Cricket

Virat Kohli, the former Indian cricket team captain, is renowned for his jovial nature and penchant for pranks. It was Kohli who bestowed the nickname "lala" upon fast bowler Mohammed Shami. Shami, who recently turned 34, is currently undergoing rehabilitation following ankle surgery and is nearing a return to international cricket.On Shami's birthday, Star Sports released a video clip featuring the Uttar Pradesh-born pacer answering questions in a rapid-fire round. When asked about the origin of his nickname, Shami revealed, "Virat started it because almost everybody in the team had a nickname, only I was left."Shami's jersey number, 11, holds special significance for him. "There are a lot of things that when calculated are 11 in my life," he explained.Regarding his favorite fast bowlers, Shami named Waqar Younis and Dale Steyn. "There are a lot of them," he said, "but if you are asking for names, then I like Waqar Younis and Dale Steyn more."When asked about batsmen he enjoys bowling to, Shami singled out Joe Root. "If you talk about now, then for me it is Joe Root because he plays all around the wicket," he said.Shami's most memorable career moment came when he joined the ODI team. "There was a tradition then to stand on a chair or a stool and give a speech," he recalled. "When I stood up and started seeing the faces, then I was left speechless. When I stepped into a meeting that had the top batsmen and the top bowlers, I just couldn't comprehend (what to say). But even today I haven't forgotten that meeting."

Surrey's Dominic Sibley and Sam Curran led their team to a resounding five-wicket victory over Durham in the Vitality Blast semi-final at the Kia Oval. The duo's blistering partnership of 95 runs in just 63 balls propelled Surrey to the final's day.Sibley, the former England opener, showcased his power-hitting prowess with a 48-ball 67, including two sixes and six fours. Curran, who had previously scored a century in the competition, contributed with a 34-ball 52, featuring four towering sixes.Durham's bowlers had initially put up a strong fight, reducing Surrey to 2 for 2 in the powerplay. However, Sibley and Curran's counterattacking innings turned the tide in Surrey's favor.Earlier, Durham had posted a competitive 162 for 8, thanks to a valiant effort from Michael Jones (37), Bas De Leede (24), and Ben Raine (23). Surrey's Dan Worrall and Reece Topley had wreaked havoc in the powerplay, claiming two wickets each.Surrey's chase began with a setback as Will Jacks and Laurie Evans fell cheaply. But Sibley and Rory Burns steadied the ship, with Sibley playing a more aggressive role than usual.The introduction of spin proved costly for Surrey as Callum Parkinson dismissed Burns. However, Curran joined Sibley and the pair accelerated the run rate, hitting boundaries at will.De Leede dropped a crucial catch of Curran, allowing the England all-rounder to continue his onslaught. Sibley reached his half-century with a majestic six, while Curran almost cleared The Oval with a massive hit off Nathan Sowter.With only 15 runs needed, Sibley departed, but Curran and Jamie Overton saw Surrey home with 12 balls to spare.

Jay Shah, the 35-year-old son of India's Home Minister, is set to become the most powerful figure in world cricket as the Independent Chairman of the International Cricket Council (ICC). His appointment has raised questions about the future of the sport, given his limited cricket experience and the potential for political interference.Shah's rise to the top of the ICC has been meteoric. He became secretary of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) in 2019, and has since been a vocal advocate for India's interests within the ICC. His appointment as chairman is seen as a victory for India, which has long sought to increase its influence in the global game.However, Shah's lack of cricket experience has raised concerns among some observers. He has never played the game at a professional level, and his knowledge of the sport is limited. This has led to fears that he may not be able to effectively lead the ICC, which is responsible for governing the sport worldwide.There are also concerns that Shah's appointment could lead to political interference in the ICC. His father, Amit Shah, is one of the most powerful politicians in India, and his influence could extend to the ICC. This could potentially compromise the independence of the ICC and lead to decisions being made based on political considerations rather than the best interests of the sport.Despite these concerns, Shah has promised to be an independent chairman who will act in the best interests of cricket. He has also said that he will work to improve the governance of the ICC and make it more transparent and accountable.The future of cricket under Shah's leadership is uncertain. He has the potential to be a transformative figure, but he also faces significant challenges. Only time will tell whether he will be able to overcome these challenges and lead the ICC to a brighter future.

Team India Head Coach Gautam Gambhir Visits Kamakhya Temple in GuwahatiAmidst a brief respite from international cricket, Team India head coach Gautam Gambhir embarked on a spiritual pilgrimage to the revered Kamakhya Temple in Guwahati, Assam. Surrounded by security personnel, Gambhir was seen offering prayers and seeking blessings at the ancient temple.Gambhir's visit to the temple signifies a period of introspection and renewal for the Indian team. After a successful tour of Sri Lanka, where India emerged victorious in the T20I series but faced a setback in the ODIs, the team is now preparing for the upcoming Test series against Bangladesh.The tour of Sri Lanka marked Gambhir's debut as head coach of the Indian team. Despite the mixed results, Gambhir has expressed confidence in the team's abilities and is eager to guide them to greater heights.To bolster his coaching staff, Gambhir recently appointed former South African fast bowler Morne Morkel as the team's new bowling coach. Morkel, who played alongside Gambhir at the Lucknow Super Giants in the Indian Premier League, brings a wealth of experience and expertise to the Indian team.As the new season approaches, Gambhir and his team are focused on building a strong foundation and achieving success in the upcoming Test series against Bangladesh. The series, which begins on September 19, will be a crucial test for the Indian team as they aim to establish their dominance in the longest format of the game.

TNCA President's XI rallied to post a respectable 291 for six on day two of the Buchi Babu semifinal against Hyderabad in Tirunelveli. The team's recovery was sparked by an unbroken 91-run seventh-wicket partnership between S. Rithik Easwaran (83 batting) and M. Mohammed (41 batting).Hyderabad's left-arm spinner Tanay Thyagarajan had earlier given his side the advantage with a four-wicket haul, dismissing openers S. Radhakrishnan and R. Vimal Khumar (75) and later Andre Siddharth and A. Badrinath cheaply.However, Easwaran and Mohammed steadied the innings, guiding TNCA President's XI out of a precarious position. Easwaran, in particular, played a crucial role, hitting six fours and two sixes in his patient knock.Earlier, Khumar and K.T.A. Madhava Prasad (40) had provided a solid start for TNCA President's XI, putting on 94 runs for the second wicket. But Thyagarajan's intervention, followed by the dismissals of Madhava Prasad and Vimal, left the team reeling at 200 for six.Hyderabad, who had posted 313 in their first innings, will be looking to capitalize on their 22-run lead when play resumes on day three. TNCA President's XI, on the other hand, will need to bat aggressively to put pressure back on their opponents.

Ajay Ratra, the former Indian wicketkeeper-batter, has been appointed as a member of the Board of Control for Cricket in India's (BCCI) men's senior national selection panel. Ratra replaces Salil Ankola, who has been moved to the national junior selection panel.Ratra's appointment restores the convention of the national selection committee comprising a selector from each of the five zones. Since Ajit Agarkar's appointment as chief selector in July 2023, the west zone had two representatives while the north zone had been overlooked.Ratra, who played six Tests and 12 ODIs for India, brings a wealth of experience to the selection panel. He had an illustrious domestic career, representing Punjab and Haryana in the Ranji Trophy. After retiring from playing in 2013-14, Ratra coached three state sides and had stints with the National Cricket Academy. He was also part of India's men's support staff for the tour to South Africa last year.BCCI secretary Jay Shah welcomed Ratra's appointment, saying, "His insights will be instrumental to the committee in ensuring that the best talent is identified, nurtured, and given the opportunity to excel at the highest level."Ratra's induction into the selection panel is expected to bring a fresh perspective and help identify and develop the next generation of Indian cricketers.

Ajith Ram, a rising star in the Tamil Nadu cricket team, has emerged as a tireless workhorse in the ongoing Buchi Babu tournament semifinal against Chhattisgarh. Despite the wicket offering little assistance to spinners, Ram has toiled relentlessly, bowling 42 overs in two days and claiming four wickets for 109 runs.Ram's unwavering determination to bowl long spells stems from his belief that it provides ample opportunities to outwit batters. "I love bowling a lot. Long spells mean more chances to pick up wickets," he said. "I enjoy the challenge of plotting a batter's dismissal."The 24-year-old spinner has carried his impressive form from the previous Ranji Trophy season into this tournament. He credits his success to his ability to adjust his bowling to the conditions and the batter's strengths. "When you bowl a lot in the long format, you can build up patiently for a batter," he explained. "I like that a lot."Ram's contributions have been crucial for Tamil Nadu, who are aiming to reach the final of the tournament. He has not only been economical with the ball but has also chipped in with valuable runs down the order. "It'll be better if I could contribute to the team with the bat," he said.Ram's performance has caught the attention of cricket pundits, who believe he has the potential to become a mainstay in the Tamil Nadu team and even the Indian national side. His ability to bowl long spells, control the run rate, and take wickets makes him a valuable asset to any team.As Tamil Nadu continues its quest for victory in the Buchi Babu tournament, Ram is expected to play a pivotal role. His tireless work ethic and unwavering determination will undoubtedly be key factors in his team's success.

Sanskrit Commentary in Local Cricket Match Highlights Linguistic Inclusivity in SportsThe Indian Premier League (IPL) has revolutionized cricket broadcasting in India by offering commentary in 12 regional languages. This move has successfully connected with audiences from diverse linguistic backgrounds, emphasizing the importance of linguistic inclusivity in a culturally rich nation like India.Taking this concept further, a local cricket match in Bengaluru has recently gone viral for its commentary in Sanskrit. The video, which has captivated viewers across the country, was made possible by the efforts of the language learning platform Sthaayi in collaboration with Karnataka Sanskrit University.The commentary, delivered by Arun Kumar Kalagi, showcases the timeless beauty of Sanskrit, an ancient language often considered difficult to integrate into modern contexts. Kalagi's commentary brings to life the nuances and richness of Sanskrit, making it accessible and engaging for a wider audience.The viral nature of the video, which has amassed millions of views, underscores the potential of digital platforms to breathe new life into traditional languages. The initiative has sparked widespread interest in Sanskrit, with many viewers expressing their admiration for the language and calling for broader inclusion of Sanskrit in sports commentary, particularly in mainstream platforms like Jio Cinema.As regional language broadcasts in the IPL have demonstrated, linguistic inclusivity is key to engaging India's diverse population. The positive reception of Sanskrit commentary in a local cricket match showcases the value of preserving and promoting traditional languages, making sports more relatable and enjoyable for diverse audiences.The success of the Sanskrit commentary initiative highlights the importance of linguistic diversity in sports broadcasting. By embracing traditional languages, sports organizations can connect with a wider audience, foster cultural pride, and promote the preservation of linguistic heritage.

Australia's Test captain Pat Cummins is eager to redeem his team's recent losses against India in the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy. The five-match series, commencing on November 22 in Perth, presents an opportunity for Australia to break India's four-series winning streak.Cummins acknowledges the competitive nature of the rivalry, stating that the series is "always fiercely competitive" and "always feels like it's 50-50." He draws confidence from Australia's victory over India in the World Test Championship Final last year.Senior batter Steve Smith echoes Cummins' sentiments, emphasizing the strength of the Indian team. He anticipates a "big summer" for Australia, recognizing India's well-balanced squad and their impressive performances both in Australia and India.Pacer Mitchell Starc highlights the significance of the India-Australia rivalry, comparing it to the Ashes. He believes the five-Test format enhances the intensity and quality of the matches.All-rounder Glenn Maxwell emphasizes the global appeal of India-Australia contests, regardless of the format. He notes that both teams consistently rank among the world's best and provide captivating matches for fans worldwide.Australia's players are determined to make amends for their previous defeats and reclaim the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. They recognize the challenge posed by India but remain confident in their abilities. The series promises to be a thrilling spectacle, showcasing the fierce rivalry between two cricketing powerhouses.