Cricket

Nitish Kumar Reddy, the Andhra Pradesh and Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) all-rounder, recently shared his emotional journey to receiving his Indian jersey. His father, Mutyalu, had risked his career to support his son's cricket aspirations, and the moment was a testament to their unwavering bond.Reddy's path to the Indian team began with a solid performance in the 2024 IPL season with SRH. Despite not playing due to a sports hernia injury, he impressed with his all-round abilities, scoring 303 runs and taking three wickets.The 21-year-old's journey began at the age of 13 when his father quit his job to focus on his son's cricket development. Despite initial setbacks, Reddy's determination and hard work paid off. He made waves in the Under-16 Vijay Merchant Trophy, scoring a triple ton and a quadruple ton.However, success at the U19 level proved elusive, leading Reddy to focus solely on batting. But his coach, Srinivas Reddy, encouraged him to continue bowling, recognizing his potential as a rare pace bowling all-rounder in India.Reddy's breakthrough came in the 2019-20 domestic season when he was picked for the ACA camp and subsequently made his Ranji debut. He quickly adapted to the challenges of first-class cricket, learning to conserve his energy and capitalize on loose deliveries.Despite being picked up by SRH in the 2023 IPL, Reddy struggled to break into the team. He was also called up to India's Emerging Players squad for the Asia Cup but did not get a chance to bat.A setback in the form of an ankle injury threatened to derail his progress, but Reddy refused to give up. He arranged for net practice sessions against fast bowlers to prove his worth as a top-order batsman.His determination paid off in the 2024 IPL, where he impressed SRH skipper Pat Cummins with his ability to handle pace. Reddy's journey is a testament to the power of perseverance, the importance of support, and the unwavering belief in one's abilities.

Axar Patel's exceptional performance in the recently concluded T20 World Cup has solidified his status as a valuable asset to the Indian cricket team. His all-round abilities, particularly his wicket-taking prowess and crucial batting contributions, played a pivotal role in India's triumph.Axar's bowling skills were on full display throughout the tournament. He proved to be a reliable option in both the Powerplay and death overs, providing crucial breakthroughs and containing the opposition's scoring rate. His ability to bowl economical spells and pick up wickets at key moments was instrumental in India's success.However, it was Axar's batting that truly set him apart. In the final against South Africa, he played a vital knock of 47, helping India post a competitive total. His innings came at a crucial juncture, providing the team with much-needed momentum.Despite his impressive performance, Axar faced a setback in the final when Heinrich Klaasen launched a brutal assault on his bowling. The left-arm spinner conceded 49 runs in his allocated four overs, allowing South Africa to gain the upper hand.However, Axar's confidence remained unshaken thanks to the support of captain Rohit Sharma. In an exclusive interview with Cricbuzz, Axar revealed how Rohit's encouragement helped him overcome the setback. "Rohit approached me and reassured me, saying, 'It's alright. You bowled your best. If he hits a good shot, there's not much you can do. Just focus on the next ball.' His support and encouragement boosted my confidence," Axar said.Axar also praised Rohit's astute leadership during the tournament. He noted how Rohit effectively managed the team, extracting the best performances from each individual player. "Rohit Sharma is a brilliant captain. He understands each player's strengths and utilizes them according to the game's demands," Axar said.Axar's all-round contributions and the support of Rohit Sharma were key factors in India's T20 World Cup victory. His performance has cemented his place as a vital member of the team and a player to watch in the future.

Hardik Pandya's remarkable journey from injury and controversy to triumph in the ICC T20 World Cup is a testament to the power of perseverance and hard work. After suffering an injury during the 50-over World Cup, Pandya underwent a rigorous rehabilitation process, showcasing his unwavering determination on social media.His transformation was evident in his performance during the T20 World Cup, where he excelled as an all-rounder. With 144 runs at an average of 48.00 and a strike rate of 151.57, Pandya proved his batting prowess. His bowling was equally impressive, taking 11 wickets over eight games with an economy rate of 7.64.Pandya's contributions were crucial in India's victory over South Africa in the final. His bowling figures of 3/20 and key wickets helped secure a seven-run win, ending India's 11-year wait for an ICC trophy.Pandya's journey was not without its challenges. After taking over the captaincy of the Mumbai Indians in the IPL 2024, he faced criticism and online trolling. However, his performance in the T20 World Cup served as redemption, proving his critics wrong and showcasing his resilience.The warm welcome Pandya received in Vadodara, along with a roadshow celebrating the T20 World Cup win, is a testament to his popularity and the impact he has had on Indian cricket. His story is an inspiration to aspiring athletes, demonstrating that with hard work and determination, anything is possible.

Ravindra Jadeja, India's star all-rounder, has paid a heartfelt tribute to his late mother, Lata, crediting her as the inspiration behind his remarkable achievements on the cricket field."Whatever I'm doing on the field... it's a tribute to you," Jadeja wrote on Instagram, accompanied by a poignant photo of his mother.Jadeja's mother passed away in 2005, when he was still a budding cricketer. Her loss left an indelible mark on the young player, but it also fueled his determination to succeed."I remember her every day," Jadeja said in an interview. "She was my biggest supporter, and I know she would be proud of what I've achieved."Jadeja's achievements are indeed impressive. He has played a pivotal role in India's recent triumphs, including the ICC Champions Trophy 2013 and ICC T20 World Cup 2024 titles.In 343 international appearances, Jadeja has amassed 6,307 runs at an average of 32.67, with four centuries and 33 half-centuries. His best score is an unbeaten 175.With the ball, Jadeja has taken 568 wickets at an average of 29.30, with the best figures of 7/42. His all-round abilities make him one of the most valuable players in the Indian team.Jadeja's success is not only a testament to his talent but also to his unwavering dedication and hard work. He is known for his meticulous preparation and his ability to adapt to different conditions.Off the field, Jadeja is a humble and down-to-earth individual. He is deeply connected to his roots and is actively involved in philanthropic activities.Ravindra Jadeja's story is an inspiration to aspiring cricketers and anyone who has faced adversity in their lives. It is a reminder that with determination and hard work, anything is possible.

Pakistan's star all-rounder Shadab Khan has opened up about his recent struggles with the bat and ball on the international circuit. Despite his impressive performances in the ongoing Lanka Premier League (LPL) Season 5, Shadab admits to facing challenges in delivering for the Pakistan team.In his LPL debut, Shadab made an immediate impact by claiming a hat-trick against the Kandy Falcons. He has since continued to excel, becoming the tournament's leading wicket-taker with 16 scalps. However, Shadab acknowledges that his success in the LPL does not fully reflect his recent struggles at the international level."I was struggling for three months. I hadn't taken a wicket in the last seven international games," Shadab said. "I came here, started bowling, and am now always taking wickets. That is the beauty of cricket. You have to enjoy these types of scenarios as well... sometimes you perform, sometimes you don't. But the process that you follow has to be consistent."Shadab believes that the pitch conditions in the LPL have been favorable for spinners, but he emphasizes the importance of variations for T20 bowlers. "The pitch was helping us as it was a bit slow and gripping a bit... But T20 cricket is very hard nowadays, as 200 is easily changeable. As a spinner, you have to have your variations because on flat tracks, if you don't have variations, you can go for runs. But if you have variation, you can take wickets as well as contain runs," he said.Despite his recent struggles, Shadab remains determined to contribute as an all-rounder for his franchise, the Colombo Strikers. "I am performing for my team, and that is a good sign. I am the main bowler, and if I am taking wickets, that is a positive sign for me and my team. I want to contribute in all three phases. So far, I am contributing in two as a bowler and fielder. Hopefully, I can contribute with the bat too," he concluded.Shadab's recent performances in the LPL have served as a reminder of his immense talent. As he continues to work on his game, he will be eager to replicate his success at the international level and help Pakistan achieve its cricketing goals.

Ben Stokes, the enigmatic English all-rounder, has etched his name into the annals of cricket history by becoming the third player globally and the first from England to achieve the remarkable feat of amassing over 6,000 runs and taking more than 200 wickets in Test cricket. This extraordinary milestone was reached during the first Test of a three-match series against West Indies at Lord's, where Stokes secured his 200th Test wicket by dismissing Kirk McKenzie.Stokes' journey to this historic achievement has been marked by unwavering determination and exceptional skill. In 103 Tests, he has amassed 6,320 runs at an average of 35.30, including 13 centuries and 31 half-centuries. His highest score of 258 stands as a testament to his ability to dominate the crease. With the ball, Stokes has proven equally formidable, taking 200 wickets at an average of 30.43. His ability to swing the ball both ways and generate pace has made him a potent weapon for England.The elite company that Stokes now joins is a testament to his all-round brilliance. Garry Sobers, the legendary West Indian, holds the record with 8,032 runs and 235 wickets in 93 Tests, while Jacques Kallis, the South African great, boasts 13,289 runs and 292 wickets in 166 Tests. Stokes' achievement places him among the pantheon of the greatest all-rounders the game has ever seen.Beyond his Test exploits, Stokes has also established himself as a world-class performer across all formats of international cricket. He has scored over 10,000 runs and taken more than 300 wickets in international cricket, becoming only the sixth player worldwide and the first from England to achieve this remarkable double.Stokes' all-round prowess has been instrumental in England's recent resurgence in Test cricket. Under his captaincy, England has won 10 of their last 12 Tests, including a memorable 3-0 series victory over New Zealand in 2022. His ability to inspire his team and lead from the front has made him a true icon of the sport.As Stokes continues his illustrious career, he will undoubtedly add to his already impressive tally of runs and wickets. His unwavering determination and exceptional talent make him a formidable opponent and a true ambassador for the game of cricket.

Hardik Pandya's journey from being jeered to being cheered by the Wankhede crowd is a testament to his resilience and determination. After facing criticism for his performance as Mumbai Indians' captain in the IPL 2024, Pandya silenced his critics with a match-winning performance in the T20 World Cup final against South Africa.Pandya's all-round performance in the tournament was crucial for India's success. His batting contributions in the lower order were brief but effective, accumulating 144 runs at an impressive strike-rate exceeding 150. His bowling prowess was equally significant, as he consistently provided breakthroughs at critical junctures when his team required them the most. His bowling efforts yielded 11 wickets over the course of the tournament.His best performance came in the final when he triggered a dramatic South African collapse after the Proteas needed 30 runs from 30 balls with Heinrich Klaasen in full flow. Pandya gave the decisive blow by dismissing Klaasen in the first ball of the 17th over.He went on to bowl the tense final over and defended 16 runs to help India pip South Africa by seven runs and win their second T20 World Cup title. On the back of his good performance in the World Cup, Pandya rose two places to become the first Indian to occupy the number one spot in the ICC's T20I all-rounders' rankings on Wednesday.Pandya's turnaround in fortunes is a reminder that even in the face of adversity, perseverance and hard work can lead to success. His performance in the T20 World Cup has not only redeemed him in the eyes of the fans but has also established him as one of the most valuable players in the Indian cricket team.

Sydney Thunder has made a significant acquisition ahead of WBBL10 by signing all-rounder Georgia Voll from Brisbane Heat on a three-year contract. Voll, 20, is widely regarded as one of Australia's most promising batting talents and has also made an impact with her offspin bowling.Despite a challenging WBBL season with the bat, Voll showcased her batting prowess later in the season with a double century in the red-ball 'Green and Gold' game and two WNCL hundreds for Queensland. Her all-around abilities attracted interest from multiple WBBL clubs, but Voll was swayed by conversations with Thunder coach Lisa Keightley."I never expected to play for a New South Wales team, but after talking to Lisa and the guys down there, I'm super excited for the opportunity," Voll said. "Lisa was clear on the role she wants me to play, and that got me over the line."Sydney Thunder general manager Trent Copeland praised Voll's talent and potential. "Georgia has shown since the day she arrived on the scene that she is a special talent with both bat and ball," Copeland said. "She is a future Australian star, and this is a huge signing for the club."Voll's departure from Heat marks a period of significant change for the team, which has also lost Amelia Kerr to Sydney Sixers and coach Ashley Noffke. However, Heat has signed South Africa all-rounder Nadine de Klerk and still boasts a formidable top order led by Grace Harris, Georgia Redmayne, Laura Harris, and Charli Knott.

Hardik Pandya's journey to becoming an indispensable all-rounder for India has been marked by both triumphs and tribulations. Despite a disappointing IPL 2024 season, Pandya's exceptional performance at the T20 World Cup 2024 cemented his status as a player with no viable alternative.The decision to appoint Pandya as Mumbai Indians captain ahead of the IPL 2024 season raised eyebrows, but his performance on the field left much to be desired. Rumors of a rift with Rohit Sharma and poor form led to speculation about his exclusion from the T20 World Cup squad.However, the selectors stood by Pandya, appointing him vice-captain. This unwavering support proved crucial as Pandya transformed into a different player once he donned the India colors. His gritty performance in the warm-up game against Bangladesh was followed by an impressive bowling display in the group stage, including three wickets against Pakistan.Pandya's batting also came to the fore in the Super 8 matches, with important knocks against Afghanistan and Bangladesh. His quickfire innings against Australia and England proved equally valuable.In the final against South Africa, Pandya emerged as the match-winner with his bowling. His perfect slower delivery dismissed Heinrich Klaasen, and Rohit Sharma entrusted him with the responsibility of bowling the final over.Months of speculation and criticism culminated in this moment, and Pandya delivered. Suryakumar Yadav's stunning catch dismissed David Miller, and Pandya dismissed Kagiso Rabada to etch his name in Indian cricket history.Pandya's journey to becoming an indispensable all-rounder has been a testament to his resilience and determination. Despite facing adversity, he has consistently risen to the occasion, proving that there is truly no alternative to his unique combination of skills.