Cricket

James Anderson, a modern-day cricketing legend, is set to bid farewell to international cricket with his 188th and final Test match at Lord's. This momentous occasion sparks a reflection on the cultural divide between England and India in their approach to player departures.In England, there is a growing sentiment that Anderson should continue playing until he decides it's time to retire. This view stems from a belief that it's unfair to ask a long-serving player to pack up and leave. However, there is also an understanding that the team's future must be considered.In contrast, India has a tradition of allowing its favorites to choose their departure date. Greats have been carried by the team to achieve milestones or play on their home ground. This approach reflects the deep emotional connection Indian fans have with their heroes.This cultural divide highlights the different ways in which selfishness is viewed in sport. In individual sports, selfishness is often seen as a necessary element of greatness. However, in team sports, it can be a double-edged sword.Research has shown that being self-centered, ruthless, and manipulative can help elite athletes achieve glory. These traits, which may be considered negative in social settings, are important for sporting performance.Anderson's farewell raises questions about the balance between individual and team interests. While his past achievements are undeniable, the team's future must be prioritized. It's a difficult decision, but one that must be made for the long-term health of English cricket.

India's women's cricket team displayed an exceptional performance in the third T20I against South Africa, securing a comprehensive 10-wicket victory. Opting to bowl first, India's bowlers, led by Pooja Vastrakar and Radha Yadav, put on a dominant display, restricting South Africa to a mere 84 runs in 17.1 overs.Pooja Vastrakar was the star of the show, claiming four wickets for just 13 runs, while Radha Yadav chipped in with three wickets for six runs. Arundhati Reddy, Shreyanka Patil, and Deepti Sharma also contributed with a wicket each.South Africa's batting lineup struggled to cope with India's disciplined bowling attack. Tazmim Brits top-scored for the visitors with a 23-ball 20, while Anneke Bosch and Marizanne Kapp made 17 and 10, respectively.In response, India's openers, Shafali Varma and Smriti Mandhana, made light work of the target, scoring 88 runs without losing a wicket in just 10.5 overs. Shafali Varma contributed 27 runs, while Smriti Mandhana remained unbeaten on 54, guiding India to a comfortable victory.The win leveled the three-match series 1-1, with the final T20I scheduled to be played on Thursday. India will be looking to secure the series victory, while South Africa will be determined to bounce back and force a decider.

Gautam Gambhir, the former Indian opener and two-time IPL-winning captain, has been appointed as India's next head coach, succeeding Rahul Dravid. The announcement was made by BCCI secretary Jay Shah via X (formerly Twitter).Gambhir's appointment comes after a thorough selection process by the BCCI, which had advertised for candidates and set a deadline for applications as May 27. The board had held discussions with Gambhir during IPL 2024, where he was Kolkata Knight Riders' mentor during their run to the title.Gambhir's coaching experience is limited to his roles as mentor at Lucknow Super Giants (2022-2023) and Kolkata Knight Riders (2023-2024). However, his impressive playing career, which included crucial roles in India's 2007 T20 World Cup and 2011 ODI World Cup triumphs, makes him a strong candidate for the role.During his playing days, Gambhir was known for his aggressive batting style and leadership qualities. He captained KKR to two IPL titles in 2012 and 2014. His appointment as head coach is expected to bring a fresh perspective and a winning mentality to the Indian team.Gambhir's appointment also marks a departure from the recent trend of appointing former players with extensive coaching experience. However, his passion for the game and his desire to coach India at the highest level were key factors in his selection.The 42-year-old Gambhir will take over from Dravid, who stepped down after the T20 World Cup 2024. Dravid had initially taken over from Ravi Shastri after the T20 World Cup in November 2021 for two years until the 2023 ODI World Cup. He then agreed to the BCCI's request to extend his tenure until the end of the T20 World Cup 2024.Under Dravid's leadership, India lifted their first ICC trophy since 2013, winning the Asia Cup in 2022. He also guided the team to the semi-finals of the T20 World Cup 2022 and the final of the inaugural World Test Championship.

India and South Africa faced off in the second T20I in Chennai, with the hosts opting to bowl first after winning the toss. The decision was in line with South Africa's preference, as captain Laura Wolvaardt also expressed her desire to bat first.Both teams fielded unchanged lineups from the previous match, which was washed out due to rain. South Africa had posted a formidable 177/6 in that game, thanks to half-centuries from Tazmin Brits and Anneke Bosch.India, on the other hand, continued to miss the services of wicketkeeper-batter Richa Ghosh, who was ruled out due to a concussion. Assam's Uma Chetry once again took her place behind the stumps.For South Africa, this match marked their final outing before the T20 World Cup in Bangladesh. A victory would provide them with a much-needed boost after a disappointing tour that included losses in the ODI series and the one-off Test.India, meanwhile, will travel to Sri Lanka next week to participate in the Asia Cup.

Former Indian Cricket Stars Shine in World Champions of Legends TournamentSeveral legendary Indian cricketers, including Suresh Raina, Yuvraj Singh, and Harbhajan Singh, are showcasing their skills in the World Champions of Legends tournament in Birmingham. However, the absence of former India captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni has raised questions among fans.Dhoni's exclusion from the India Champions team stems from regulations imposed by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). These regulations prohibit active Indian IPL players from participating in other leagues, even though Dhoni retired from international cricket in 2020.Despite his retirement from international cricket, Dhoni remains an active player in the Indian Premier League (IPL). He recently stepped down as captain of the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) but played a crucial role in the team's success in 2024, scoring 161 runs from 14 games with an impressive strike rate of 220.The BCCI's policy explains why Dhoni cannot join his former teammates in the World Champions of Legends tournament. While fans may miss seeing Dhoni reunite with Raina, Yuvraj, and Harbhajan on the field, his performance in the IPL keeps him in the spotlight.As a finisher for CSK, Dhoni continues to captivate audiences with his ability to guide the team to victory in tense situations. His enduring influence in Indian cricket is evident in his ongoing contributions to the IPL.While Dhoni's absence in Birmingham is noticeable, his dedication to the IPL remains steadfast, highlighting his continued commitment to the game.

In the upcoming third T20 International against Zimbabwe in Harare, India faces a dilemma in selecting their opening batsman. Abhishek Sharma, with his aggressive style, and Yashasvi Jaiswal, known for his flamboyant batting, are both vying for the spot.With the return of Jaiswal, Sanju Samson, and Shivam Dube from the World Cup-winning squad, India's lineup will be strengthened. Jaiswal, with his impressive strike rate of 161 plus in 17 T20I matches, has a strong claim to open alongside skipper Shubman Gill.However, Sharma's century in his second game has also made a strong case for his inclusion. Captain Gill is unlikely to drop Jaiswal, his close friend, but it's possible that one of the left-handers will bat first.Samson, who bats third for Rajasthan Royals, may move to number five, while Ruturaj Gaikwad is likely to bat at number four. Jaiswal is expected to replace B Sai Sudharsan, while Samson will take over from Dhruv Jurel behind the stumps. Dube is likely to replace Riyan Parag, adding depth to India's batting lineup.Zimbabwe's batting has been inconsistent, with scores of 115 and 134 in the first two matches. Spinners Ravi Bishnoi and Washington Sundar have been particularly effective on the Harare Sports Club pitch.India learned a valuable lesson from their 13-run loss in the first game and performed admirably in the second game. Captain Gill will be looking for a strong result, and the absence of express pace bowlers in the Zimbabwean squad could be a concern for the home team.

The Indian cricket team is currently without a permanent head coach following the conclusion of Rahul Dravid's tenure after the T20 World Cup 2024. A second-string Indian team is currently touring Zimbabwe for a five-match T20I series under the temporary guidance of VVS Laxman, the head of the National Cricket Academy (NCA).The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has already interviewed two candidates for the head coach position: Gautam Gambhir and WV Raman. Gambhir is widely expected to be appointed to the role, but the official announcement has been delayed due to ongoing salary negotiations between him and the board.BCCI secretary Jay Shah has confirmed that the new coach will take charge from the upcoming Sri Lanka series onwards. The Indian team is scheduled to tour Sri Lanka for three T20Is and as many ODIs starting July 27.Alongside Dravid, the coaching stints of his staff, including batting coach Vikram Rathour, bowling coach Paras Mhambrey, and fielding coach T Dilip, have also ended. Once Gambhir's appointment is official, the board will begin the process of hiring other coaches.It is reported that the BCCI plans to give Gambhir complete freedom in selecting his support staff. A batting coach may not even be hired, as Gambhir himself was a top-level opening batter during his playing days.Shah stated, "Both coach and selector appointments will be made shortly. CAC has interviewed and shortlisted two names and after reaching Mumbai whatever they have decided we will go by that. VVS Laxman is going to Zimbabwe but new coach will join from Sri Lanka series."The Indian team's performance under Dravid has been mixed. They won the Asia Cup in 2022 but failed to reach the semi-finals of the T20 World Cup. Gambhir, if appointed, will be tasked with improving the team's consistency and preparing them for the upcoming ODI World Cup in 2023.

India's triumph at the T20 World Cup 2024 has etched itself into the annals of cricket history as a moment of unparalleled glory. Led by the indomitable Rohit Sharma, Team India remained undefeated throughout the tournament, culminating in a thrilling seven-run victory over South Africa in the grand finale. This victory not only ended India's 11-year ICC trophy drought but also marked a remarkable resurgence for the team.Despite a challenging tournament for star batter Virat Kohli, he rose to the occasion in the final, smashing a match-winning 76 runs and earning the Player of the Match award. Kohli's Instagram post celebrating the victory, featuring him posing with the trophy and his jubilant teammates, has become a viral sensation, garnering over 21 million likes. This post has not only become India's most liked picture on Instagram but also the most liked post in Asia, surpassing the records set by Bollywood stars and Korean pop sensations.Kohli's post has also made him the first Asian to receive over 21 million likes on an Instagram post. In a candid interaction with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Kohli revealed that he had entered the final with zero confidence. However, the unwavering support and motivation from head coach Rahul Dravid and captain Rohit Sharma helped him overcome his doubts.Kohli emphasized the importance of humility and respect for the game, acknowledging that his arrogance had hindered his performance in the past. He expressed his gratitude for being able to contribute to the team's success in such a crucial match.India's victory at the T20 World Cup 2024 is a testament to the team's resilience, determination, and unwavering spirit. It has reignited the passion for cricket in India and inspired a new generation of players.

Indian cricket star Suryakumar Yadav, fondly known as SKY, has taken to social media to celebrate the eighth anniversary of his marriage to Devisha Shetty. In a heartwarming post, SKY revealed that the "most important catch" of his life was not the one he took to dismiss David Miller in the 2024 T20 World Cup final, but rather marrying his wife."Yesterday marked 8 days since THAT catch but my most important catch was actually 8 years ago!" captioned SKY on Instagram. "8 years ago, infinite years to go," he added.The post, which featured pictures of the couple cutting a giant cake, garnered over 700,000 likes in just six hours. Fans flooded the comments section with well wishes and admiration for the couple.SKY and Devisha first met in 2010 and tied the knot on July 7, 2016. Their marriage has been a source of inspiration for many, and SKY's recent post is a testament to the love and bond they share.SKY's role in India's T20 World Cup 2024 win cannot be overstated. As the world's no. 1 batter for nearly two years, he was a key player in India's triumph in the Caribbean and USA.After scoring two half-centuries earlier in the tournament, SKY produced the catch of a lifetime in the final. With South Africa needing 16 off the final over, SKY took an astonishing catch at long-off to dismiss the dangerous David Miller. SKY first had to keep the ball in play, and then came back from outside the boundary rope to claim a stunning catch.SKY's catch, along with a magnificent death bowling effort by Jasprit Bumrah, Arshdeep Singh, and Hardik Pandya, led to India winning the final by seven runs, thereby clinching a second T20 World Cup title.SKY is currently rested for India's five-match T20I series in Zimbabwe. However, his impact on the team remains undeniable, and he will undoubtedly be a key player for India in the upcoming ICC events.