Cricket

Team India's triumph at the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2024 is a testament to the unwavering support and vision of BCCI Secretary Jay Shah. Following the team's triumphant return to India, Shah expressed his gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his unwavering encouragement.Shah's instrumental role in facilitating the team's return from Barbados, where they were stranded due to Hurricane Beryl, underscores his commitment to the team's well-being. The squad, along with support staff and journalists, arrived in India on Thursday morning, greeted by a wave of euphoria and national pride.Upon their arrival, the team met with Prime Minister Modi, who has consistently supported #TeamIndia through both victories and setbacks. Shah acknowledged the Prime Minister's unwavering belief in the team's abilities, regardless of the outcome."We are glad that the World Cup victory has brought a wave of euphoria across the country and filled every Indian with a sense of pride," Shah wrote on Instagram.Shah's leadership has been instrumental in fostering a positive and supportive environment for the team. His vision for Indian cricket has played a crucial role in the team's success, both on and off the field.The team's return to India was marked by an open-top bus parade in Mumbai and a presentation ceremony at the Wankhede Stadium. The outpouring of support from the Indian public is a testament to the team's hard work and dedication, as well as the transformative power of sport in uniting a nation.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has dismissed the demand by Shiv Sena leader Aaditya Thackeray to prioritize Mumbai as the host city for major cricket finals. BCCI Vice-President Rajeev Shukla stated that the board's policy dictates that the venue for finals is not solely determined by a particular city.Thackeray's request stemmed from the massive public turnout during the Indian cricket team's victory parade in Mumbai following their triumph in the 2023 ODI World Cup. However, Shukla emphasized that the BCCI considers various factors when selecting venues, including seating capacity and the overall distribution of matches across the country."It cannot always be given to a particular city," Shukla said. "There has been a final match -- 1987 World Cup -- in Kolkata also, and Kolkata is considered as Mecca. So it can't be decided that it should always happen in a particular city."Shukla highlighted the importance of considering the capacity of stadiums, citing the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, which hosted the 2023 World Cup final with a seating capacity of 1,30,000. He also mentioned the Eden Gardens in Kolkata, which can accommodate approximately 66,000 spectators."This is purely a decision keeping in mind the entire country and all the venues. You cannot confine to one venue," Shukla explained.While acknowledging the enthusiasm of Mumbai fans, Shukla emphasized that the BCCI must prioritize the interests of the entire nation. He praised the Mumbai Police for their efficient management of the victory parade and expressed the board's appreciation for the city's support."Mumbai is always on our priority list. But saying that all the finals should take place in one city... It never happens in any country," Shukla added.

Suryakumar Yadav's extraordinary catch in the T20 World Cup final against South Africa proved to be a pivotal moment in India's title triumph. With South Africa needing 16 runs from the final over, David Miller's powerful shot seemed destined to clear the boundary. However, Yadav's remarkable athleticism and quick thinking saved the day for India.Yadav, positioned at long-on, steadied himself on the ropes as Miller's shot soared towards him. As he reached the boundary, he released the ball just before crossing the line, then swiftly regained his balance and completed the catch. The crowd erupted in a mix of disbelief and jubilation as India's hopes were reignited.Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who hosted the victorious Indian team for breakfast in New Delhi, hailed Yadav's catch as a game-changer. He explained how it transformed the emotions of a billion Indians from despair to elation. Yadav himself expressed his gratitude for being able to make such a significant contribution to his country's victory.The catch not only showcased Yadav's exceptional fielding skills but also his unwavering determination and composure under pressure. It was a moment that will be etched in the annals of Indian cricket history and will forever be remembered as a turning point in the team's World Cup triumph.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi's recent interaction with the T20 World Cup-winning Indian cricket team revealed a heartwarming anecdote involving wicket-keeper Rishabh Pant. Modi recalled a phone conversation with Pant's mother following the cricketer's horrific accident in December 2022.Modi expressed his shock at the self-confidence and belief Pant's mother displayed, assuring him that her son would emerge victorious. He also commended Pant's honesty in acknowledging his own mistake for the incident.Pant shared his recovery journey, revealing the doubts he faced from others about his ability to return to the cricket field. However, he remained determined to prove his critics wrong.Modi hosted the team for breakfast, where they engaged in "memorable" conversations about their experiences during the World Cup. The Prime Minister praised the team's resilience and determination, highlighting their ability to overcome challenges and achieve success.Pant's mother's unwavering belief and Modi's encouragement served as a source of inspiration for the cricketer during his recovery. His honesty and determination are a testament to the human spirit's ability to overcome adversity.

Virat Kohli's redemption in the T20 World Cup final against South Africa was a testament to his resilience and unwavering determination. Despite a string of low scores throughout the tournament, Kohli rose to the occasion when it mattered most, guiding India to a memorable victory.In a candid conversation with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Kohli admitted that he had struggled with self-doubt during the World Cup. However, he found solace in the words of his teammate, Rahul Dravid, who assured him that he would deliver when the time came.As India stumbled early in the final, Kohli took charge, anchoring the innings with a masterful 76-run knock. His innings was a perfect blend of aggression and composure, providing the platform for India's eventual triumph.Kohli's performance was a reflection of his unwavering belief in himself and his team. Despite the setbacks he had faced, he never lost sight of his goal. His ability to overcome adversity and perform under pressure is a testament to his mental fortitude.The T20 World Cup victory was a culmination of years of hard work and dedication for Kohli and his teammates. It was a moment of immense pride for the nation, and Kohli's contribution will forever be etched in the annals of Indian cricket history.

Sunil Gavaskar, the legendary Indian batsman, has heaped praise on Rohit Sharma's captaincy after India's triumph at the T20 World Cup. Rohit's leadership has earned him a place among the elite group of Indian captains to lift a World Cup, joining Kapil Dev and MS Dhoni.Gavaskar believes that Rohit's captaincy was the standout performance for India in the tournament. He highlighted Rohit's composure and body language, even in tense situations. "Rohit's captaincy is something that has to be admired because never once during tense situations did his body language go down," Gavaskar said.The former India captain pointed to Rohit's handling of the team when India faced adversity. "The way he handled the situation when it was not looking good for India, that is deserving of the highest praise," Gavaskar added.Rohit's leadership was instrumental in India's success. He guided the team to victory in the final against Pakistan, a match in which Virat Kohli played a starring role with the bat. Jasprit Bumrah, who was named Player of the Tournament, was also a key contributor with his exceptional bowling performances.At the felicitation event in Mumbai, Rohit expressed his gratitude to the fans and dedicated the trophy to the entire nation. "This trophy is for the entire nation. Along with all the players who have represented the country, we want to dedicate it to our fans, who have waited for 11 years," Rohit said.Gavaskar's praise for Rohit's captaincy is a testament to the impact he has had on the Indian team. Rohit's leadership has helped India achieve success on the international stage and has cemented his place as one of the most successful captains in Indian cricket history.

Hardik Pandya, the star all-rounder who played a pivotal role in India's T20 World Cup triumph, shared an emotional video of the victory parade in Mumbai. The video captured the jubilant atmosphere as the Indian team celebrated their sensational victory with a sea of cricket-loving fans.Pandya, who has endured a challenging period in recent months, expressed his gratitude to the fans for their unwavering support. "India, you mean the world to me!" he wrote in an accompanying message. "From the bottom of my heart, thank you for all the love."The victory parade, organized by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), was a testament to the team's remarkable achievement. Pandya, who was instrumental in India's triumph, thanked the fans for their enthusiastic reception despite the heavy rains."Thank you for coming out to celebrate with us, despite the rains," he said. "We love you so much! Celebrating with you is why we do what we do!"Pandya's emotional breakdown after the victory in Barbados was a poignant moment. The all-rounder had faced criticism and setbacks in the past, but his resilience and determination ultimately paid off."We're all champions! All 1.4 billion of us!" Pandya exclaimed, holding the trophy aloft. "Thank you Mumbai, thank you India."The victory parade was a fitting tribute to the Indian team's hard work and dedication. Pandya's heartfelt message and the outpouring of support from the fans highlighted the special bond between the team and the nation.

India's T20 team embarks on a new chapter without its talismanic duo, Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, as they embark on a five-match series against Zimbabwe starting July 6 in Harare. This series marks a transition for the team, as they seek to identify and nurture future stars for the 2026 T20 World Cup in India.Shubman Gill, who was a reserve in the T20 World Cup-winning squad, will lead the young Indian team. He will be joined by a host of IPL performers, including Punjab's Abhishek Sharma, Assam's Riyan Parag, and Sanju Samson. All these players are expected to make their international debuts during the series.The absence of Rohit and Kohli will be felt, but it also presents an opportunity for the new faces to showcase their skills. Zimbabwe may not be the most formidable opposition, but in T20 cricket, the gap between teams is relatively smaller. The hosts, led by the gutsy Sikandar Raza, could prove to be a handful on nippy afternoons at the Harare Sports Club.The series will provide valuable experience for the young Indian players, who will be vying for a place in the team for the 2026 T20 World Cup. Shivam Dube, Sanju Samson, and Yashasvi Jaiswal will join the squad from the third match onwards, giving them a chance to impress.The Indian team will play 34 T20 matches between now and the 2026 World Cup. The likes of Hardik Pandya, Suryakumar Yadav, Rishabh Pant, Axar Patel, Arshdeep Singh, and Kuldeep Yadav will also be back in the fold, but there will be limited vacancies in the playing eleven.The series against Zimbabwe will be a crucial step in India's preparations for the 2026 T20 World Cup. The young players will have the opportunity to prove their mettle and stake their claim for a place in the team.

Team India captain Rohit Sharma's triumphant return home after India's T20 World Cup victory was marked by a heartwarming welcome from his childhood friends and family members.Upon arriving at his residence on Thursday, Rohit was greeted with a surprise celebration organized by his loved ones. In a viral video, his friends and family can be seen saluting him, mobbing him, and lifting him on their shoulders. India batter Tilak Varma was also present at the scene, adding to the joyous atmosphere.Rohit's return home was a culmination of a remarkable journey that saw him lead India to their second T20 World Cup title. The team's victory parade in Mumbai was met with an enthusiastic reception from fans, who lined the streets to celebrate the team's triumph.The BCCI also hosted a special felicitation ceremony at the Wankhede Stadium, where the board distributed prize money of Rs 125 crore to the team. The players and support staff members then departed for their respective homes, carrying with them the memories of their historic victory.Rohit's homecoming was particularly poignant as he recalled being a part of the 2007 T20 World Cup win parade in Mumbai as an up-and-coming star. He expressed his happiness at being able to lead the team to victory and bring joy to the people of India."2007 was a different feeling. We started off in the afternoon and this is in the evening. I cannot forget 2007, as it was my first World Cup. This is a little more special because I was leading the team. So it is a very proud moment for me. This is going to be mad. You can make out the excitement and it shows how much it means not just to us but also to the entire nation. It means a lot. So I am very happy that we could achieve something like this for them as well," said Rohit.Rohit's T20I retirement announcement hours after India's victory added a bittersweet note to the celebrations. However, his legacy as a successful captain and a prolific batter will continue to inspire future generations of cricketers.