the issue that plagued him during last year’s World Cup, prompting the team management to err on the side of caution.

Madushanka, on the other hand, sustained a hamstring injury during training. He played only one match in the T20I series, but was expected to feature in the ODI squad.

Sri Lanka have called up uncapped right-arm seamer Mohamed Shiraz as a replacement for Pathirana. The team is also expected to announce the inclusion of another seamer later on Thursday.

The injuries have come as a major blow to Sri Lanka, who have lost their last 10 matches across formats against India. The hosts will be desperate to break their losing streak in the upcoming ODI series, but they will need to find a way to compensate for the absence of their key bowlers.

Umpire Struck by Flying Bat, Sparking Safety Concerns in Cricket

Umpire Struck by Flying Bat, Sparking Safety Concerns in Cricket

Cricket Umpire Struck by Flying Bat, Reigniting Safety Concerns

In a shocking incident that has raised concerns about safety protocols in cricket, an on-field umpire was struck on the leg by a flying bat during a player’s celebratory outburst. The video of the incident has gone viral, highlighting the potential hazards faced by umpires.

The incident occurred during a recent match when a batter, overjoyed after hitting the winning six, threw his bat into the air as part of his celebration. The umpire, positioned at the opposite end of the pitch, was preparing to signal the six when the bat landed on his leg, causing visible discomfort. The batter’s celebration had commenced even before the umpire could complete the traditional signal for a six.

Cricket, like many sports, involves inherent risks of physical injury, leading players to don extensive protective gear. Batters wear helmets, pads, gloves, arm guards, and thigh pads, while wicket-keepers use gloves to handle high-speed balls. Umpires, too, have begun adopting protective measures, a practice popularized by Australian umpire Bruce Oxenford.

Oxenford designed an innovative arm guard, shaped like a lollipop, to shield his left arm. First introduced during a 2015 World T20 warm-up match and later seen in the IPL, the device features a black arm attachment and a transparent protective shield. Despite its utility for Oxenford, the contraption hasn’t gained widespread acceptance among other umpires. Some, like fellow Australian John Ward, prefer using conventional helmets for protection.

However, incidents like the recent flying bat highlight the unpredictable dangers in cricket, suggesting that current safety measures may not be comprehensive enough. The unexpected nature of such accidents emphasizes the need for ongoing evaluation and enhancement of safety protocols for umpires.

Bangladesh Cricket Board Requests Security Consultant for Pakistan Tour

Bangladesh Cricket Board Requests Security Consultant for Pakistan Tour

The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has requested the government to provide a security consultant for their upcoming tour of Pakistan, scheduled for July and August. This request comes amidst concerns raised by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) regarding the safety of the Indian team during the ICC Champions Trophy in Pakistan next year.

The BCB’s cricket operation chairman, Jalal Yunus, expressed concerns about security but stated that the board had received assurances from Pakistan and had decided to proceed with the tour. He emphasized the importance of a security consultant to maintain constant communication with the government on security matters.

Bangladesh is set to play two Tests in Pakistan, with the first match in Rawalpindi from July 21 and the second in Karachi from August 30. Yunus noted that none of the Bangladesh players had expressed reservations about the tour and that recent teams visiting Pakistan had been satisfied with the security arrangements.

“We agreed to go on this tour because they ensured us of that,” Yunus said, referring to the security provided during the Asia Cup in Pakistan. “You might have seen in recent times that some international teams have also visited (Pakistan) and they are quite happy with the security they provided.”

The BCCI, on the other hand, is still awaiting permission from the Government of India for the Indian team’s participation in the Champions Trophy in Pakistan. The BCCI has repeatedly raised concerns about the safety of its players and staff in Pakistan, citing past incidents of violence and terrorism.

The security situation in Pakistan has improved in recent years, but concerns remain, particularly in the wake of the 2022 attack on the Sri Lankan cricket team in Lahore. The BCB’s request for a security consultant reflects the ongoing need for vigilance and the importance of ensuring the safety of players and officials during international cricket matches.

Sunrisers Hyderabad CEO Proposes Major IPL Retention and Auction Reforms

Sunrisers Hyderabad CEO Proposes Major IPL Retention and Auction Reforms

IPL Reforms: Sunrisers Hyderabad CEO Proposes Overhaul of Retention and Auction Processes

In a bid to enhance strategic flexibility, ensure fair market pricing, and maintain the integrity of the Indian Premier League (IPL), Kavya Kalanithi Maran, CEO of Sunrisers Hyderabad, has presented a comprehensive set of proposals to reform the retention and auction processes.

Maran’s primary suggestion is to allow franchises a minimum of six retentions or Right to Match (RTM) options ahead of the mega auction. This flexibility would enable teams to retain a core group of players while also allowing them to acquire new talent through the auction.

To address concerns about player satisfaction with retention amounts, Maran proposes that players be given the option to either be retained or go to auction at a market-discovered price. This would prevent disputes over retention amounts and ensure that players are fairly compensated.

Maran also advocates for removing the cap on retaining foreign players. She argues that each team has unique strengths and weaknesses, and the number of foreign players retained should be at the discretion of the franchise.

To prevent players from reneging on their commitments, Maran proposes banning players who do not show up after being purchased at the auction, unless due to injury. This would ensure that teams can rely on the players they acquire.

Regarding retired players, Maran believes they should be treated fairly in the auction. She suggests that their experience and brand value should be reflected in their auction price, rather than being classified as uncapped.

Finally, Maran proposes changes to how money is deducted from the overall salary cap for retained players. She suggests that the money deducted should be an overall pot based on the number of players retained, with franchises having the discretion to decide how to split the amount among retained players.

Maran’s proposals aim to create a more balanced and competitive IPL, where franchises have greater flexibility in building their squads and players are fairly compensated.

Virat Kohli Irked by Fan's Taunt During Practice Session

Virat Kohli Irked by Fan’s Taunt During Practice Session

Virat Kohli’s Practice Session Interrupted by Fan’s Taunt

Indian cricket star Virat Kohli was visibly annoyed during a practice session in Sri Lanka when a fan addressed him as “Chokli.” The incident occurred as Kohli was practicing with his teammates in a room.

As Kohli focused on his drills, the fan began shouting “Chokli-Chokli,” a derogatory term used to mock the batsman. Kohli immediately turned to face the fan, his expression clearly displeased.

Kohli arrived in Sri Lanka on Monday for a three-match ODI series against the host nation. Due to rain in Colombo, the initial practice session was canceled. However, Kohli participated in his first net session since the conclusion of the T20 World Cup.

The incident highlights the challenges faced by high-profile athletes who often encounter unwanted attention and disrespectful behavior from fans. Kohli, known for his intense focus and competitive spirit, was clearly disturbed by the fan’s taunts.

Despite the interruption, Kohli is expected to play a key role in India’s upcoming ODI series against Sri Lanka. With the 2025 Champions Trophy just seven months away, Kohli will be eager to showcase his best performance and help India secure another ICC trophy.

Kohli has an impressive record against Sri Lanka in ODIs, having scored 2594 runs in 53 matches at an average of 63.26. He has scored 10 centuries and 12 half-centuries against the island nation.

Kohli and Gambhir Reunite, Team India United for Success

Kohli and Gambhir Reunite, Team India United for Success

Virat Kohli and Gautam Gambhir Bury the Hatchet, Unite for Team India’s Success

The recent training session of the Indian cricket team in Colombo has sparked optimism among fans and the cricket fraternity. Former captain Virat Kohli and new head coach Gautam Gambhir were seen engaging in a friendly conversation, signaling a positive shift in their relationship.

Kohli, who recently joined the ODI squad for the upcoming series against Sri Lanka, was observed having a lengthy chat with Gambhir. The laughter shared between the two former teammates suggested that they have put their past differences aside and are committed to working together for the success of Team India.

The images of their interaction were widely circulated on social media, including by the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) franchise, which Kohli represents. The RCB’s caption read, “Our seasoned right-arm quick convincing the gaffer to give him the new ball.”

The Rajasthan Royals also shared the images, commenting, “Can’t unsee it.” The International Cricket Council joined in on Instagram, captioning a photo of Gambhir laughing with, “Why is Gautam Gambhir going?” followed by a laughing emoji.

Kohli’s return to the team marks his first appearance since announcing his retirement from T20Is following India’s triumph at the T20 World Cup. Rohit Sharma, who also took a break after the tournament, has rejoined the squad.

Interestingly, Gambhir had initially urged the senior players to make themselves available for the ODI series in Sri Lanka, despite reports suggesting they might not participate. Both Kohli and Rohit were subsequently named in the squad.

Before the ODIs, the Indian team led by Suryakumar Yadav defeated Sri Lanka 3-0 in the T20Is. Yadav was appointed as India’s T20I captain after the T20 World Cup.

The positive atmosphere within the team and the reconciliation between Kohli and Gambhir have raised hopes for a successful ODI series against Sri Lanka. The team’s unity and determination will be crucial as they aim to continue their winning streak and maintain their dominance in the sport.

MS Dhoni's Heartbreaking Run-Out in 2019 World Cup Semifinal: A Moment of Anguish and Acceptance

MS Dhoni’s Heartbreaking Run-Out in 2019 World Cup Semifinal: A Moment of Anguish and Acceptance

MS Dhoni’s Heartbreaking Run-Out in 2019 World Cup Semifinal: A Moment of Anguish and Acceptance

The 2019 ODI World Cup semifinal between India and New Zealand at Old Trafford, Manchester, etched itself into the hearts of millions of Indian fans for all the wrong reasons. Chasing a modest target of 240, India’s hopes rested on the shoulders of their legendary captain, MS Dhoni.

With just 31 runs needed off the last 12 balls, Dhoni, known as the “best finisher in the world,” was at the crease. However, tragedy struck in the penultimate over bowled by Lockie Ferguson. Dhoni mistimed a pull shot, and the ball popped up towards short fine leg.

In a moment of hesitation, Dhoni and his batting partner, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, ran for two. But a slight stutter on the second run proved fatal as Martin Guptill’s direct hit at the keeper’s end found Dhoni short.

The crowd gasped in disbelief as Dhoni, who had scored a valiant 50 off 72 balls, was run out. India lost the match by 18 runs, their World Cup dreams shattered.

In a recent event, Dhoni was asked about that fateful moment. With a heavy heart, he admitted, “It was a difficult one because I knew that this would be my last World Cup.”

“It was a heartbreak moment, but we accepted the result and tried to move on,” he added. “It takes time, and one gets some time after the World Cup. I haven’t played any international cricket after that, so I got a lot of time.”

Dhoni’s words resonated with fans who had witnessed his brilliance over the years. He had led India to numerous triumphs, including the 2007 T20 World Cup, the 2011 Cricket World Cup, and the 2013 Champions Trophy.

But even the greatest of players can experience heartbreak. Dhoni’s run-out in the 2019 World Cup semifinal was a reminder that even in the most crucial moments, fate can play a cruel hand.

Home
Shop
Wishlist0
Back to Top

Search For Products

Product has been added to your cart