KL Rahul Opens Up About Scarring Controversy That Changed Him

KL Rahul Opens Up About Scarring Controversy That Changed Him

KL Rahul, the Indian batter, has opened up about the controversy that led to his suspension by the BCCI in 2019. The controversy erupted after Rahul and his teammate Hardik Pandya made inappropriate and offensive comments on the television show “Koffee With Karan.”

The incident occurred while Rahul and Pandya were in Australia for a cricket tour. The backlash from the public forced them to cut short their tour and return to India.

In a recent interview on Nikhil Kamath’s YouTube podcast, Rahul candidly discussed the impact of the controversy on his life. He admitted that the experience left him deeply scarred and changed him as a person.

“I used to be good with trolling. I used to think I don’t care. I was much younger back then. Couple of years back, I was exposed to a lot of trolling. If I sat I got trolled, If I stood I got trolled,” Rahul said.

“The interview was a different world. That changed me. Completely changed me. I was a very soft-spoken person growing up. Then I played for India and became very confident. People will know I have been in a room of 100 people.”

“Now I don’t because that interview scarred me massively. Getting suspended from the team. I have never been suspended in school, punished in school. I don’t know how to handle it. I did mischief in schools but nothing to get me expelled from school or my parents have come,” he added.

Rahul’s comments highlight the profound impact that social media and public scrutiny can have on athletes. The controversy forced him to confront his own behavior and the consequences of his actions.

Rahul is currently preparing for the 2024 Duleep Trophy, aiming to secure a spot in the Indian Test squad for the upcoming series against Bangladesh. The experience of the controversy has undoubtedly shaped his approach to the game and his life off the field.

Jess Jonassen Channels Shah Rukh Khan in Viral CPL Celebration

Jess Jonassen Channels Shah Rukh Khan in Viral CPL Celebration

Australian cricketer Jess Jonassen has become an internet sensation after imitating Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan’s iconic pose during a women’s Caribbean Premier League (CPL) match. The incident occurred during the match between Trinbago Knight Riders and Barbados Royals at Brian Lara Stadium in Trinidad on August 22, 2024.

After dismissing Aaliyah Alleyne in the 15th over, Jonassen celebrated the wicket by striking the famous pose, which has been immortalized in Khan’s films. A video of the moment quickly went viral on social media, garnering widespread attention.

The match itself saw Barbados Royals Women emerge victorious by 7 wickets. Opting to bowl first, they restricted Trinbago Knight Riders to a modest total of 113 for 9 in 20 overs. The Royals then chased down the target in 17.1 overs.

Meanwhile, in a significant development for Indian cricket, Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) secretary Jay Shah is poised to become the new chairman of the International Cricket Council (ICC). Sources have confirmed that Shah has the backing of cricket boards from England and Australia, giving him the necessary support to replace incumbent Greg Barclay in November.

Shah’s appointment would mark the third time an Indian has held the top position at the ICC. Jagmohan Dalmiya, Sharad Pawar, N Srinivasan, and Shashank Manohar have all previously served as presidents or chairmen of the organization.

MS Dhoni's Fitness Sparks IPL Return Speculation

MS Dhoni’s Fitness Sparks IPL Return Speculation

MS Dhoni, the legendary former Indian cricket captain, has sparked speculation about his potential return to the Indian Premier League (IPL) in 2025. Despite retiring from international cricket in 2020, Dhoni has remained an active player in the IPL, leading the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) to four titles.

However, a knee injury plagued Dhoni throughout the 2023 IPL season, forcing him to wear a knee brace. Concerns about his fitness emerged, but a recent video clip on social media has allayed those fears. The 43-year-old was seen hitting a jump smash at lightning speed on a badminton court, showcasing his remarkable fitness.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is reportedly considering reintroducing the provision for franchises to retain retired international players as uncapped players. This rule was abolished in 2021, but its reinstatement could pave the way for Dhoni’s return to CSK as an uncapped player.

CSK CEO Kasi Viswanathan has denied that the franchise has requested this rule change, but the BCCI has indicated that it may be implemented. If the rule is reinstated, CSK could retain Dhoni without using one of their retention slots, giving them greater flexibility in building their squad.

Dhoni’s availability for the 2025 IPL season remains uncertain, but his recent display of fitness has fueled speculation about his potential return. The mega auction will precede the season, and Dhoni’s decision will be closely watched by fans and franchises alike.

Sarabjot Singh: Overcoming Challenges to Olympic Glory

Sarabjot Singh: Overcoming Challenges to Olympic Glory

Sarabjot Singh, the Indian shooter who made history with Manu Bhaker by winning India’s first-ever Olympic medal in a mixed shooting event, has revealed the challenges and inspirations behind their success.

Despite limited training time together, Bhaker and Sarabjot managed to secure a bronze medal in the 10m air pistol mixed team shooting event at the Paris Games. Sarabjot attributed their success to their unwavering determination and brief but focused training sessions.

“Our training schedules were different, but we made the most of the 30-minute mixed session,” said Sarabjot. “We kept our conversations brief, focusing on giving our best and having some friendly banter.”

Sarabjot also shared his admiration for Turkish shooting icon Yusuf Dikec, who has been his inspiration since 2011. “I’ve been watching his videos for years,” said Sarabjot. “His perfection is unmatched. If I could, I’d ask him what his secret is.”

To overcome setbacks in his journey, Sarabjot turned to meditation and a yogic technique called Trataka. “I would stare at a candle flame for three minutes, then visualize it for two minutes,” he explained. “It helped me improve my focus and visualization, which is crucial in shooting.”

Sarabjot’s pistol, engraved with “SSINGH30,” holds special significance. “I got it engraved after achieving my personal best at the 2022 Asian Games,” he said. “The date, September 30, marked a significant milestone in my career.”

Looking ahead, Sarabjot has set his sights on the 2028 Los Angeles Games. “I want to change the color of my medal,” he said, referring to his bronze. “I’m determined to bring home a gold.”

Bangladesh Fight Back with Rahim, Das Half-Centuries in Rawalpindi Test

Bangladesh Fight Back with Rahim, Das Half-Centuries in Rawalpindi Test

Bangladesh’s Mushfiqur Rahim and Litton Das put up a valiant fight against Pakistan’s bowling attack on Day 3 of the first Test in Rawalpindi. The duo added an unbeaten 98 runs for the sixth wicket, guiding Bangladesh to a respectable 316-5 at the close of play.

Rahim, who reached his 28th Test half-century with a boundary off Shaheen Shah Afridi, remained unbeaten on 55. Das, who also completed his half-century with a six off Naseem Shah, was not out on 52.

The pair came together after Bangladesh lost opener Shadman Islam for 93, just seven runs short of a century. Islam’s patient innings of 183 balls helped Bangladesh recover from a shaky start and lay the foundation for a solid total.

Pakistan’s bowlers struggled to make an impact on the unresponsive Rawalpindi pitch, with only Naseem Shah managing to break through the Bangladesh defense. Shah dismissed Litton Das for 52, ending a promising partnership that had threatened to take the game away from Pakistan.

Despite the wicket, Bangladesh remained in control of the match, trailing Pakistan’s total of 448-6 declared by 132 runs with five wickets in hand. The visitors will be confident of securing a draw or even pulling off a first-ever win over Pakistan in the 14th Test match between the rivals.

PSG Thrash Montpellier 6-0, Luis Enrique Hails 'Perfection'

PSG Thrash Montpellier 6-0, Luis Enrique Hails ‘Perfection’

Paris Saint-Germain’s dominance continued unabated as they thrashed Montpellier 6-0 at the Parc des Princes, extending their perfect start to the Ligue 1 season. Coach Luis Enrique hailed the performance as “perfection,” highlighting the team’s collective brilliance.

Bradley Barcola led the scoring with a brace, while Marco Asensio, Achraf Hakimi, Warren Zaire-Emery, and Lee Kang-in also found the net. The victory marked PSG’s second six-goal performance in Ligue 1 under Luis Enrique, following their 6-2 triumph at Montpellier in March.

Despite the absence of Kylian Mbappe, PSG’s young squad, featuring several teenagers, displayed impressive verve and style. Joao Neves, a recent recruit from Benfica, made his first start, while Desire Doue, a member of France’s Olympic silver-winning team, made his debut as a substitute.

Luis Enrique praised the new signings, stating, “They are totally suited to our way of playing and I think they will all bring us a lot.” He emphasized the team’s versatility and eagerness to make history.

PSG’s financial superiority was evident against Montpellier, who have not signed any players this summer due to a decline in broadcast revenue. Montpellier coach Michel Der Zakarian acknowledged the gulf in quality, saying, “They were much stronger than us and dominated from beginning to end.”

The victory extends PSG’s unbeaten streak in Ligue 1 to 16 games, dating back to last season. They have now scored 10 goals in their opening two matches, suggesting they will be a formidable force in their quest for an 11th French title in 13 seasons.

Leverkusen Snatch Dramatic Win in Bundesliga Opener

Leverkusen Snatch Dramatic Win in Bundesliga Opener

Reigning Bundesliga champions Bayer Leverkusen kicked off their title defense with a thrilling 3-2 victory over Borussia Moenchengladbach in a dramatic season opener. The match was filled with twists and turns, with Leverkusen ultimately snatching the win in the 11th minute of stoppage time.

Leverkusen dominated the first half, with Granit Xhaka opening the scoring with a stunning long-range effort in the 13th minute. Florian Wirtz doubled their lead in the 38th minute, giving Xabi Alonso’s side a comfortable advantage at the break.

However, Gladbach fought back in the second half. Nico Elvedi pulled one back in the 59th minute, and newcomer Tim Kleindienst equalized with just five minutes remaining. The hosts looked set to secure a point, but a late penalty awarded to Leverkusen changed the course of the game.

Wirtz stepped up to take the spot-kick, but his initial effort was saved by Jonas Omlin. However, the Germany international was quick to react and hammered the rebound into the net, securing a dramatic victory for Leverkusen.

The win was a testament to Leverkusen’s resilience and determination. Despite conceding two goals in the second half, they refused to give up and ultimately found a way to win. Xhaka praised his team’s “pure mentality” after the match, highlighting their ability to bounce back from setbacks.

Leverkusen’s victory was also notable for being the latest goal in Bundesliga history. Wirtz’s strike came in the 10th minute of stoppage time, surpassing the previous record set by Bayern Munich in 2014.

The result leaves Leverkusen top of the Bundesliga standings after the first round of matches. Gladbach, meanwhile, will be disappointed to have lost after fighting back from two goals down, but they will take heart from their second-half performance.

India's U-20s Edge Maldives to Reach SAFF Semi-Finals

India’s U-20s Edge Maldives to Reach SAFF Semi-Finals

India’s U-20 football team secured a thrilling 1-0 victory over Maldives in their final Group ‘B’ match of the SAFF U-20 Championship on Friday, earning them a spot in the semi-finals.

The Blue Colts, led by head coach Shanmugam Venkatesh, dominated possession and created numerous chances throughout the match. However, it was not until the dying minutes that they managed to break the deadlock.

In the 95th minute, substitute Manglenthang Kipgen produced a moment of brilliance. He received a pass from the right flank and unleashed a powerful shot that flew into the top corner of the net, leaving Maldives goalkeeper Yaameen with no chance.

India’s victory was hard-fought, as Maldives defended resolutely and had their own chances to score. Captain Shanaan Rashaadh came close with a free-kick that skimmed over the crossbar, while Abdulla Looth Ibrahim made a crucial block to deny Manjot Singh Dhami.

Despite the Maldives’ resistance, India’s attacking trio of Korou Singh Thingujam, Kelvin Singh Taorem, and Kipgen proved too much to handle. They created numerous opportunities and kept the Maldives defense under constant pressure.

With the win, India finished atop Group ‘B’ and will now face defending champion Bangladesh in the semi-finals on Monday. Bangladesh finished second in Group ‘A’ after losing to Nepal in their final group match.

India’s victory is a testament to their hard work and determination. They have shown great resilience and character throughout the tournament and will be confident of continuing their success in the semi-finals.

Shikhar Dhawan Retires from International and Domestic Cricket

Shikhar Dhawan Retires from International and Domestic Cricket

Shikhar Dhawan, India’s prolific opening batsman, has bid farewell to international and domestic cricket, marking the end of an illustrious career spanning over a decade. In a heartfelt video message, Dhawan expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to represent his country and the unwavering support he received throughout his journey.

Dhawan’s international debut came in 2010 against Australia in Visakhapatnam, and he quickly established himself as a formidable force in the Indian batting lineup. Over the course of his career, he amassed an impressive 10,000 runs across all formats, including 24 centuries—17 in ODIs and 7 in Tests.

One of Dhawan’s most memorable performances came during the 2013 ICC Champions Trophy, where he emerged as the tournament’s leading run-scorer. His exceptional batting, which included two centuries and one fifty, played a pivotal role in India’s triumph.

Dhawan’s retirement marks the end of an era for Indian cricket. He was a key member of the team that won the 2013 Champions Trophy and the 2011 Cricket World Cup. His aggressive batting style and ability to score runs at a rapid pace made him a fan favorite.

In his retirement message, Dhawan expressed his gratitude to his family, coaches, teammates, and fans for their unwavering support. He acknowledged the sacrifices he had made along the way but emphasized that he was at peace with his decision.

Dhawan’s retirement leaves a void in the Indian cricket team, but his legacy will continue to inspire future generations of players. His exceptional talent, unwavering determination, and infectious enthusiasm have made him one of the most beloved cricketers in India.

Virat Kohli's Star Power Undiminished in London, Caught on Train

Virat Kohli’s Star Power Undiminished in London, Caught on Train

Virat Kohli, the iconic Indian batter, is currently enjoying a break from the cricketing frenzy in London with his family. Despite being away from the field, Kohli’s star power remains undiminished, as evidenced by a recent viral video that captured him catching a train in the British capital.

As Kohli disembarked from the shuttle, a fan approached him for a photograph. Kohli, while acknowledging the request, politely informed the fan that he would only pose for a group picture. The video, which has since gone viral, showcases Kohli’s global fan following and the difficulty he faces in escaping recognition, even in a foreign city.

Kohli’s international cricket journey began 16 years ago, on August 18, 2008, against Sri Lanka in Dambulla. The then-19-year-old opened the batting with Gautam Gambhir and scored 12 runs. Despite a modest debut, Kohli has since transformed into a batting behemoth for India.

In ODIs, Kohli has amassed a staggering 13,906 runs in 295 matches, including a record-breaking 50 centuries. He has also scored 8,848 runs in 113 Test matches and 4,188 runs in 125 T20Is. Kohli’s trophy cabinet boasts the 2011 ODI World Cup, the 2013 Champions Trophy, and the 2024 T20 World Cup.

Kohli’s leadership qualities have also been evident in his role as India’s Test captain. Under his stewardship, the team won 40 out of 68 matches, making him the most successful Indian Test captain in terms of wins.

Kohli’s Royal Challengers Bangalore franchise, where he has played since 2008, celebrated his 16 years in international cricket with a heartfelt tribute. The franchise hailed Kohli as a “King” and praised his relentless passion and unwavering commitment to the sport.

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