Cricket

Virat Kohli, the former Indian cricket captain, continues to captivate fans worldwide, transcending the boundaries of the sport. His immense popularity was recently evident in Pakistan during the Champions One-Day Cup 2024 match between Stallions and Markhors, where a fan proudly displayed Kohli's jersey in the stands. This gesture highlights Kohli's enduring appeal, even in a country where cricket loyalties often lie elsewhere.Kohli's popularity extends beyond the field, as evidenced by his recent intense practice session at the nets in preparation for India's upcoming two-Test series against Bangladesh. In a video shared by Jio Cinema, Kohli showcased his batting prowess, hitting a mighty six that shattered a wall near the Indian dressing room at the Chepauk stadium.Kohli's return to the Test format marks a significant moment for the Indian team. Since his last Test appearance in South Africa earlier this year, Kohli has faced challenges in the T20 World Cup and a tour of Sri Lanka. However, he remains determined to regain his form and contribute to India's success.Kohli's practice session also provided a glimpse into his meticulous preparation and unwavering focus. As India gears up for the Bangladesh series, Kohli's presence and experience will be invaluable. His ability to inspire and lead the team will be crucial in their quest for victory.

India's Women's T20 World Cup Preparations Emphasize Mental StrengthAs the Indian women's cricket team prepares for the upcoming T20 World Cup in the UAE, skipper Harmanpreet Kaur has highlighted the crucial role of mental strength in executing their plans.Kaur, who has led India to numerous victories, believes that the last few overs of a T20 match are pivotal. "The last 3-4 overs are the most crucial. T20 cricket is not a small format; at the end of the day, you are playing 40 overs. In the last 4-5 overs, the team that is mentally strong wins the match," she said.The Indian team has been working diligently on their mental fortitude. "We have been focusing on this for a while. If we can remain mentally stable in those final 5 overs, we can execute what's best for us. We are working on those aspects, and hopefully, we will overcome this hurdle in the tournament," Kaur added.India's squad for the T20 World Cup includes experienced players like Smriti Mandhana, Deepti Sharma, and Jemimah Rodrigues. They will face tough competition in Group A, which includes Australia, New Zealand, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka.In the previous edition of the T20 World Cup, India reached the semi-finals but lost to eventual champions Australia. Kaur is determined to improve on that performance and lead her team to glory."We have a good team, and we are confident of doing well in the tournament. We have been working hard, and we are ready to give our best," she said.India will kickstart their campaign against New Zealand on October 4, followed by a highly anticipated clash with Pakistan on October 6. The tournament promises to be an exciting spectacle of women's cricket, and India will be eager to make a mark on the global stage.

The Panthers continued their winning streak in the ongoing tournament, securing their second consecutive victory with an impressive 84-run triumph over the Lions. The match, played under the lights, showcased a thrilling display of batting and bowling prowess.Batting first, the Panthers got off to a shaky start, losing four early wickets to the Lions' pace attack. However, a remarkable middle-order recovery led by Mubasir Khan (90) and Haider Ali (84) propelled the team to a formidable total of 283. The duo forged a crucial 144-run partnership, guiding the Panthers out of trouble and setting the stage for a challenging chase.The Lions began their innings with promise, with Imam-ul-Haq leading the charge with a well-crafted half-century. However, the Panthers' bowling attack, spearheaded by Shadab Khan (3-42) and Usama Mir (3-55), proved too potent. The Lions lost their last seven wickets for a mere 72 runs in just 79 balls, handing the Panthers a comprehensive victory.The Panthers' triumph was built on a solid batting foundation laid by Mubasir and Haider. Both batsmen played with great determination and skill, coming close to scoring centuries. Shadab Khan also contributed with a valuable cameo, ensuring the Panthers posted an imposing total.The Lions' chase was derailed by the Panthers' relentless bowling attack. Shadab Khan's return to the bowling crease proved pivotal, as he dismissed Imam-ul-Haq and triggered a collapse in the Lions' batting order. Mir and Shadab combined to dismantle the middle order, while Mohammad Hasnain wrapped up the innings with the wicket of Sirajuddin.The Panthers' victory maintained their unbeaten record in the tournament and highlighted the team's depth and resilience. The Lions, on the other hand, remained winless and will need to regroup and find a way to break their losing streak.

Bangladesh's Test squad, brimming with confidence after their historic series triumph in Pakistan, commenced their preparations for the upcoming two-match Test series against India with a practice session at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai on Monday.The Tigers, led by Najmul Hossain Shanto, are riding high on their recent success, having secured a commanding 10-wicket victory in the first Test against Pakistan, followed by a six-wicket win in the second. Their impressive performance has instilled a sense of optimism within the team as they gear up for the challenge of facing India.In a video shared by the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) on their official Twitter handle, the players were seen engaged in net practice, honing their skills ahead of the series opener. The team's focus and determination were evident as they prepared to take on the formidable Indian side.Speaking at a pre-departure press conference in Dhaka, Shanto acknowledged the magnitude of the challenge that lies ahead but expressed confidence in his team's abilities. "It will be a challenging series, but we have the extra confidence from the Pakistan series," he said. "I think the whole country shares that confidence now. Every series is an opportunity. We want to win both Tests, but we need to stick to our process. If we do our job, we can get a good result."The first Test between India and Bangladesh will commence on September 19 at the iconic Chepauk Stadium in Chennai. The second Test will be played in Kanpur from September 27.India, currently leading the World Test Championship (WTC) standings with a points percentage of 68.52, will be eager to extend their dominance against Bangladesh. Their upcoming WTC series include home matches against New Zealand and Australia, as well as an away series against Australia.

Luke Fletcher, the veteran seam bowler who has been a mainstay of Nottinghamshire's bowling attack for 17 seasons, will bid farewell to Trent Bridge at the end of the 2024 campaign.Fletcher, who turns 36 on Wednesday, has been a key figure in Nottinghamshire's success over the years, playing a pivotal role in six title-winning campaigns, including the County Championship triumph in 2010 and two T20 Blast titles in 2017 and 2020.The local lad, who made his Nottinghamshire debut in 2008, has taken 442 first-class wickets, 93 List A wickets, and 108 T20 wickets during his illustrious career.Fletcher's finest year came in 2021 when he was named PCA County Championship Player of the Year after taking 66 wickets at an average of 14.9. That came four years after a career-threatening injury in 2017 when he was struck on the head by a Sam Hain drive in a T20 clash against Birmingham Bears."For a local lad to represent this club is an honor, and I never could have expected the career I've had," Fletcher said. "My overwhelming feeling now is how grateful I am for all the years I've spent with Notts and the memories I have made along the way.""A place is only as good as the people within it, and I've had the pleasure of sharing a dressing room with so many great people and creating relationships that I will cherish forever.""But it's also everyone around the club - from the ticket office to the chefs, community teams, ground staff, dressing room attendants, and so many more. I've been here for such a long time, and it has all meant a great deal to me.""Whilst I am sad that my time at the club is done, I couldn't be happier with everything I have achieved. Trent Bridge feels like home, it always has done, and it always will do."Mick Newell, Nottinghamshire's director of cricket, paid tribute to Fletcher's contribution to the club."Luke is a hugely popular character, and with good reason," Newell said. "He has given his heart and soul to this club, forged so many friendships, and played with a smile on his face.""It says a great deal that Stuart Broad - who played with some of the greatest players of his generation - deems Fletch one of 'the best teammates you could ever have'.""It means so much to him to have represented his home county for nearly two decades, and that loyalty has been reciprocated by members and supporters who show him great affection.""His stats and success deserve mention too - he has worked tremendously hard at his craft to be the best he can be, and that has paid dividends.""We wish him all the best wherever he goes and whatever he does - he will always get a warm welcome and special reception at Trent Bridge."

The Multan Declaration: A Moment of Tension Between Dravid and TendulkarIn 2004, during the first Test of India's historic series against Pakistan in Multan, an unforgettable incident occurred that left a lasting impact on the relationship between two cricketing legends: Rahul Dravid and Sachin Tendulkar.With India's score at 675/5, Dravid, standing in as captain for the injured Sourav Ganguly, made the surprising decision to declare the innings, leaving Tendulkar stranded on 194 not out. The decision was based on strategic reasons, as Dravid believed it would give India the best chance to capitalize on the deteriorating pitch and the tired opposition.However, the declaration left Tendulkar visibly unhappy. Former India opener Aakash Chopra, who was part of that match, recalled the atmosphere in the dressing room after the call was made. "Paaji wasn't happy that day," Chopra said. "I think I saw him unhappy for the first time. I never saw him lose temper, and he didn't exactly lose temper that day but he was visibly unhappy. Something wasn't right."Chopra also suggested that the decision to declare the innings may have been made by the team management, and not solely by Dravid. "Rahul did call, but Dada (Ganguly) was part of the dressing room that day too," said Chopra. "He wasn't playing in that game, but he was in dressing room and I'm sure he was part of the think-tank. It wasn't the captain's decision alone."Dravid later admitted that he would not have declared had he known the match would end within four days. However, Chopra believes that Dravid's decision was made with the best intentions. "With Rahul, it is possible that in heat of the moment, you agree or disagree," said Chopra. "But you don't doubt his decision. You know that even if he was at a similar position, he would've taken the same decision."The Multan Declaration remains a significant moment of tension between Dravid and Tendulkar in the minds of fans. It highlights the complexities of captaincy and the challenges of balancing individual aspirations with team goals.

Indian wicket-keeper batter Ishan Kishan made a triumphant return to the cricket field, smashing a century in his red-ball comeback in the Duleep Trophy. Playing for India C, Kishan scored 111 runs off 126 balls, showcasing his exceptional strokeplay and intent.Kishan's knock has sparked chatter about his potential return to the Indian national team, especially since he is not part of the squad for the first Test against Bangladesh. His social media post, captioned "Unfinished Business," has further intensified speculation.Kishan's last appearance for India was during the tour of South Africa last year. Since then, he has been absent from the national team due to mental fatigue and a groin injury. Despite playing for Mumbai Indians in the IPL 2024 campaign, his absence from Jharkhand's Ranji Trophy campaign hindered his comeback plans.In the Duleep Trophy match against India B, Kishan was a late inclusion into the India C side. He missed the first-round game for India D due to a groin injury but made a dominant return. He shared a 189-run stand for the third wicket with Baba Indrajith, who made 78 off 136 balls.Kishan's century was laced with 14 fours and three sixes, highlighting his aggressive approach. His innings has caught the attention of selectors and fans alike, raising hopes for his return to the Indian team.The India B vs India C match ended in a draw, but Kishan's performance has left an indelible mark. His determination and skill have reignited the belief that he can be a valuable asset to the Indian national team.

Sachin Tendulkar, the legendary Indian cricketer, possessed an unparalleled repertoire of shots that showcased his technical brilliance and adaptability. His shot-making was a symphony of flawless technique, impeccable timing, and an uncanny ability to neutralize even the most fearsome bowlers.Tendulkar's technique was a masterclass in balance, footwork, and head position. He meticulously positioned his body before executing each shot, ensuring optimal power and control. His compactness at the crease allowed him to play both on the front and back foot with equal ease, making him a formidable force in both defense and attack.One of Tendulkar's signature shots was the uppercut, which he popularized during the latter stages of his career. This audacious stroke involved slicing a short-pitched delivery over the slips or third-man boundary. It became a potent weapon against fast bowlers, allowing Tendulkar to turn their pace to his advantage.Tendulkar's cut shot against fast bowlers like Brett Lee and Shoaib Akhtar was a testament to his exceptional hand-eye coordination and quick reflexes. Lee and Akhtar were among the fastest bowlers of their era, regularly bowling over 150 kmph. However, Tendulkar's impeccable footwork and technique enabled him to execute the cut shot with precision, often sending the ball racing past backward point or gully.Against Lee's express pace, Tendulkar would use the late cut to exploit the width provided by the bowler. His quick feet allowed him to get inside the line of the ball and play it late, ensuring that it cleared the fielders and reached the boundary.Shoaib Akhtar's menacing speed and aggression posed a different challenge, but Tendulkar's cut shot proved equally effective. He would often use the cut to exploit the gaps between point and gully, placing the ball with precision and control.One of the most iconic moments in cricket history occurred during the 2003 World Cup when Tendulkar uppercut a short-pitched delivery from Akhtar over third man for a six. This audacious shot showcased his ability to use pace to his advantage and remains etched in the minds of cricket fans worldwide.Tendulkar's shot-making was not merely a display of technical prowess but also a reflection of his immense mental strength and adaptability. He possessed the ability to assess the situation and execute the appropriate shot with precision and confidence. This versatility made him one of the most complete and successful batsmen in cricket history.