Cricket

India's T20 World Cup triumph has been a testament to the unwavering support of the nation's fans, according to star spinner Kuldeep Yadav. In a heartfelt message to his countrymen, Kuldeep hailed the fans as the team's "biggest strength," acknowledging their role in propelling Rohit Sharma's men to victory in the Caribbean.India's 17-year wait for a second T20 World Cup trophy ended on June 29, as they defeated South Africa by seven runs at the Kensington Oval in Bridgetown, Barbados. The victory parade in Mumbai last week drew lakhs of fans onto the streets, a testament to the outpouring of love and support for the team.Kuldeep, who played a crucial role in India's unbeaten run to the title, expressed his gratitude to the fans for their unwavering belief. "Together, we accomplished a dream that we were chasing for long," he wrote on social media. "I would like to thank my teammates, the support staff, media and of course our biggest strength, the fans who kept supporting us throughout the tournament."Despite not featuring in the group-stage matches held in the US, Kuldeep became a regular in the playing eleven once the team qualified for the 'Super 8s'. His left-arm spin proved effective on the slow tracks in the Caribbean, as he replaced paceman Mohammed Siraj in the lineup.Kuldeep's five matches in India's eight-match unbeaten run yielded 10 wickets, with a best of 3 for 19 at an economy rate of 6.95. His contributions were instrumental in India's success, and he expressed his hope that the team had brought joy to the nation."I hope we have entertained you all and given you moments of joy that you, your family and friends will cherish with us for a lifetime," Kuldeep wrote. "The cup is home guys, we all did it."

Former cricket legends Harbhajan Singh and Kamran Akmal recently engaged in a candid conversation during the World Championship of Legends match in England. The encounter sparked speculation that the topic of Akmal's controversial "Sikh joke" about Indian cricketer Arshdeep Singh was discussed.Akmal has since confirmed that the joke was indeed a topic of conversation. However, he revealed that another issue was also raised: Harbhajan's mocking laughter during a comparison between Pakistan's Babar Azam and West Indies legend Brian Lara.Akmal expressed his disapproval of Harbhajan's behavior, emphasizing that it was inappropriate to mock another cricketer. Harbhajan acknowledged his mistake and apologized for his actions.Akmal's initial "Sikh joke" had drawn sharp criticism from Harbhajan, who took to social media to condemn the racist remark. Akmal later issued an apology, acknowledging his error.During their conversation, Akmal also highlighted the importance of respecting all religions and avoiding negative comments about others' beliefs. He emphasized that he had no intention of offending anyone and that his joke was a mistake.The encounter between Harbhajan and Akmal serves as a reminder of the importance of sportsmanship and respect in the cricketing world. It also underscores the need for sensitivity and understanding when discussing issues related to religion and culture.

India's young opener Abhishek Sharma has emerged as a rising star in the cricketing world, showcasing his immense talent and determination. After making his international debut in the T20I series against Zimbabwe, Sharma has quickly established himself as a force to be reckoned with.Despite a disappointing start with a duck in his first T20I, Sharma bounced back with a remarkable maiden century in the second game, guiding India to a resounding 100-run victory. His blistering 47-ball 100 was a testament to his exceptional batting skills and ability to handle pressure.Sharma's success is not solely attributed to his natural talent but also to the unwavering support and guidance of his mentor, Yuvraj Singh. The legendary all-rounder has played a pivotal role in shaping Sharma's career, both on and off the field."He's been very happy and proud just like my family," Sharma said of Yuvraj's reaction to his century. "It's all because of him as well, the hard work he has put in (shaping) me."Sharma's impressive performance in Zimbabwe has not only earned him praise from his mentor but also from the Indian cricket fraternity. Captain KL Rahul hailed Sharma's "special knock" and praised his ability to "take the game away from the opposition."The young opener's success is a testament to his hard work, dedication, and the support of his mentors. As he continues to develop his skills and gain experience, Abhishek Sharma is poised to become a key player for India in the years to come.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has announced a staggering Rs 125 crore prize money for the victorious Indian T20 World Cup squad led by Rohit Sharma and coached by Rahul Dravid. This generous reward reflects the team's remarkable achievement of winning the tournament without losing a single match.Each of the 15 players in the squad, including Yashasvi Jaiswal, Yuzvendra Chahal, and Sanju Samson who did not play a single game, will receive a substantial Rs 5 crore. Head coach Rahul Dravid, whose tenure with Team India concluded with the T20 World Cup, will also receive Rs 5 crore.The coaching staff, comprising batting coach Vikram Rathour, fielding coach T Dilip, and bowling coach Paras Mhambrey, will each receive Rs 2.5 crore. The backroom staff, including physiotherapists, throwdown specialists, masseurs, and strength and conditioning coach Soham Desai, will each receive Rs 2 crore.Reserve players Rinku Singh, Shubman Gill, Avesh Khan, and Khaleel Ahmed, as well as the five members of the BCCI's Senior Selection Committee headed by chairman Ajit Agarkar, will reportedly receive Rs 1 crore each.The prize money distribution is as follows:* Rs 5 crore each: 15 players and head coach Rahul Dravid (16x5)* Rs 2.5 crore each: Batting, fielding, and bowling coaches (3x2.5)* Rs 2 crore each: Physiotherapists, throwdown specialists, masseurs, strength and conditioning coach (9x2)* Rs 1 crore each: Selectors and reserve players (9x1)The BCCI also announced that a share of the prize money will be awarded to the video analyst and BCCI staff members who were present at the World Cup.India's triumph in the T20 World Cup 2024 was a historic moment for the nation. The team's dominant performance throughout the tournament, culminating in a thrilling seven-run victory over South Africa in the final, showcased their exceptional skill and determination.

Hardik Pandya's redemption arc reached its peak at the T20 World Cup, where he played a pivotal role in India's triumph. Despite facing relentless criticism and trolling for his poor form and leadership of the Mumbai Indians, Pandya silenced his detractors with a match-winning performance in the final.Prior to the tournament, Pandya's inclusion in the Indian team was questioned by some fans. However, he proved his worth with consistent performances throughout the tournament, culminating in a brilliant all-round display in the final. His 33 runs and 3 wickets helped India secure a thrilling victory over Pakistan.The turnaround in Pandya's fortunes has been remarkable. Just months earlier, he was the target of intense scrutiny and abuse. But his resilience and determination have paid off, earning him the admiration of fans and critics alike.India wicketkeeper Ishan Kishan, who has witnessed Pandya's journey firsthand, revealed the vice-captain's unwavering belief in his abilities. "He told me, 'Once I start performing, those who are abusing me will be clapping for me,'" Kishan said.Pandya's composure and focus during the difficult times impressed Kishan. "He never lost his cool," Kishan said. "He took it in a very sporting manner and just focused on the game."Pandya's message of resilience and perseverance resonated with Kishan, who has also faced his share of criticism. "He said, 'Let people talk, we will do our best and give 100 percent to the game we love,'" Kishan said.Pandya's redemption story is a testament to the power of perseverance and the importance of staying true to oneself. Despite the adversity he faced, he never lost sight of his goals and ultimately emerged as a hero for his country.

Persistent rain washed out the second women's T20 International between India and South Africa in Chennai on July 8, leaving the visitors with a 1-0 lead in the three-match series. India must now win the third and final T20I on Tuesday (July 9) to avoid a rare home series defeat.The match began 15 minutes late due to rain, which continued to interrupt play throughout South Africa's innings. However, the heavens opened during the innings break, forcing both teams to remain in their dressing rooms.As the overs began to dwindle, the nagging drizzle made it impossible to meet the cut-off time for a five-over-a-side contest, prompting the umpires to abandon the match.Earlier, Tazmin Brits played a measured half-century as South Africa overcame some mid-innings jitters to post a challenging 177 for six after being asked to bat first. Brits (52 off 39 balls) received solid support from Anneke Bosch (40 off 32 balls), helping the Proteas reach their second-highest T20I total against India.Openers Laura Wolvaardt (22 off 12 balls) and Brits put on a 42-run opening stand before pacer Pooja Vastrakar dismissed Wolvaardt in the fifth over. Brits continued her brisk scoring alongside Marizanne Kapp (20 off 14 balls), as they accumulated 66 runs during the powerplay.Brits reached her 11th T20I half-century, but her partnership with Bosch ended at 38 when Deepti Sharma dismissed her in the 14th over, with the score reading 113 for three.The Indian bowlers, particularly the spinners, kept the South Africans in check, forcing them to use sweep shots frequently. Vastrakar bowled the final over and dismissed Nadine de Klerk (14 off 9 balls), but Jemimah Rodrigues dropped Annerie Dercksen (12 not out), who punished the Indians with three fours in a row off the last three balls of the innings.Vastrakar and Deepti claimed two wickets each for the hosts.

Surrey's resilience shone through in a thrilling Vitality Blast encounter at the Kia Oval, where they edged out Kent Spitfires by a narrow five-run margin under the Duckworth/Lewis method.Despite a delayed start due to rain, Surrey managed to post a competitive 103 for 5 in their allotted 10 overs. Laurie Evans led the charge with a brisk 25, while Dom Sibley and Reece Jordan contributed valuable sixes.Kent's chase got off to a shaky start as Daniel Bell-Drummond departed early. However, Feroze Khushi (35) and Sam Billings (14*) kept their hopes alive with some late hitting.The match reached a pivotal point in the penultimate over when Khushi was dismissed by Cameron Steel. Kent needed 17 runs from the final over, but Surrey's captain Chris Jordan held his nerve and restricted them to 81 for 3.Surrey's innings also featured a dramatic twist in the final over. Grant Stewart's no-ball full toss allowed Ben Geddes to smash a six, adding 19 runs to their total.Key moments in the match included Cameron Steel's economical fourth over, which stifled Kent's momentum, and Jordan's accurate bowling under pressure in the final over.Surrey's victory consolidates their position at the top of the South Group standings, while Kent's seventh loss in ten games leaves them struggling to qualify for the quarter-finals.

In a thrilling encounter at the Salem Cricket Foundation ground, Nellai Royal Kings emerged victorious over Chepauk Super Gillies in the eighth edition of the Tamil Nadu Premier League (TNPL). With just three wickets and a ball to spare, Nellai Royal Kings chased down a challenging target of 167, thanks to a valiant effort from left-hander Nidhish Rajagopal.Rajagopal's unbeaten 53 off 35 deliveries proved to be the match-winner. His innings included three fours and three sixes, with the final over proving to be a nail-biting affair. Aswin Crist, the Chepauk Super Gillies medium-pacer, bowled a series of slower balls, but Rajagopal dispatched them with ease, hitting a straight four, two sixes, and a four to seal the victory.Nellai Royal Kings' chase was set up by opener Mokit Hariharan's 52 off 38 balls, which included five fours and a six. G. Ajitesh also contributed with a quickfire 30 off 14 deliveries, including four fours and a six.Earlier, Chepauk Super Gillies had posted a competitive 166 for six, thanks to opener N. Jagadeesan's unbeaten 63 off 46 balls. Jagadeesan, known for his aggressive batting, played a more measured innings, hitting three fours and three sixes.In the second match of the day, Lyca Kovai Kings defeated iDream Tiruppur Tamizhans by a narrow margin of one run. M. Shahrukh Khan was the star for Kovai Kings, scoring a blistering 55 off 32 balls, including four fours and four sixes.Tushar Raheja's adhesive knock of 81 off 57 balls held Tiruppur Tamizhans' innings together, but his dismissal in the penultimate over proved costly. With six runs needed off four balls, Raheja holed out to long off, leaving Ajith Ram to face the final delivery. Ram edged the ball to third man for a four, but missed the last ball and set off for a single, only to be run out by the keeper.

Northern Diamonds emerged victorious in a thrilling Rachel Heyhoe Flint Trophy match against Western Storm, securing a six-wicket triumph via the Duckworth/Lewis/Stern method.Chasing a revised target of 199 in a rain-affected encounter, Diamonds skipper Hollie Armitage led the charge with an unbeaten century. Her 101-run knock, studded with nine fours and a six, proved pivotal in guiding her team to victory.Armitage received crucial support from Sterre Kalis (34) and Erin Burns (21*), who contributed valuable runs in the middle order. The Diamonds' chase was aided by two dropped catches, with Armitage being reprieved on 23 and 53.Earlier, Western Storm had posted a competitive 200-5 after losing the toss. Fran Wilson anchored the innings with a well-crafted 61, while Emma Corney (40) and Nat Wraith (34) made significant contributions. Amanda-Jade Wellington provided a late flourish with a quickfire 27.Abi Glen was the standout bowler for Diamonds, claiming 2 for 24 in her six-over spell.The match was characterized by rain interruptions, which forced a reduction in overs and set the tone for a tense and unpredictable contest.Armitage's captain's knock and the Diamonds' resilience in the face of adversity proved decisive in securing the victory. The result sees them close the gap on leaders Southern Vipers in the standings.