Cricket

Rahul Dravid, the legendary Indian cricketer, recently bid farewell to his role as head coach of Team India. During his tenure, Dravid emphasized the importance of continuity and stability within the team, while also striving to be a supportive figure for captain Rohit Sharma.Dravid's coaching stint culminated in India's triumph at the T20 World Cup in Barbados, where they defeated South Africa to lift the trophy for the second time since 2007. Reflecting on his time as coach, Dravid expressed his belief in the value of continuity, stating that excessive chopping and changing can create instability and hinder team development."I'm someone who actually likes continuity and don't like to chop and change too many things because I believe that creates a lot of instability and doesn't create very good environment," Dravid said.Dravid also highlighted the importance of fostering a positive and supportive environment within the team, where players feel comfortable taking risks and expressing themselves. He emphasized the need to create a safe and secure atmosphere that encourages growth and development."I feel that I am a part of the team whose responsibility is to create the right professional, safe, secure environment that doesn't really have a fear of failure as such but is challenging enough to push people. That has always been my endeavour," Dravid said.During his tenure, Dravid faced the challenge of managing a large number of captains due to the COVID-19 pandemic and injuries. He worked with five or six different captains in the first eight to ten months of his coaching stint, which he described as an unexpected but organic development.Under Dravid's guidance, India achieved notable successes, including a Test series victory over England at home and reaching the final of the 2023 ODI World Cup. The pandemic, while posing challenges, also provided opportunities for young players to gain experience in the international arena."The other thing that happened, which was very nice to see is, because we played so much of cricket after Covid and we had to cram in a lot of series, it meant that we had to almost, at times, have two teams playing at the same time in different parts of the world," Dravid said.Dravid's relationship with Indian stalwarts like Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli dates back to his playing days. He expressed his admiration for Sharma's growth as a leader and his contributions to the team. He also praised Kohli's professionalism and unwavering desire to improve."I've really enjoyed working with Rohit, someone I knew as a young boy. Just to see him grow as a person and grow as a leader in Indian cricket, what someone like him has been able to contribute to the team over the last 10-12 years, both as a player and now as a leader, has been a real tribute to him and the effort that he's put in," Dravid said.Dravid emphasized the importance of focusing on the process rather than solely on results. He believed that by creating a positive and supportive environment, and by focusing on the fundamentals of the game, the team would ultimately achieve success."For me that's (results), of course it's important. I keep saying and people think, 'Oh, I think result are not important'. Of course, results are important," Dravid said."I'm in the business to produce results. But it's always like, as a coach, to think about what is it that I can control to help the results and at the end of the day our responsibility should be to try and help the captain deliver his vision and his philosophy of how he wants the team to play."Dravid's departure from the coaching role marks the end of an era for Indian cricket. His legacy will be defined by his emphasis on continuity, stability, and the development of a positive and supportive team environment.

Suryakumar Yadav's sensational catch in the 2024 T20 World Cup final against South Africa has been the subject of much debate and controversy. A fresh video angle has now emerged, providing a clearer perspective on the incident.In the final over of the match, with South Africa needing 16 runs to win, David Miller hit a wide full toss from Hardik Pandya towards long-off. Suryakumar, positioned at the boundary line, initially caught the ball inside the ropes but realized he had overstepped as he went over the boundary. He then quickly came back in to complete the catch.Initial video angles of the catch sparked claims that it was not a fair catch. However, the new video shows that Suryakumar clearly caught the ball inside the boundary line before stepping over. The video also confirms that the boundary cushion was not deliberately pushed outside during the second innings to give India an unfair advantage.The catch has drawn comparisons to the iconic catch taken by Kapil Dev in the 1983 World Cup final against the West Indies. Dev ran sideways from mid-on to take a blinder off a top-edged shot from Viv Richards.Suryakumar expressed his gratitude for being able to make such a crucial play for his country. "I am just grateful to be in that moment to do something special for the country...god's plan it was," he said.The fresh video angle has put to rest any lingering doubts about the legitimacy of Suryakumar's catch. It was a remarkable display of athleticism and skill that helped India secure a memorable victory in the T20 World Cup final.

India's triumph in the T20 World Cup in Barbados last Saturday marked a significant milestone in the nation's cricketing history. It was a testament to the team's unwavering spirit, exceptional talent, and the country's enduring love for the sport.The victory ended a long drought that began after India's Champions Trophy triumph in England in 2013. Rohit Sharma's men remained unbeaten throughout the championship, showcasing their dominance and resilience.India's journey in limited-overs cricket has been a fascinating one. Initially hesitant to embrace new formats, the country gradually embraced ODIs and T20s with the same fervor that characterized its love for Test cricket.In the early days of ODIs, India struggled to find its footing. However, Kapil Dev's iconic 175-run knock against Zimbabwe in the 1983 World Cup transformed the nation's perception of the format. It instilled a belief that no match was lost until the last ball was bowled.This belief was further amplified by the likes of Sachin Tendulkar, Anil Kumble, M.S. Dhoni, Zaheer Khan, Yuvraj Singh, Virat Kohli, and Rohit Sharma. India became a formidable force in ODIs, winning the World Cup in 1983 and 2011.As T20 cricket gained popularity, India initially resisted the format. However, Dhoni's leadership and the success of the Indian Premier League (IPL) changed the country's attitude. India won the inaugural T20 World Cup in 2007, and the format quickly became a fan favorite.Today, India boasts a wealth of talent in both ODIs and T20s. The team has the depth to field multiple units, allowing it to compete effectively in both formats. This strength was evident in the recent T20 World Cup, where India sent a separate team to Zimbabwe while the main squad competed in Barbados.The IPL has played a pivotal role in India's success in limited-overs cricket. It has provided a platform for young players to showcase their skills and has helped to develop a fearless and aggressive approach to batting.India's triumph in the T20 World Cup is a testament to the country's enduring love for cricket. It is a victory that will inspire future generations of players and fans alike.

Lyca Kovai Kings emerged victorious in the inaugural match of the eighth season of the Tamil Nadu Premier League (TNPL), defeating Chepauk Super Gillies by 13 runs at the Salem Cricket Foundation (SCF) ground.B. Sachin, the Kovai Kings' top-scorer, played a crucial role in their victory, amassing 63 runs off 53 deliveries, including eight boundaries. His innings helped the Kings post a competitive total of 141 for seven wickets in their allotted 20 overs.Chasing a target of 142, the Super Gillies made a promising start, with skipper B. Aparajith and N. Jagadeesan putting on a 56-run partnership for the second wicket. However, the introduction of medium-pacer M. Mohammed proved to be a turning point. Mohammed dismissed Jagadeesan and Aparajith in quick succession, leaving the Super Gillies reeling at 72 for three.Despite a valiant effort from Pradosh Ranjan Paul, who scored 40 runs off 32 deliveries, the Super Gillies were unable to maintain the required run rate. Mohammed's impressive bowling in the final over, where he successfully defended 18 runs, sealed the victory for the Kovai Kings.Earlier, after Aparajith opted to bowl first, medium-pacer Abhishek Tanwar made an immediate impact for the Super Gillies, dismissing J. Suresh Kumar and S. Sujay in his first two overs. Pradosh's throw from midwicket caught Shahrukh Khan short at the non-striker's end, leaving the Kovai Kings struggling at 34 for three after the PowerPlay.However, Sachin and U. Mukilesh (31 runs off 25 deliveries) steadied the Kovai Kings' innings with a 64-run partnership for the fourth wicket. Sachin's aggressive batting, including a six over deep midwicket, kept the scoreboard ticking.In the end, the Kovai Kings' total proved to be just enough to secure the victory, as the Super Gillies fell short by 13 runs.

As the Indian Premier League (IPL) season draws to a close, former Zimbabwe captain and renowned wicketkeeper-batter Andy Flower eagerly anticipates the upcoming T20I series between India and Zimbabwe, commencing in Harare on Saturday. Flower, who currently serves as an IPL coach, expressed his keen interest in observing the performance of the young Indian team against Zimbabwe."This second-tier Indian team — and I am not disparaging — is the next best bunch of Indian cricketers," Flower remarked in an interview with The Hindu. "It is going to be fascinating to watch. Because I am an IPL coach at the moment, it is very interesting for me to get up close and personal, watching them play and getting to know some of them."Flower's comments highlight the depth of talent within the Indian cricket system, with the second-tier team representing a formidable force in its own right. The series against Zimbabwe provides an opportunity for these young players to showcase their skills and stake their claim for a place in the senior national team.Flower also praised the Indian team that triumphed in the recent T20 World Cup, particularly the performances of Jasprit Bumrah and Kuldeep Yadav. "I thought the big difference would be Jasprit Bumrah and Kuldeep Yadav," he said. "I was surprised the spinners didn't do better in that match, but Bumrah was outstanding again. He is a different gravy, isn't he? He is a class apart from all the other seamers in world cricket, in the white-ball game."Bumrah's exceptional pace and accuracy have made him one of the most feared bowlers in the world, while Yadav's variations and ability to deceive batsmen have proven invaluable to the Indian team.Flower also commented on the departure of Rahul Dravid as the Indian coach, expressing his admiration for Dravid's contributions to Indian cricket. "He has been on the road for a while as coach and he also worked at the NCA for a number of years and that would have benefited Indian cricket hugely," Flower said. "And he has done an outstanding job with the Indian team. In everything that he has taken on, he has always handled himself with grace, dignity, and integrity."Dravid's tenure as coach was marked by a renewed focus on discipline and professionalism, as well as a commitment to developing young players. His departure leaves a significant void in Indian cricket, but his legacy will undoubtedly continue to inspire future generations of players.

South Africa's women's cricket team kicked off their tour of India with a resounding 12-run victory in the opening T20I in Chennai on Friday. The Proteas posted a formidable total of 189 for four, thanks to half-centuries from Tazmin Brits and Marizanne Kapp. India's bowlers struggled to contain the South African batters, while their fielding was also below par.Brits and skipper Laura Wolvaardt provided a solid foundation for South Africa's innings, putting on a 50-run partnership in 43 balls. Brits was particularly impressive, scoring 81 off 56 balls with 10 fours and three sixes. Kapp also played a significant role, contributing 57 off 33 balls.India's poor fielding allowed South Africa to post their highest total in T20Is against India. Wolvaardt, Kapp, and Brits were all dropped at various stages of the innings. The lack of bounce on the pitch also allowed the South African batters to utilize sweep shots effectively.In response, India's openers Shafali Verma and Smriti Mandhana got off to a strong start, putting on a 56-run stand in just 32 balls. However, Verma fell to Ayabonga Khaka in the sixth over, and Mandhana was dismissed by Chloe Tryon in the 10th over.Dayalan Hemalatha and skipper Harmanpreet Kaur then put on a 31-run partnership, but Hemalatha was dismissed by Nadine de Klerk in the following over. Kaur and Jemimah Rodrigues then took the attacking route, putting up a 50-run stand in 38 deliveries.Rodrigues brought up her 11th T20I half-century in just 29 deliveries, but India needed 21 runs off the final six balls. Nonkululeko Mlaba bowled a tight over, conceding only eight runs to seal the victory for South Africa.India's bowlers Pooja and Radha did manage to take two wickets each, but their efforts were overshadowed by their team's fielding lapses and the resilient batting display by South Africa.

Kent Spitfires emerged victorious in a rain-affected Vitality Blast match against Gloucestershire, securing an eight-run win via the Duckworth-Lewis-Stern (DLS) method. Despite Gloucestershire's strong bowling performance, Kent's Daniel Bell-Drummond played a pivotal role in setting a competitive target.Gloucestershire's David Payne showcased his exceptional bowling skills, claiming four wickets for just 25 runs in four overs. The home side's openers, Miles Hammond and Cameron Bancroft, provided a solid start with a 23-run partnership. However, the rain arrived prematurely, forcing a delay in play.Upon resumption, Kent's Nathan Gilchrist struck twice in quick succession, dismissing Bancroft and James Bracey. With Gloucestershire chasing a revised target of 145 from 19 overs, the rain returned, dashing their hopes of victory. The game was eventually abandoned, leaving Kent with a fortuitous win that keeps their knockout stage aspirations alive.Bell-Drummond's 76-run knock off 52 balls proved crucial for Kent. He formed partnerships of 56 and 54 with Joey Evison and Grant Stewart, respectively. Gloucestershire's Ollie Price also impressed with two wickets for 26 runs.Kent's victory keeps their slim chances of progressing to the knockout stages alive, while Gloucestershire's hopes of a top-four finish in the South Group have been dented. The West Country derby against Somerset on Sunday will be a crucial match for Gloucestershire as they aim to stay in contention.

Virat Kohli, the star Indian batter, embarked on a whirlwind journey after India's triumphant T20 World Cup victory. Hours after participating in the team's celebrations in Mumbai, Kohli boarded a flight to London to reunite with his family.The Indian team's journey began with a 16-hour chartered flight from Barbados to New Delhi. Upon arrival, they were greeted by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who felicitated them and shared breakfast with the contingent. The team then flew to Mumbai, where they were met with a rousing reception from fans.Kohli and his teammates participated in an open bus victory parade, with thousands of fans lining Mumbai's Marine Drive to witness the world champions. The parade culminated at Wankhede Stadium, where the BCCI organized a felicitation ceremony. The team received a prize money of Rs 125 crore, as announced after the final.Amidst the celebrations, Kohli made a swift departure for London. As per reports, he boarded a private chartered flight at 3:15 am and arrived in London by 12:45 pm (IST). His wife, Anushka Sharma, had been present at the India vs. Pakistan match in New York but had not attended the rest of the tournament.Kohli's performance in the lead-up to the T20 World Cup final had been underwhelming, but he rose to the occasion when it mattered most. Prior to the final, he had scored only 75 runs. However, in the all-important clash, he played a pivotal role with a 'Man of the Match' worthy 76.Moments after India's victory, Kohli announced his retirement from T20I cricket. However, he will continue to play the longer formats of the game.

Hardik Pandya, the Indian all-rounder who played a pivotal role in India's T20 World Cup triumph, has opened up about the challenging six months leading up to the tournament. Despite facing public criticism and boos throughout the previous months, the 30-year-old maintained his composure and let his performance do the talking.Pandya revealed that he had not lost his temper once during the difficult times, which made the victory even more significant. Mumbai Indians fans and social media trolls had been particularly harsh on Pandya during the IPL 2024 season. After a successful two-year stint with Gujarat Titans, which included winning the title in their debut season in 2022, Pandya returned to Mumbai Indians. However, his appointment as captain, replacing Rohit Sharma, led to a massive backlash from fans on social media and in stadiums across India.Despite the criticism, Pandya remained focused on his game and ultimately proved his worth on the international stage. During a meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi at his residence on Thursday, Pandya shared insights about the Indian team's mindset during the World Cup final. Pandya emphasized that the team remained composed and confident in their ability to secure victory, even in challenging moments.Pandya, who faced significant criticism and trolling during the IPL, both personally and professionally, delivered a potentially game-changing performance in the final. His crucial dismissal of Heinrich Klaasen may have been the turning point that propelled India to lift the World Cup trophy."The last 6 months have been very entertaining for me, there have been a lot of ups and downs and the public booed me. A lot of things happened and I always felt that if I give any answer, it would be through sports... So I believed that I would stay strong, will work hard," Hardik Pandya said during an interaction with PM Modi at the Prime Minister's residence in Delhi.India pacer Jasprit Bumrah also got his hands on his first ICC World Cup trophy after India's success in the T20 World Cup final against South Africa in Barbados. During his interaction with PM Modi, the pacer said bowling in crucial and difficult situations helped him gain confidence that he carry forward.Jasprit Bumrah achieved a significant milestone by securing his maiden ICC World Cup title following India's triumphant campaign against South Africa in the T20 World Cup final in Barbados. In a conversation with Prime Minister Modi, Bumrah shared his thoughts on the experience."Whenever I bowl for India, I bowl in very crucial stages. Whenever the situation is difficult, I have to bowl in that situation. So I feel very good when I am able to help the team and if I am able to win the match from any difficult situation, then I get a lot of confidence and I carry that confidence forward as well. And especially in this tournament, there were many situations where I had to bowl tough overs and I was able to help the team and win the match," Bumrah said.