Cricket

Former Pakistan cricketer Basit Ali has hailed VVS Laxman as a strong contender for the India coaching role after the team's victory over South Africa in the third T20I. Laxman, who is currently the stand-in coach for the tour of South Africa, made a bold decision to send Tilak Varma to bat at No. 3 instead of Suryakumar Yadav, a move that proved to be a masterstroke.Ali believes that Laxman's tactical acumen and ability to make decisive calls have put him in a prime position to succeed Gautam Gambhir as India's head coach. "VVS taught me a thing today. He is the next hot, hot, hot candidate for coaching," Ali said on YouTube. "He did not send Suryakumar to bat at No. 3 as he wanted to maintain the left-right combination. If Australia tour does not go well for Gambhir, VVS has emerged as a strong option."Laxman's decision to promote Varma paid off handsomely as the youngster smashed a magnificent century, guiding India to a formidable total of 219/6. South Africa's chase was spearheaded by Marco Jansen's blistering 54 off 17 balls, but India ultimately held on for an 11-run victory.Ali praised Laxman's ability to identify and nurture young talent, citing Varma's performance as a testament to his coaching skills. "The decision to not send Surya at No. 3 is one of those calls that attract attention and end up changing matches," Ali said. "It shows that VVS is not afraid to take risks and give opportunities to young players."With the series now poised at 2-1 in India's favor, Laxman's stock as a potential long-term coach has risen significantly. His tactical nous, player management skills, and ability to inspire his team have impressed many observers, including Ali.

The Indian cricket team has embarked on a new era under the leadership of captain Rohit Sharma and coach Gautam Gambhir. The duo, who were part of India's triumphant 2007 T20 World Cup campaign, are tasked with guiding the team to future glory.Rohit Sharma recently spoke about Gambhir's appointment as coach, describing him as a "khadoos" (stubborn) player who played some memorable innings in challenging matches. In Mumbai cricket, the term "khadoos" denotes a player who never gives up, a trait that Gambhir is expected to instill in the Indian team.Sharma also revealed that he uses terms like "garden mein ghoomne wala" (strolling in the garden) to motivate his players. He emphasized that his role is to bring out the best in his teammates and create a positive atmosphere in the dressing room.Former Bangladesh captain Tamim Iqbal has weighed in on Gambhir's tenure as coach, cautioning that it's too early to judge his performance. Tamim believes that Gambhir's true character will emerge when the Indian team faces adversity.Gambhir took over the coaching reins from Rahul Dravid, who led India to victory in the 2024 T20 World Cup. Gambhir's first assignment was a resounding 280-run victory over Bangladesh in Chennai. However, Tamim believes that the real test for Gambhir will come when India experiences setbacks.As the Indian cricket team embarks on this new chapter, all eyes will be on Rohit Sharma and Gautam Gambhir to lead the team to success. Their experience and determination will be crucial in shaping the future of Indian cricket.

Robin Singh, a Trinidadian-born cricketer, etched his name in the annals of Indian cricket history as the first West Indies-born player to represent India in Test cricket. Despite a brief Test career, Robin's impact on Indian cricket extended far beyond his solitary Test match in 1989.Robin's true calling lay in the limited-overs format, where he became an indispensable member of the Indian ODI team. His tenacious batting, nimble fielding, and effective medium-pace bowling made him a versatile asset. He anchored the middle order, providing stability and making substantial contributions with the ball.Throughout his ODI career, Robin amassed over 2,000 runs and claimed 69 wickets in 136 matches. His performances were particularly crucial during India's 1999 Cricket World Cup campaign.After retiring from playing in 2004, Robin embarked on a successful coaching career. He played a pivotal role in nurturing the future stars of Indian cricket, starting with India's junior and A teams. His expertise in fielding led to his appointment as India's national team fielding coach, where he significantly improved the team's fielding standards.Robin's coaching journey also took him back to his Caribbean roots, where he coached teams in the Caribbean Premier League (CPL). He also became an integral part of the coaching staff for the Mumbai Indians in the Indian Premier League (IPL), contributing to their triumphs with his strategic insights.Robin Singh's legacy in Indian cricket is undeniable. His remarkable journey from Trinidad to becoming a legend in Indian cricket serves as an inspiration to many. His versatility, determination, and resilience left an enduring mark on the game, both as a player and a coach.

Rahul Dravid's cricketing journey has been a remarkable tale of resilience and triumph. Known as "The Wall" for his unwavering defense, Dravid was a batting maestro who played countless match-winning innings for India. Despite his illustrious 16-year playing career, Dravid's trophy cabinet lacked an ICC title.However, destiny had a special plan for him. After retiring as a player, Dravid took over as coach of Team India. Under his guidance, Rohit Sharma and his team clinched the T20 World Cup 2024 trophy, India's first ICC title in 11 years.The World Cup final, where India defeated South Africa, was Dravid's last game as coach. The team rewarded him with the ultimate farewell gift, and during the trophy collection, fans witnessed a rare sight: the usually composed Dravid immersed in a wild celebration.The 51-year-old, known for his calm demeanor, opened up about the moment at the CEAT Awards. "We strived to achieve something together. When you come at the end of it, you have moments like that. It's great to celebrate," he said.However, Dravid admitted that he tries to hide his exuberant celebrations from his sons, Samit and Anvay. "I try to avoid showing that to my children, thinking I've gone mad or something," he said."But yeah, I was always telling the boys we got to maintain our balance, and remain cool, not go up and down with results. Thank god it was my last game, otherwise after that, they would have said 'you're saying one thing but doing something else'," he added.Dravid's son, Samit, recently earned a spot in India's Under-19 squad for the Australia series. The three-match one-day series will be held in Puducherry in September.

Rahul Dravid, the legendary Indian cricketer, has etched his name in the annals of cricket history not only as a prolific batsman but also as a successful coach. Having witnessed countless standing ovations during his playing days, Dravid experienced a new level of adulation after guiding India to the T20 World Cup title in 2023.Dravid's journey as a coach has been marked by remarkable achievements. Under his stewardship, India ascended to the pinnacle of Test and ODI rankings, culminating in the T20 World Cup triumph. This victory served as a fitting farewell for Dravid, who had announced his decision to step down as coach after the tournament.Despite his illustrious playing career, Dravid's World Cup aspirations as a player remained unfulfilled. In the 1999 ODI World Cup, he emerged as the tournament's leading run-scorer with 461 runs. India reached the final of the 2003 ODI World Cup but fell short against Australia. Dravid captained India in the 2007 ODI World Cup, but the team suffered a heartbreaking defeat to Bangladesh.However, Dravid's legacy as one of the greatest batsmen of all time remained untarnished. As coach, he instilled a winning mentality in the Indian team, leading them to victory in the 2023 ODI World Cup on home soil. Despite the team's loss in the final, Dravid's contributions were widely recognized.Captain Rohit Sharma played a pivotal role in convincing Dravid to continue as coach until the T20 World Cup. Under Dravid's guidance, India became the world's top-ranked team in both Tests and ODIs. The T20 World Cup title victory served as the icing on the cake, marking a fitting end to Dravid's tenure with Team India.Dravid's humility and down-to-earth nature have earned him immense respect. A viral video captured the moment when he received a standing ovation at a cricket academy in Bengaluru. Sporting a simple t-shirt and shorts, Dravid was greeted with a bouquet of flowers and thunderous applause. As he moved through the academy, students lined up and raised their bats in his honor. Dravid, in his characteristic style, thanked the staff and students, asking them to lower their bats.

Rahul Dravid, the outgoing head coach of the Indian cricket team, expressed his gratitude for the connections he has forged during his tenure as he prepares for his final match in charge against South Africa in the T20 World Cup finale on Saturday.Dravid, who endured a disappointing exit as India's captain in the 2007 ODI World Cup, is now on the verge of a memorable farewell as coach. He took over the reins from Ravi Shastri after the 2021 T20 World Cup and has been at the helm for nearly three years.In a promotional video released by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), Dravid reflected on his time as coach, describing it as a transformative experience for both him and his family. He praised the professionalism exhibited by the team throughout his tenure, both in victories and defeats.Despite reaching the finals of both the World Test Championship and the 50-over World Cup last year, India fell short against Australia on both occasions. However, Dravid's legacy will be defined by the connections he has built and the impact he has had on the team's culture.Indian captain Rohit Sharma expressed his admiration for Dravid, calling him a "big role model." Sharma, who has played alongside and under Dravid for India, said he had tried unsuccessfully to convince him to stay on as coach."I've enjoyed every bit of it, working with him," Sharma said. "I tried convincing him to stay, but obviously there are a lot of things that he needs to look after as well.""I've personally enjoyed my time with him. I'm sure the rest of the guys will say the same. It's been great working with him."As Dravid prepares for his final match in charge, he will be remembered for his dedication, his ability to connect with players, and his unwavering belief in the team's potential.

Gautam Gambhir, the former Indian cricketer known for his serious demeanor, has often been stereotyped as a strict disciplinarian. However, beneath his stern exterior lies a complex and multifaceted individual.As a cricketer, Gambhir held his own in an illustrious Indian batting lineup that included legends like Virender Sehwag, Rahul Dravid, Sachin Tendulkar, Sourav Ganguly, and V.V.S. Laxman. Despite not possessing the flamboyant style of some of his teammates, Gambhir was a reliable and effective batsman, averaging 41.95 in Tests and 39.68 in ODIs. His contributions were crucial in India's victories in the 2007 ICC World T20 and the 2011 World Cup.However, it is Gambhir's fiery temperament that has often overshadowed his cricketing achievements. His on-field altercations with fellow Delhi player Virat Kohli are well-documented. Like former Australian captain Steve Waugh, Gambhir found solace in anger, using it as a tool to unleash his inner gladiator.Off the field, Gambhir has been equally outspoken. His involvement in political debates and his public spats with Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal have raised eyebrows. Yet, beneath this tough exterior, there is a softer side to Gambhir. He has always been known for his loyalty and his willingness to mentor young players.As a coach, Gambhir has guided Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) to three IPL titles, including the most recent one in 2023. His ability to motivate and inspire his team has earned him respect and admiration.Despite his success as a player and coach, Gambhir's name is often mentioned as a potential successor to Rahul Dravid as the Indian team's coach. However, his fiery nature and tendency to speak his mind may raise concerns among some.Ultimately, Gautam Gambhir is a complex and enigmatic figure. He is a fierce competitor on the field, but also a compassionate and loyal individual off it. His journey from a serious first-bencher to a successful player and coach is a testament to his resilience and determination.