Cricket

Cricket, a sport known for its intense competition, occasionally provides moments of hilarity that leave fans in stitches. In a recent video shared by former Indian cricketer Aakash Chopra, a wicketkeeper's comical attempt at a run-out has gone viral.The video captures a wicketkeeper attempting to run out a batter at the non-striker's end. As the batter attempts to steal a single, the wicketkeeper collects the ball and aims to throw it at the stumps. However, in a moment of misjudgment, the wicketkeeper's throw goes astray and hits his own team's bowler."There is no single, where are you running? We have been looted by our own, what can strangers do," quips Aakash Chopra, a renowned commentator, in the video.The incident highlights the unpredictable nature of cricket and the occasional moments of absurdity that can occur even in the most serious of matches. It serves as a reminder that even in the midst of intense competition, there is always room for a bit of laughter.Meanwhile, former India opener Aakash Chopra has expressed surprise over the exclusion of leg-spinner Yuzvendra Chahal from the BCCI's central contracts. Chopra believes that Chahal's omission indicates that the selection committee is exploring other options."I am a bit surprised that Yuzi Chahal's name is not there. Cheteshwar Pujara, Ajinkya Rahane, and Shikhar Dhawan - their names not being there, I can understand. Even Deepak Hooda for that matter. But Chahal's name not being there - what does that signify? It seems to indicate that they (BCCI) are looking in a different direction," said Chopra on his YouTube channel.The BCCI's decision to exclude Chahal has raised questions about his future in the Indian team. The leg-spinner has been a consistent performer for India in limited-overs cricket, but his recent form has been inconsistent. It remains to be seen whether Chahal will be able to regain his place in the team and prove his worth to the selectors.

Former India opener Aakash Chopra has predicted a stellar season for Mumbai Indians' Rohit Sharma in the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024. With Hardik Pandya taking over the captaincy, Chopra believes Rohit will be relieved of the burden and unleash his full potential as a batsman.Despite Mumbai Indians' success under Rohit's leadership, winning a record five titles, his batting performance has been underwhelming in recent years. From IPL 2017 to 2023, Rohit averaged a mere 24.76 with the bat. However, Chopra believes that the upcoming season will be different."You have released Rohit Sharma from captaincy. When you talk about top players like Rohit Sharma, you see a 600 plus season. But no season seemed like that for him. This could be that season. Because there is nothing to prove per say, but there is a lot to prove. Kaptaan nahi hain toh phir todenge aisa lag raha hai mujhe (Since he is not the captain, he is going to pile a lot of runs)," said Chopra on his YouTube channel.Chopra's prediction is based on the belief that Rohit will be more focused on his batting without the added responsibility of captaincy. He believes that Rohit has the potential to score over 600 runs in IPL 2024, a feat he has not achieved in any previous season.IPL 2024 is set to begin on March 22 with a match between defending champions Chennai Super Kings and Royal Challengers Bangalore at Chepauk. Mumbai Indians will open their campaign against Gujarat Titans in Ahmedabad. The BCCI has released the schedule only for the first 21 matches of IPL 2024, owing to the Lok Sabha Elections. The remaining schedule will be announced after the date for elections is out.

Former Indian opener Aakash Chopra believes that the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) presents a golden opportunity for Ishan Kishan to reignite his career after being omitted from the BCCI's central contract list for 2023-2024.Kishan, 25, has been absent from the domestic circuit, citing personal reasons, despite not being on national duty since the tour of South Africa in December 2022. Chopra believes that this absence has fueled Kishan's hunger to prove himself."Ishan Kishan will be hungry, as he has not got a central contract. This is the only thing he is playing. What else is he playing?" Chopra said in a YouTube video.Chopra also highlighted Kishan's absence from the recent Test series against England, emphasizing that the IPL provides him with a platform to showcase his abilities and potentially earn a recall to the national team."Either he has himself opted not to play, or he won't be selected now. So this is his chance. If you make the IPL your own, you have chances of going forward. Then there is, of course, Wankhede's flat pitch. The ball will come nicely onto the bat and go far," Chopra added.The BCCI's decision to exclude Kishan from the central contract list has raised questions about his future prospects. However, Chopra believes that the IPL can serve as a catalyst for Kishan's resurgence."This is a big opportunity for Ishan Kishan. He has to make the most of it. He has to score runs, win matches, and show that he is still a force to be reckoned with," Chopra concluded.

Indian cricket team spinner Yuzvendra Chahal and wrestler Sangeeta Phogat shared a light-hearted moment during the Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa wrap-up party on Friday, and the video of their banter has gone viral on social media. In the video, Phogat can be seen lifting Chahal on her back and spinning him before the cricketer requested her to stop as his head was seemingly spinning. Chahal's wife Dhanashree Verma is among the five finalists in the dance reality show, and he earlier requested fans to vote for her.Meanwhile, former India opener Aakash Chopra has expressed his surprise over the leg spinner being excluded from the central contracts of the BCCI. He added that Chahal's ouster means the selection committee is looking at other options."I am a bit surprised that Yuzi Chahal's name is not there. Cheteshwar Pujara, Ajinkya Rahane, and Shikhar Dhawan - their names not being there, I can understand. Even Deepak Hooda for that matter. But Chahal's name not being there - what does that signify? It seems to indicate that they (BCCI) are looking in a different direction. This is a validation of the theory. He might have had a ray of hope, but it wasn't to be. His name is not there," said Chopra on his YouTube channel.The out-of-favour duo of Ishan Kishan and Shreyas Iyer were excluded after ignoring the directive to play Ranji Trophy, while skipper Rohit Sharma and star batter Virat Kohli expectedly retained their place in the top bracket as the BCCI unveiled its centrally-contracted players for this year.The 25-year-old Kishan did not turn up for Jharkhand throughout the team's campaign in Ranji Trophy despite not being on national duty since leaving from the tour of South Africa in December citing personal reasons. He has instead focused on preparing for the IPL next month.Iyer, on the other hand, did not make himself available for Mumbai's Ranji quarterfinal against Baroda after being excluded from the Indian team after the second Test against England. He, however, has been picked for the Ranji semifinals starting March 2.