Cricket

Shikhar Dhawan and Chris Gayle's Dance Moves Delight Cricket FansFormer Indian opener Shikhar Dhawan and Jamaican legend Chris Gayle have showcased their playful side with a lighthearted dance video that has gone viral on social media. The duo, who are currently participating in the Legends League Cricket tournament, delighted fans with their energetic moves.Dhawan, known for his aggressive batting style, and Gayle, the "Universe Boss" of T20 cricket, have a long-standing friendship that was evident in their dance performance. The video, shared by Dhawan on Instagram, features the pair grooving to a catchy tune, with Dhawan adding a touch of Bollywood flair.Their playful dance not only entertained fans but also highlighted the strong camaraderie between the two legends. It was a memorable moment for cricket fans around the world, who have always admired the duo's on-field exploits.Dhawan and Gayle are currently playing for the Gujarat Giants franchise in the Legends League Cricket tournament. This event provides a platform for retired cricket icons to showcase their skills once again. Fans have been thrilled to witness their favorite former players in action, including the likes of Virender Sehwag, Brett Lee, and Kevin Pietersen.Dhawan, 38, announced his retirement from international and domestic cricket in August 2023. He represented India in 34 Tests, 167 ODIs, and 68 T20Is between 2013 and 2022. He was known for his explosive batting and was a key member of India's 2013 Champions Trophy-winning team.Gayle, 43, is one of the most destructive batsmen in T20 cricket history. He has played for several franchises around the world and has been a part of two World Cup-winning teams with the West Indies.The Legends League Cricket tournament provides an opportunity for fans to relive the golden era of cricket and witness the legends of the game in action. The tournament has been a huge success, with fans flocking to stadiums to see their favorite players.

Chris Gayle, the legendary West Indian cricketer, has hailed Mahendra Singh Dhoni as the most successful captain for India. In an interview with IANS, Gayle praised Dhoni's leadership qualities and his remarkable achievements as the Indian skipper.Dhoni, who captained India in a staggering 200 ODIs, led the team to victory in three major ICC trophies: the ICC T20 World Cup in 2007, the ICC Cricket World Cup in 2011, and the ICC Champions Trophy in 2013. Under his leadership, India won 110 ODIs, lost 74, and had 16 no-results.Gayle also acknowledged the contributions of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli as Indian captains, but he believes Dhoni stands out as the most successful. "Dhoni has been the most successful captain for India. The guy has actually set the trend and overall, Rohit Sharma did his job well and Virat Kohli did his job pretty much," Gayle said.When asked about the toughest bowler he faced in his career, Gayle responded with his trademark humor. "The toughest bowler, is he born or is he still alive? I'm not sure. So, all bowlers are tough because every bowler tries and gets a chance to pick a wicket," he said.Gayle, who is currently playing for Gujarat Giants in the Legends League Cricket, expressed his excitement about the tournament and his joy at sharing a dressing room with former India opener Shikhar Dhawan. He also shared his desire to be part of an IPL franchise as a mentor or coach to share his knowledge and experience with young players.As the LLC enters its third leg, Gayle expressed his excitement about visiting Kashmir for the first time. "I've never been to Srinagar. It's going to be my first time so that's another tick on my list in India, one more state that I'm actually going to visit. So I'm actually looking forward to Srinagar. Is quite close to Kashmir... I think I'm looking forward to it because I've never been to that side of India. I'm really excited," he said.

Legendary West Indian cricketer Chris Gayle recently had the honor of meeting Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi during Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness' official visit to India. Gayle shared his experience on Instagram, posting videos and pictures of his encounter with PM Modi and other dignitaries.Gayle expressed his gratitude for the opportunity, tweeting, "Honor to have met with the Prime Minister of India @narendramodi. Jamaica To India #OneLove." The Jamaican Prime Minister's visit, from September 30 to October 3, marked the first bilateral visit of a Jamaican Prime Minister to India.India and Jamaica share a strong historical and cultural bond, rooted in their shared colonial past, democratic values, and passion for cricket. Gayle, a renowned West Indian cricketer, has been a significant ambassador for sports between Jamaica, the Caribbean, and India.Throughout his illustrious career, Gayle has represented the West Indies in all formats of international cricket. He has amassed an impressive 19,593 runs in 483 matches, including 42 centuries and 105 fifties. His ability to adapt to the evolving landscape of the sport has been a hallmark of his success.In the latter stages of his career, Gayle became synonymous with T20 cricket, becoming the format's leading run-scorer with 14,562 runs in 463 matches. His explosive batting style, characterized by towering sixes and infectious charisma, has endeared him to Indian fans during his stints with the Royal Challengers Bangalore, Kolkata Knight Riders, and Punjab Kings in the Indian Premier League (IPL).Gayle ranks among the IPL's top run-getters, with 4,965 runs in 142 matches. His highest score of 175* remains the highest individual score in T20 cricket. His contributions to the IPL have solidified his status as one of the most beloved international cricketers in India.

Chris Gayle, the legendary West Indies batsman and T20 World Cup ambassador, has attributed the low-scoring matches in the USA leg of the tournament to "jet-lagged and tired" pitches. According to the ICC, drop-in pitches were prepared in Florida since late December, employing proprietary techniques honed over a decade at Adelaide Oval in Australia.The drop-in pitches were transported from Florida to New York in semi-trailer trucks for installation at Nassau County International Cricket Stadium, which proved to be one of the most difficult wickets for batting during the tournament. "It's been a low-scoring World Cup without a doubt, and the wicket is on the slower side sometime. It's a batting format... going to give bowlers edge from time to time, bowlers pretty much in control of T20 World Cup," Gayle said during a press conference on Friday.The tournament will conclude with the final between India and South Africa at Kensington Oval in Barbados. "Barbados has been one of the best for batting, hope batters are going to get some runs tomorrow. "We want to see better surface but the wicket in States was a bit jet-lagged as well, as we know. It was tired, all that travel from Australia, didn't get time to recover properly. That's why we had some low-scoring games," Gayle added.The development of the pitches was undertaken by Adelaide Oval Turf Solutions, led by renowned Adelaide Oval head curator Damian Hough. The drop-in square - the type used around the world including at Adelaide Oval and Eden Park - was curated in Florida and transported by road to New York via a convoy of more than 20 semi-trailer trucks in April.The matches in New York took place at a state-of-the-art 34,000-seat modular stadium located at Eisenhower Park in Nassau County, east of Manhattan. The former West Indies captain lauded the ICC for efforts to promote the game in mainland America. "The ICC did a fantastic job, the trophy tour, did well to promote the game within the US. They have taken the trophy to the football games, baseball games, they have done a very good job from the marketing point of view," Gayle said.Coming back to the big-ticket title clash, Gayle said lead pacer Jasprit Bumrah could decide India's fate against South Africa. Inaugural edition winners India and first-time finalists South Africa will battle it out at the Kensington Oval in their bid to be crowned the world champions in the game's shortest format. "India are going to be so hard to beat. They bat so deep and in Jasprit Bumrah, have a world-class death bowler who can break the hearts of the opponents," Gayle wrote in a column for the ICC."In contrast, I picked South Africa as a dark horse before the tournament began, and it is very special to see them finally reach their first final after so many semi-final upsets. "Getting over the hump and winning a World Cup is so special and if they can do it, it will create memories that will last a lifetime for the players and the nation." The final pits two undefeated teams with India seeking to reclaim the trophy they last won in the 2007 edition, and South Africa seeking to etch their name on a senior World Cup trophy for the first time. Gayle found it tough to predict a winner. "It is going to be so hard to call – with two teams who have played clean and aggressive cricket throughout the tournament," he said. "We have a final fit for the occasion."

Nicholas Pooran, the swashbuckling Trinidadian, has etched his name in the annals of West Indies cricket history by becoming the leading T20 run-scorer, surpassing the legendary Chris Gayle. This remarkable achievement is a testament to Pooran's unwavering determination and relentless hard work.Pooran's journey to the top has been marked by both triumphs and setbacks. After a promising start in the 2014 Under-19 World Cup, he suffered a major setback in a car accident that sidelined him for an extended period. Undeterred, Pooran persevered, honing his skills in various franchise leagues.His international breakthrough came at the 2019 50-over World Cup, where he showcased his explosive batting with a brilliant 118 against Sri Lanka. However, a four-game suspension for ball-tampering later that year cast a shadow over his career.In 2022, Pooran was appointed captain of the T20 squad for the World Cup in Australia. Despite the team's disappointing losses to Scotland and Ireland, Pooran remained resolute in his belief in his abilities.Now, as the West Indies prepare for the Super Eights stage of the 2024 T20 World Cup, Pooran's experience and leadership will be crucial. He has vowed to continue the legacy of Chris Gayle, entertaining fans and inspiring the next generation of West Indian cricketers.Pooran's success is a reminder that with hard work, dedication, and a belief in oneself, anything is possible. His journey from adversity to triumph is an inspiration to all aspiring athletes.

Legendary West Indian cricketer Chris Gayle has predicted India as the favorites ahead of their highly anticipated T20 World Cup clash against Pakistan on Sunday. India began their campaign with a victory over Ireland, while Pakistan suffered a setback in a Super Over defeat to co-hosts USA.Gayle acknowledged that Pakistan faces a significant challenge, stating, "Their backs are up against the wall, and coming off a loss like that straight into playing a team like India, who traditionally have the upper hand in these games, is a huge challenge."However, Gayle emphasized that underestimating the rivalry between the two nations would be a mistake. "India are in the driver's seat, definitely a more relaxed seat. But this is India versus Pakistan at a World Cup, so you can take nothing for granted," he added.Gayle believes Pakistan must regroup quickly to pose a threat to India. "As for Pakistan, they have no time to waste. They have to re-group for the biggest game of the tournament against India in New York City – that's just got even bigger," he said.Despite India's perceived advantage, Gayle believes the USA's victory over Pakistan is a positive development for cricket. "Like the rest of the cricketing world, I was gripped by the USA's victory over Pakistan. It is a huge result which is not only incredible for them but massive for cricket as a whole," he said."You always expect a few upsets at World Cups, and having started well by beating Canada, USA put Pakistan under the pump for pretty much the whole game. I think it marks the day the World Cup really started," he noted.Gayle highlighted the importance of this tournament for the West Indies, which failed to qualify for last year's 50-over World Cup in India. "Having not qualified for the last ICC Men's Cricket World Cup, this tournament is so important for cricket in the Caribbean," he said. "This is a huge thing for the players to step up and be counted."

Chris Gayle, the legendary West Indian batsman, has urged Pakistan to regroup and bounce back after their unexpected loss to the USA in the T20 World Cup. The defeat has put immense pressure on Pakistan ahead of their crucial clash with India on Sunday.Gayle emphasized the significance of the upcoming match between India and Pakistan, two cricketing giants who have a long-standing rivalry. He noted that Pakistan's loss to the USA has made the match even more important for them."Pakistan have no time to waste. They have to re-group for the biggest game of the tournament against India in New York City – that's just got even bigger. Their backs are up against the wall and coming off a loss like that straight into playing a team like India, who traditionally have the upper hand in these games, is a huge challenge," Gayle wrote in his column for the International Cricket Council (ICC).Gayle also praised the USA team, which has emerged as a surprise package in the tournament. He lauded their victory over Pakistan and highlighted the talent within their squad."Like the rest of the cricketing world, I was gripped by the USA's victory over Pakistan. It is a huge result which is not only incredible for them but massive for cricket as a whole," Gayle said."USA look very well organized and the way they stood up to that Pakistan attack, one of the best bowling units at the World Cup, you have to give huge kudos to them. They will now look to cash in on this result and they can absolutely reach the Super 8s – what a story that would be."Gayle believes that the USA has the potential to make a deep run in the tournament. He singled out Aaron Jones, Andries Gous, Steven Taylor, Nitish Kumar, and Corey Anderson as key players for the team."USA are making the most of home advantage so far and my hope is that the West Indies can do the same. It's never easy playing at home, especially on a big occasion like a World Cup, because the expectation is so high," Gayle said."It is actually quite rare for a home team to win a T20 World Cup but hopefully this year will be a change of fortune. We can lift the trophy on June 29 in Barbados, for sure. Having not qualified for the last ICC Men's Cricket World Cup, this tournament is so important for cricket in the Caribbean. This is a huge thing for the players to step up and be counted."

T20 World Cup: A Statistical Look at the Leading Run-Getters and Strike RatesAs the ninth edition of the T20 World Cup approaches, cricket enthusiasts eagerly anticipate the performances of the tournament's most prolific batters and the players with the highest strike rates. Here's a comprehensive analysis of the leading run-getters and strike rates in T20 World Cup history:Leading Run-Getters:1. Virat Kohli (India): The Indian batting maestro reigns supreme as the leading run-getter in T20 World Cups, amassing an astonishing 1141 runs across five editions. His ability to thrive under pressure and deliver match-winning performances has cemented his reputation as one of the finest batters in the format.2. Mahela Jayawardene (Sri Lanka): The now-retired Jayawardene played a pivotal role in Sri Lanka's success in T20 World Cups, scoring 1016 runs across five editions. His consistent performances and ability to score quickly made him a formidable force in the tournament.3. Chris Gayle (West Indies): The enigmatic Gayle is widely regarded as one of the most destructive batters in cricket history, particularly in T20s. He has amassed 965 runs in T20 World Cups, showcasing his unparalleled power and ability to clear the boundary with ease.4. Rohit Sharma (India): The current India skipper has been a key player for his team in T20 World Cups, especially after taking on the opening position. His ability to score big runs and provide stability at the top of the order has been crucial for India's success in the tournament. He has scored 963 runs, including 91 fours at a strike rate of 127.88.5. Tillakaratne Dilshan (Sri Lanka): The leading run-scorer in the 2009 edition with 317 runs from seven matches, the retired Dilshan was a vital cog in the Sri Lankan team's lineup across six editions. His aggressive batting style and ability to provide quick starts at the top of the order made him a formidable opponent.Highest Strike Rates:1. Jos Buttler (England): Regarded as one of the most dynamic and destructive batters, Buttler's greatest strength lies in his ability to score rapidly. He has the best strike rate in T20 World Cup history, fetching him 799 runs in 27 matches at an impressive 144.48.2. AB de Villiers (South Africa): The now-retired South African had an outstanding strike rate in T20 World Cups, averaging 143.40. His ability to score quickly and decisively made him one of the most feared batters. De Villiers collected 717 runs in 29 innings with the help of 51 fours and 30 sixes.3. Chris Gayle (West Indies): Gayle's unparalleled level of fearlessness and confidence helped him to an amazing 142.75 strike rate in the T20 World Cups. The Jamaican always backed himself to take on any bowler. Gayle is the only player to have scored two centuries in the event, both of which were match-winning efforts.4. Mahela Jayawardene (Sri Lanka): Jayawardene had an impressive average of 39.07 and a strike rate of 134.74, a fine reflection of his ability to score quickly while maintaining consistency.5. David Warner (Australia): Warner's aggressive approach will once again be crucial for Australia. His ability to score runs quickly and efficiently has made him one of the most exciting and effective batters in T20 World Cups, averaging 133.22.

Virat Kohli Boasts of Six-Hitting Prowess to Chris GayleIn a heartwarming reunion, former Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) teammates Virat Kohli and Chris Gayle shared a lighthearted moment after RCB's victory over Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in the final league match of the season.Kohli, who has been instrumental in RCB's playoff qualification, couldn't resist bragging about his impressive six-hitting record to Gayle, who holds the all-time record for most sixes in T20 cricket."Maximum sixes this season, yeah!" Kohli exclaimed as he greeted Gayle in a video shared by RCB on social media."How much?" Gayle inquired."37!" replied Kohli, who now holds the record for most sixes in the current season, including four against CSK in the last match. With his knock against Chennai, Virat has also surpassed the 700-run mark this season.The banter continued as Kohli jokingly suggested that Gayle could make a comeback next year under the new Impact Player rule, which allows teams to field an additional player who does not have to bat or bowl."Kaka, come back next year. Impact Player rule is on now. You don't have to field anymore. It's designed for you," Kohli quipped.Kohli also autographed his RCB jersey and presented it to Gayle with a heartfelt message that read: "To Chris (kaka). With love and best wishes."The reunion between the two former teammates brought back fond memories for fans, who witnessed their formidable partnership during their time together at RCB. Kohli's playful banter with Gayle highlighted the camaraderie and respect that exists between the two cricketing legends.