Garry Sobers's Prophetic Prediction: India's Unlikely 1983 World Cup Triumph

Garry Sobers’s Prophetic Prediction: India’s Unlikely 1983 World Cup Triumph

India’s Unlikely Triumph: How Garry Sobers Predicted the 1983 World Cup Upset

In the annals of cricket history, India’s victory in the 1983 World Cup stands as a testament to the power of belief and the ability to defy expectations. While the team was not considered a favorite, legendary West Indies all-rounder Garry Sobers had a hunch that Kapil Dev’s men could pull off a major upset.

Sobers’s prediction proved prophetic, as India went on to defeat the defending champions and his former team, the West Indies, in the final. But what was it that led Sobers to make such a bold prediction?

According to Yashpal Sharma, a batsman on the victorious Indian team, Sobers was impressed by India’s performance in a warm-up match against Sri Lanka. “We had made 285, thanks to a partnership between Kapil and myself,” Sharma recalled. “Seeing us score that much on a green top, he said, ‘These guys might be underdogs, but watch out for them in the World Cup.’ He knew.”

Sobers’s prediction was based on more than just India’s batting performance. He also recognized the team’s fighting spirit and determination. “They were a young team, but they had a lot of heart,” Sobers said. “They were not afraid to take on anyone.”

India’s victory in the 1983 World Cup was a watershed moment for Indian cricket. It inspired a generation of players and helped to establish India as a major force in the sport. Sobers’s prediction played a small but significant role in that triumph, and it serves as a reminder that even the most unlikely of teams can achieve great things with belief and determination.

Rohit Sharma Retires from T20Is, Cites Time for 'Other Things'

Rohit Sharma Retires from T20Is, Cites Time for ‘Other Things’

Rohit Sharma Explains Decision to Retire from T20Is: ‘Time for Me to Move On’

After leading India to victory in the T20 World Cup earlier this year, Rohit Sharma made the surprising decision to retire from the format in international cricket. While many believed he was still fit enough to play both white-ball formats and Test cricket, Sharma felt it was the right time to step aside.

In a recent podcast, Sharma, who was also part of MS Dhoni’s team that won the inaugural T20 World Cup in 2007, shed light on his reasons for retiring from T20Is.

“The only reason I retired from T20Is is because I have had my time,” Sharma said. “I enjoyed playing the format, I played for 17 years, I did well and all of that. Then, you won the (2024) World Cup. This was the best time for me to decide that ‘okay, this is now time for me to move on and look after the other things’. There are a lot of good players who can do well for India.”

Sharma emphasized that his decision was not based on any physical limitations. “It (decision to quit T20Is) was not because I felt anything. I just felt this was the right time. I could still play all three formats easily. That’s why I say fitness is in your mind, how you train your mind.”

“I believe everything is in the mind. I am a person who has got a lot of self-belief because I know that I can control my mind when I have to. Sometimes it’s not easy. I know most of the time I can do that. If you tell your body that you are young, you can do this, you can do that, (then) of course you can,” Sharma added.

Sharma’s retirement from T20Is has paved the way for Suryakumar Yadav to take over the role. Yadav has been in impressive form in recent months and is expected to play a key role in India’s future T20I campaigns.

Hardik Pandya's Test Return Unlikely, Says Parthiv Patel

Hardik Pandya’s Test Return Unlikely, Says Parthiv Patel

Hardik Pandya, India’s swashbuckling all-rounder, has sparked speculation about a potential return to Test cricket after posting a video of himself practicing with a red ball on Instagram. However, former India wicketkeeper-batter Parthiv Patel has cast doubt on the possibility, citing Pandya’s injury history and the physical demands of the longest format.

Pandya, who hasn’t played a Test match since September 2018, underwent back surgery in 2019. Patel believes that Pandya’s body may not be able to withstand the rigors of four-day and five-day matches.

“I’m not looking at Hardik Pandya (in Tests),” Patel said on Jio cinema show during the second India vs Bangladesh Test in Kanpur. “He was practicing with the red ball only because the white ball wasn’t available. I don’t think his body allows four-day and five-day matches. He has to play at least one first-class game (before being considered for selection in Tests), which is very unlikely.”

Last year, Pandya was offered a place in the World Test Championship final against Australia but declined, stating that he did not want to be a regular Test player.

Pandya’s last first-class appearance was in December 2018. He also skipped this year’s Duleep Trophy due to workload management.

Patel’s comments echo concerns raised by other experts about Pandya’s fitness and durability. The all-rounder has been plagued by injuries throughout his career, including back, shoulder, and hamstring issues.

If Pandya does not return to Test cricket, it would be a significant blow to India’s hopes of regaining the Border-Gavaskar Trophy from Australia in the upcoming series. Pandya’s all-round abilities, including his aggressive batting and effective medium-pace bowling, would be a valuable asset to the team.

However, it appears that Pandya’s focus will remain on limited-overs cricket, where he has established himself as one of the world’s leading all-rounders.

India's Captaincy Conundrum: Who Will Lead if Rohit Sharma is Unavailable?

India’s Captaincy Conundrum: Who Will Lead if Rohit Sharma is Unavailable?

India’s Captaincy Conundrum: Who Will Lead if Rohit Sharma is Unavailable?

With the second Test against Bangladesh looming, the question of who will captain India if Rohit Sharma is injured or unavailable remains unanswered. Traditionally, the team’s vice-captain would assume the leadership role, but no vice-captain has been named for this series.

Assistant coach Abhishek Nayar has clarified that the team does not require a designated vice-captain. He highlighted the presence of several players with leadership qualities and captaincy experience at the highest level.

“We have got a lot of IPL captains in this team,” Nayar said. “Shubman Gill, Rishabh Pant, and Yashasvi Jaiswal have all led their franchises. I wouldn’t look at them as youngsters anymore. They have the leadership qualities that are required.”

Nayar also emphasized that the team’s decision-making regarding the playing XI will be influenced by the pitch conditions and weather forecast.

“We don’t know which surface we are going to play on yet,” Nayar said. “Kanpur is often known to have good pitches, but we are not sure about the bounce. The conditions and forecast will be a huge factor in how the pitch plays.”

All players are currently fit and available for selection, according to Nayar.

Virat Kohli's Form Concerns Linger as India Prepares for Second Bangladesh Test

Virat Kohli’s Form Concerns Linger as India Prepares for Second Bangladesh Test

The Indian cricket team is gearing up for the second Test against Bangladesh in Kanpur, which commences on Friday. Having secured a comfortable victory in the first Test, India aims to replicate their success and strengthen their position in the race for the World Test Championship final.

However, Virat Kohli’s poor form in the first Test has raised concerns. Dismissed for 6 and 17 in the two innings, Kohli was dismissed twice in four overs by unheralded pacer Jamshed Alam during a net session on Wednesday. Alam, a 22-year-old from Lucknow, attributed his success to the out-swingers he bowled on a practice pitch that favored pacers.

Despite Kohli’s struggles, former Pakistan player Basit Ali believes the Indian star will regain his form in the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy against Australia, starting on November 22. Ali suggests that Kohli will thrive on the pacy wickets in Australia, where he has a proven track record of success.

“Virat will return to form against Australia,” Ali said. “He will like the pacy wickets in Australia. Big players often lose concentration against weak teams but they do well against tougher oppositions.”

Ali also expressed confidence in India’s ability to retain the Border-Gavaskar Trophy against Australia. “People say India win at home but they have won two series in Australia as well,” he said. “India won’t allow Australia to win the Border-Gavaskar Trophy later this year as well.”

Kohli’s return to form will be crucial for India’s chances in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. The Indian team will be eager to prove their dominance against a formidable Australian side and secure their place in the World Test Championship final.

Sanjay Manjrekar Calls for Kuldeep Yadav's Return in India's Playing XI for Second Bangladesh Test

Sanjay Manjrekar Calls for Kuldeep Yadav’s Return in India’s Playing XI for Second Bangladesh Test

Former Indian cricketer and renowned commentator Sanjay Manjrekar has strongly advocated for the inclusion of left-arm chinaman bowler Kuldeep Yadav in India’s playing XI for the second Test against Bangladesh in Kanpur. Despite Kuldeep’s impressive performance in the recent home series against England, where he claimed 19 wickets in four matches, he was surprisingly omitted from the team in the first Test in Chennai.

Manjrekar believes that Kuldeep’s exclusion was a mistake, arguing that his unique bowling style would have been beneficial even on a pitch that was not expected to favor spinners. “I feel Kuldeep Yadav should not be dropped so easily,” Manjrekar said on the ESPNcricinfo YouTube channel. “I believe that even if it was not a turner, India would have benefited from playing Kuldeep Yadav in Chennai because the seamers will get help for just one or one-and-a-half days on an Indian pitch.”

Manjrekar suggested that Kuldeep could replace Jasprit Bumrah in the team if the pace spearhead is rested. “If Bumrah wants a rest, give him. Try and get Kuldeep Yadav back,” Manjrekar said. He further emphasized the importance of playing all three spinners, including Kuldeep, Ravichandran Ashwin, and Axar Patel, even on a green top. “Even if it’s a green top and the sun is out, they should keep in mind that the green top will be just for the first few hours, and Siraj and Bumrah are enough for that. When you have three proven spinners, you should play all of them,” Manjrekar said.

With India securing a comprehensive 280-run victory in the first Test, where Bumrah played a crucial role with five wickets, the team management may consider resting him to manage his workload. This would provide an ideal opportunity for Kuldeep to make his way back into the side. Another pacer, Yash Dayal, could also be in contention for his debut if Bumrah is rested.

India's Unprecedented Home Dominance in Test Cricket Continues

India’s Unprecedented Home Dominance in Test Cricket Continues

India’s dominance at home in Test cricket has reached unprecedented heights since 2013. With a resounding 280-run victory over Bangladesh in Chennai, India extended their remarkable home record to 41 wins in 52 Tests.

The Indian team’s success has been built on a combination of factors, including the rise of their spin duo, Ravichandran Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja, and the emergence of a formidable pace attack. The lower-order batsmen have also played a crucial role, contributing valuable runs in the first innings.

India’s dominance is reflected in several key statistics:

* 41 Test wins: India has won 79% of their home Tests since 2013, a higher win percentage than even Australia’s Down Under.
* 36 wins by an innings or 100+ runs: 88% of India’s home victories have come by crushing margins, showcasing their complete dominance over the opposition.
* 17 consecutive series wins: India has not lost a home series since 2012, winning 17 consecutive series, including three against Australia and England.
* 15 Test victories bowling less than 700 deliveries: India has dismissed the opposition twice in less than 110 overs in 15 home Tests, highlighting the effectiveness of their bowling attack.
* 7 series sweeps: India has swept seven home series since 2013, including a 4-0 thrashing of Australia and a 3-0 drubbing of South Africa.
* 18.21 batting average difference: Indian batters have dominated at home, averaging 40.08 compared to the opposition’s 21.87.
* 69 individual hundreds: India has recorded 69 individual centuries at home since 2013, while the opposition has managed only 25.
* 18.8 bowling average difference: The Indian bowling unit has a combined average of 22.54, significantly lower than the opposition’s 41.34.
* 52 fifers and 10 ten-wicket match hauls: Indian bowlers have taken 52 fifers and 10 ten-wicket match hauls at home since 2013, showcasing their exceptional skill and dominance.

India’s home record is a testament to their exceptional talent, preparation, and the unwavering support of their fans. As they continue to dominate at home, they are poised to further cement their legacy as one of the greatest Test teams in history.

Kohli's Form Concerns Linger Despite India's Dominance

Kohli’s Form Concerns Linger Despite India’s Dominance

India’s emphatic 280-run victory over Bangladesh in the first Test in Chennai has sparked discussions about Virat Kohli’s recent form. Despite India’s dominance, Kohli’s scores of 6 and 17 in the two innings have raised concerns.

However, former Pakistan cricketer Basit Ali believes Kohli will regain his form in the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy against Australia. “Kohli will start performing against Australia,” Ali said. “He likes the pacy wickets there. Big players often lose focus against weaker teams but excel against tougher opponents.”

Ali also expressed confidence in India’s ability to retain the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. “India won’t let Australia win this year either,” he said.

Meanwhile, Bangladesh cricketer Tamim Iqbal has hailed the importance of Ravichandran Ashwin in the Indian team. “Ashwin is equally important as Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma,” Iqbal said. “We only talk about them when they perform well, but their contribution is immense.”

Ashwin’s batting prowess was on display in the first Test, where he scored a crucial 58 in the second innings. His all-round performance has earned him praise from experts and fans alike.

As India prepares for the New Zealand series and the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, Kohli’s form and Ashwin’s continued brilliance will be key factors in their success.

Bangladesh's Top-Order Collapse Costs Them in Chennai Test Defeat

Bangladesh’s Top-Order Collapse Costs Them in Chennai Test Defeat

Bangladesh’s top-order collapse in the first innings proved costly in their 280-run defeat to India in the first Test in Chennai, according to captain Najmul Hossain Shanto.

Despite an improved second-innings performance, Bangladesh’s 234 all out was not enough to overcome their first-innings deficit of 285. Shanto believes the team’s inability to form a substantial partnership in the first innings was crucial.

“We didn’t bat well in the first innings,” Shanto said. “It was a very important phase of the game. We could have been in a better position if we had at least one [big] top-order partnership.”

The top order showed some improvement in the second innings, with openers Zakir Hasan and Shadman Islam adding 62 runs. However, Shanto believes they need to spend more time at the crease.

“It is important to spend the time in the wicket but it wasn’t enough [today],” Shanto said. “Still, it will help for the second Test. It was very important for the openers to put on 62 runs. That’s one thing we can look forward to in the next Test match.”

Shanto scored his first Test fifty in 11 innings, but he believes he could have done better.

“I think everyone has a different plan. I hope they (India) will plan differently in the next match,” he said.

Despite a nervous start in the first innings, Shanto adjusted well in the second, attacking R Ashwin and reaching his half-century off 55 balls. However, he struggled against Mohammed Siraj on the fourth day.

“The morning session was tough today. The way Siraj was bowling. They were all bowling really well,” Shanto said.

Bangladesh’s openers showed promise on the third day, but their inability to convert starts into substantial scores remains a concern.

“It goes without saying that you need to start well and once you have faced 20 or 30 balls, you get a bit of idea of what’s happening,” batting coach David Hemp said. “You want to go on from that, especially when you scored 30 or 40 runs.”

While the openers’ mini-fightback and Shanto’s knock provide some confidence, Bangladesh’s top-order failure in the first innings will continue to haunt them until they find a solution.

India Retains Unchanged Squad for Second Test Against Bangladesh

India Retains Unchanged Squad for Second Test Against Bangladesh

India Retains Squad for Second Test Against Bangladesh

The Indian cricket team will field the same squad for the second and final Test against Bangladesh, scheduled to begin in Kanpur on Friday, September 27th. The decision was made by the selection committee, as announced by BCCI honorary secretary Jay Shah.

The squad remains unchanged from the first Test in Chennai, where India secured a dominant 280-run victory within four days. Ravichandran Ashwin was the star performer, claiming 6-88 and leading the Indian bowling attack to dismiss Bangladesh for 234. Ravindra Jadeja also contributed with figures of 3-58.

India’s squad for the second Test against Bangladesh:

* Rohit Sharma (C)
* Yashasvi Jaiswal
* Shubman Gill
* Virat Kohli
* KL Rahul
* Sarfaraz Khan
* Rishabh Pant (WK)
* Dhruv Jurel (WK)
* R Ashwin
* R Jadeja
* Axar Patel
* Kuldeep Yadav
* Mohd. Siraj
* Akash Deep
* Jasprit Bumrah
* Yash Dayal

Bangladesh, led by Najmul Hossain Shanto, will be aiming to bounce back from their defeat in Chennai. Shanto showed some fight in the first Test with an innings of 82, but the Indian bowlers proved too strong.

The second Test in Kanpur will be crucial for both teams. India will be looking to seal the series victory, while Bangladesh will be desperate to level the scores. The match promises to be an exciting contest between two evenly matched sides.

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