Cricket

Paras Mhambrey, a former Indian cricketer and bowling coach, recently concluded his 31-month stint with the Indian cricket team. In an exclusive interview, he shared his insights on his tenure, the team's strengths and weaknesses, and the challenges they faced.Mhambrey's association with the team began in 2021, when he was appointed as the bowling coach under head coach Rahul Dravid. He described his experience as "rewarding" and "satisfying," crediting Dravid for creating a positive and supportive environment.Reflecting on the team's performance, Mhambrey highlighted the importance of the 2023 World Cup, which India hosted. He acknowledged the pressure and expectations surrounding the tournament but emphasized the team's determination to overcome them."We knew what the pressures were," Mhambrey said. "We knew what we were about to encounter because when you interact with people, everyone wants to win the World Cup, right? You can't run away from it."To prepare for the World Cup, Mhambrey and the coaching staff analyzed the team's performance in the 2022 T20 World Cup, where they lost in the semifinals. They identified areas for improvement and worked on developing specific strategies for different venues."We learned our lessons from 2022, which culminated with the T20 World Cup," Mhambrey explained. "We sat down and said what do we need to do differently."Mhambrey also praised the individual contributions of several players, including R. Ashwin, Kuldeep Yadav, and Arshdeep Singh. He highlighted Ashwin's exceptional skills and his ability to reinvent himself as a white-ball bowler."I find Ash very unique," Mhambrey said. "Very few people who are at that stage of their career — someone with more than 500 Test wickets — who still come with the intensity of a rookie."Mhambrey also acknowledged the challenges faced by some bowlers, such as Umran Malik, who he believes needs more guidance and a structured state team environment.Overall, Mhambrey's tenure as bowling coach was marked by a focus on improvement, adaptability, and a strong team spirit. He expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to work with the Indian cricket team and wished them continued success in the future.

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.

Jaydev Unadkat, the Indian left-arm pacer, has recently re-signed with Sussex for the final five games of the County Championship season. This move has brought to light a social media controversy surrounding Unadkat's previous stint with the English county.Unadkat's initial stint with Sussex in 2023 saw him play three of the team's final four first-class games, taking 11 wickets at an average of 24.18. However, a recent social media post by a user sparked a misunderstanding that led to Unadkat being trolled.The user claimed that Unadkat was "ONLY given a car & a flat" during his time in England. Unadkat responded by clarifying that the statement was inaccurate, stating that he was "given a flat & a car" while playing in the UK. He also emphasized that cricket remained his priority, regardless of where he played.Unadkat's response was met with support from fans and fellow cricketers, who condemned the trolling and highlighted the importance of understanding the full context before making judgments.Sussex head coach Paul Farbrace praised Unadkat's contributions to the team, describing him as a "fantastic person" who shared his knowledge and helped other players. Unadkat expressed his eagerness to return to Sussex and contribute to their promotion push.Unadkat's re-signing with Sussex is a testament to his talent and dedication. Despite the social media controversy, he remains focused on his cricket and is determined to help Sussex achieve success in the County Championship.

Indian cricket icon Virat Kohli has been embroiled in a social media storm following controversial comments made by veteran spinner Amit Mishra. Mishra's remarks, made during a podcast, sparked a debate about Kohli's character and behavior.Mishra alleged that Kohli has undergone a transformation due to "fame and power," accusing him of abusing his Lucknow Super Giants teammates during an IPL 2023 match. However, Kohli's supporters have vehemently defended him, citing his enduring camaraderie with former teammates like Ishant Sharma.Amidst the online discourse, an old video from India's 2014 tour of Australia has resurfaced. In the series, Kohli became a target for the Australian team, particularly Mitchell Johnson, with whom he engaged in heated verbal exchanges.When asked about these confrontations in a press conference, Kohli asserted that his primary focus was on playing cricket, not earning respect. "I am out here to play cricket, not to earn anyone's respect. As long as I'm scoring runs, I'm happy with it," he stated.Kohli further emphasized that he did not care about the opinions of those who disrespected him. "I don't really care what they think as far as respecting me or me respecting them. I've got a nice friendship with a few of them. But someone who says anything that comes to his mouth, I don't respect," he said.Mishra's comments have reignited the debate about Kohli's personality and leadership style. Some have questioned whether his success has led to a change in his demeanor, while others have defended his competitive nature and unwavering determination.The controversy has also highlighted the importance of respect in sportsmanship. Kohli's assertion that he does not play for respect has sparked discussions about the role of mutual respect in fostering a healthy and competitive environment on the field.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is actively seeking new support staff for the senior men's team, following the appointment of Gautam Gambhir as head coach. Gambhir has expressed his eagerness to finalize his coaching team promptly, but his proposed candidates have reportedly faced resistance from the board.Gambhir had suggested R Vinay Kumar, Morne Morkel, Abhishek Nayar, Ryan Ten Doeschate, Jonty Rhodes, and Laxmipathy Balaji for various roles. However, the BCCI has reportedly rejected all of these suggestions except for Abhishek Nayar, who currently serves as assistant coach for the Kolkata Knight Riders.The board's reluctance to accept Gambhir's recommendations stems from a departure from past practices. Previously, Ravi Shastri and Rahul Dravid were granted autonomy in selecting their coaching staff. However, the BCCI appears to be taking a more hands-on approach with Gambhir.Sources indicate that the BCCI is keen on appointing Zaheer Khan as the next bowling coach. Khan, a legendary left-arm pacer, boasts an impressive record of 311 Test wickets and 610 international wickets across all formats. His vast experience and expertise make him a highly sought-after candidate.Balaji's name was also reportedly considered, but the board ultimately decided against his appointment. The former Indian pacer has represented the country in eight Test matches and 30 ODIs, claiming 27 and 34 wickets respectively.Paras Mahambrey's tenure as bowling coach under Rahul Dravid has concluded. As for the fielding coach position, T Dilip's contract may be extended.The BCCI's decision to reject Gambhir's proposed coaching staff has raised questions about the level of autonomy granted to the new head coach. It remains to be seen how this will impact Gambhir's ability to shape the team's future and achieve success on the international stage.

Young Pakistani Cricketer Stuns with Suryakumar Yadav-Esque CatchIn the realm of local cricket, captivating moments often emerge, leaving fans in awe. Following the viral video of a young boy imitating Jasprit Bumrah's unorthodox bowling action, another clip has surfaced on social media, showcasing a remarkable catch reminiscent of Suryakumar Yadav's breathtaking grab in the T20 World Cup final.This time, a young Pakistani cricketer has taken the internet by storm with a video of his stunning catch. The footage captures a local cricket match in Pakistan, where children are playing on a hilly terrain. As a batsman lofts a shot high into the air, the wicketkeeper charges uphill, his eyes fixed on the ball. With lightning-fast reflexes, he extends his left hand and completes a stunning one-handed grab, dismissing the batsman.The video has left social media users in disbelief, marveling at the young cricketer's athleticism and skill. The catch bears an uncanny resemblance to Suryakumar Yadav's iconic catch in the T20 World Cup final against England. Yadav's acrobatic effort, where he ran backwards and dived to his left, was hailed as one of the greatest catches in cricket history.The young Pakistani cricketer's catch has drawn comparisons to Yadav's brilliance, highlighting the growing talent and passion for cricket in Pakistan. The video has garnered widespread attention, with many praising the young player's exceptional fielding abilities.Earlier, a young boy's imitation of Bumrah's bowling action had impressed Pakistan legend Wasim Akram. Akram took to social media to express his delight, marveling at the youngster's control and perfect replication of Bumrah's renowned style.Bumrah played a pivotal role in India's victorious T20 World Cup campaign, earning the coveted 'Player of the Tournament' award for his exceptional bowling. His unique bowling action, characterized by a high-arm release and a slinging motion, has become a trademark of his bowling style.The emergence of these young cricketers in Pakistan is a testament to the country's rich cricketing tradition and the passion for the sport among its youth. As these young players continue to hone their skills, they have the potential to become future stars of the game and inspire generations to come.

With the T20 World Cup 2024 triumph, India has ended its 11-year ICC title drought. The team's next targets are the 2025 Champions Trophy and the World Test Championship final. To prepare for these tournaments, the BCCI has mandated that players with national team aspirations participate in domestic competitions.BCCI secretary Jay Shah has emphasized that even star cricketers must make themselves available for domestic engagements when not on national duty. However, exceptions will be made for Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and Jasprit Bumrah. The BCCI encourages other Test specialists to play in the Duleep Trophy in August as a precursor to the Tests against Bangladesh and New Zealand.The Duleep Trophy will be selected by the national selection committee, and all Test team contenders will be included. Rohit, Kohli, and Bumrah have the option to participate if they wish. These Test series will be the first two under Gautam Gambhir's coaching.Former South African pacer Dale Steyn has praised Gambhir's appointment as Team India's head coach. He believes Gambhir's aggression will positively impact the dressing room and inspire senior players.

The No-Ball That Changed Everything: A Chaotic End to the 2022 Vitality Blast FinalThe 2022 Vitality Blast final between Lancashire Lightning and Hampshire Hawks at Edgbaston in Birmingham on July 16 will forever be etched in the annals of cricket history for its chaotic and unforgettable ending.Chasing 153, Lancashire needed five runs off one ball. Nathan Ellis clean bowled Richard Gleeson with a yorker, sparking wild celebrations among the Hampshire players and the crowd. However, moments later, the umpire's raised hand signaled a no-ball, sending shockwaves through the stadium.The replays confirmed that Ellis had overstepped the bowling crease, giving Lancashire a lifeline. With the score now 152/9, Lancashire needed three runs off a free-hit.Gleeson swung big at Ellis's slower delivery but missed, running for byes. He managed to complete only one run before the Hampshire keeper charged in to break the stumps. The keeper then charged to the other end to break the stumps there as well, completing a dramatic run-out.Hampshire had won by one run, and the fireworks went off once again, this time in celebration of their victory.The no-ball that changed everything was a cruel twist of fate for Lancashire, who had been on the cusp of victory. It was a moment of elation turned to despair, and a reminder that in cricket, anything can happen.The match also highlighted the importance of accuracy in bowling, as even a slight overstep can have major consequences. It was a lesson that Hampshire learned the hard way, but one that they will never forget.

Ravindra Jadeja's departure from T20I cricket has left a significant void in the Indian team, opening up a crucial spin-bowling allrounder position. Several contenders are vying for the spot, including Axar Patel, Washington Sundar, and Abhishek Sharma.Axar Patel remains the frontrunner after his impressive performances in high-pressure situations during the T20 World Cup. However, Washington Sundar has strengthened his claim with a standout performance in the recent Zimbabwe series, where he emerged as the joint-highest wicket-taker.Abhishek Sharma, a rising star, has also made a strong case for himself. While not a direct replacement for Sundar, Sharma's ability to bat at the top of the order and bowl left-arm spin makes him a versatile option.Sunrisers Hyderabad coach J Hariesh highlights the differences between Sundar and Sharma. Sundar is known for his consistency, while Sharma possesses a wider range of variations. However, Sharma's consistency is still a work in progress.Hariesh believes that Sharma and Sundar could potentially compete for the same spot in the Indian team. Sharma's destructive batting and ability to handle both spinners and new-ball bowlers make him a valuable asset.With the T20 World Cup in 2024 approaching, the competition for the spin-bowling allrounder role is expected to intensify. Sundar, Sharma, and Patel will need to maintain their form and prove their worth to secure a place in the Indian squad.