Cricket

Jasprit Bumrah's heroics propelled India to a thrilling victory in the T20 World Cup 2024 final, etching his name in the annals of cricket history. The 30-year-old pacer's match-winning spell in the dying overs turned the tide in India's favor, snatching victory from the jaws of defeat.India's total of 176/7 in 20 overs seemed within reach for South Africa, especially after a crucial partnership between Quinton de Kock and Heinrich Klaasen. With just five overs remaining, the Proteas needed a mere 30 runs to secure the title.However, Bumrah's introduction into the attack proved to be a game-changer. In the 16th over, he conceded only four runs, followed by a miserly two runs and a wicket in the 18th over. His pinpoint accuracy and variations left the South African batters clueless.In the final over, the Proteas required 16 runs to lift the trophy. Hardik Pandya, India's all-rounder, stepped up to the challenge and defended the target with aplomb. Bumrah's heroics had set the stage for India's triumph.After the match, Mohammed Siraj, India's pacer, hailed Bumrah's brilliance, gifting him a placard that read, "Bumrah - Best bowler on land, air, and water." Siraj's admiration reflected the impact Bumrah had on the game."My only belief was on Jassy (Bumrah) bhai," said Siraj. "He's the only game-changer. Whatever I thought exactly happened. Unbelievable feeling guys, can't explain."Bumrah's exceptional performance throughout the tournament earned him the Player of the Tournament award, with 15 wickets in eight matches. His ability to swing the ball both ways and generate pace made him a formidable force."I don't usually cry after a game, but this feels really special," said Bumrah. "Midway stage we felt we were in trouble, but to pull off a win like this is an unreal feeling. I'm just really over the moon."Bumrah's match-winning spell and India's triumph in the T20 World Cup 2024 will be etched in the memories of cricket fans forever. His exceptional bowling skills and unwavering determination proved to be the difference between victory and defeat.

India's women's cricket team registered a dominant 10-wicket victory over South Africa in the one-off Test match in Chennai, securing their second 10-wicket triumph in Test history.After declaring their first innings at 603 for six, India dismissed South Africa for 266 in their first innings. However, the Proteas put up a spirited fight in their second innings, thanks to centuries from Laura Wolvaardt (122) and Sune Luus (109).Wolvaardt became the first woman to score a century in all three formats of the game within the same calendar year. Despite her heroics, India's bowlers kept the pressure on, with Deepti Sharma, Sneh Rana, and Rajeshwari Gayakwad claiming crucial wickets.South Africa managed to surpass India's total, setting a new record for their highest team total against India in Tests. However, they struggled to build lasting partnerships, and India's bowlers eventually dismissed them for 373.Chasing a modest target of 37 runs, India's openers Shubha Satheesh and Shafali Verma guided the team to a comfortable victory in just 9.2 overs without losing a wicket.India's victory marks their second 10-wicket triumph in Tests, with the previous one coming against South Africa at Paarl in 2002. It also extends their unbeaten streak in Tests to five matches.

India's Pooja Vastrakar's costly drop in the fourth day of the one-off Test against South Africa at MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai on Monday allowed Nadine de Klerk to survive and potentially alter the course of the match.In the 153rd over of South Africa's second innings, de Klerk attempted to hit a fuller delivery across the line, resulting in a top edge that flew towards mid-off. Vastrakar, positioned at mid-off, initially caught the ball but fumbled twice before eventually dropping it. Renuka Singh also rushed towards Vastrakar in an effort to catch the dropped ball but also failed to grab it.The dropped catch proved costly as de Klerk went on to score 61 runs, helping South Africa post a respectable total of 373 in their second innings. However, India's bowlers, led by Sneh Rana's impressive 8/77 in the first innings, ultimately proved too strong for the visitors.Despite valiant efforts from captain Laura Wolvaardt (122) and former skipper Sune Luus (109), South Africa were unable to avoid an innings defeat. India's openers, Shafali Verma and Shubha Satheesh, quickly reached the target of 37 runs in 9.2 overs, sealing a resounding 10-wicket victory for the hosts.Verma's blistering 197-ball double-century in the first innings was a record-breaking performance, while Rana's career-best figures helped dismiss South Africa for 266. India's dominance continued in the second innings, with the bowlers restricting South Africa to 373 despite de Klerk's half-century.The victory marked a significant achievement for India, who have now won their last three Test matches against South Africa. It also highlighted the team's depth and resilience, with several players stepping up to make crucial contributions.

Robin Uthappa's Emotional Tribute to India's T20 World Cup TriumphFormer Indian batter Robin Uthappa has expressed his heartfelt emotions in a moving tribute to the Indian team's victory in the 2024 T20 World Cup. Uthappa, who was part of India's maiden T20 World Cup-winning squad in 2007, couldn't control his tears as he recalled the struggles and hardships faced by the players in the past year.India's triumph in Barbados ended a 13-year wait for an ICC title. However, the journey to the top was not without its challenges. The team had lost back-to-back finals in the World Test Championship and ODI World Cup.Uthappa, in a discussion with veteran India off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin, highlighted the constant trolling and criticism that each player had to endure. "I was so full of emotions, you would've found me in tears," Uthappa said. "I went through each player individually, and what they have been through. I apologize in advance if I get emotional on this show, but when you go through each player individually, and what they've been through over the past 4-5 years -- trolling, criticism -- and you've been part of it as well, so you know what it feels like."Uthappa emphasized that every cricketer in India faces harsh trolling and criticism at some point in their careers. "I could feel the emotions of each player individually," he said. "I cried for the first 20 minutes after the victory. I went and bowed before god, saying thank you. As a cricketer who has represented India, thank you. This victory was so special because it was long incoming."Uthappa also praised the role of coach Rahul Dravid, who he described as an "absolute mentor." "We say a 50-year-old man celebrate like a kid when the World Cup trophy was given to him," Uthappa said. "This is the beauty of the sport. I am so grateful to god for everyone. All of the players deserve to win the World Cup."

India's Triumphant Captain Rohit Sharma Celebrates T20 World Cup Victory on Barbados BeachOn the heels of India's exhilarating victory in the 2024 T20 World Cup, skipper Rohit Sharma took a moment to bask in the glory on the picturesque beaches of Barbados. The official photoshoot captured the skipper's jubilation as he posed with the coveted trophy, a testament to India's second triumph in the tournament's history.India's victory was hard-fought, with the team overcoming a spirited South African side in a thrilling final at the Kensington Oval on June 29. After posting a challenging 176 for 7, thanks to Virat Kohli's 76 and Axar Patel's 47, India's bowlers stepped up to defend the total.Hardik Pandya, Jasprit Bumrah, and Arshdeep Singh combined to restrict South Africa to 169/8, with Pandya claiming three wickets and Bumrah and Singh taking two each. A crucial catch by Suryakumar Yadav on the boundary line to dismiss David Miller proved to be a turning point in the match.The victory marked a significant milestone for Indian cricket, as it was their first T20 World Cup triumph since the inaugural edition in 2007 under MS Dhoni's leadership. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) shared images of Sharma's photoshoot on social media, captioning it with a message of pride and accomplishment: "A billion dreams, a billion emotions, and a billion smiles! Mission accomplished. World Cup conquered. We are World Champions. Hey, Captain! You've done it."Sharma's leadership and the team's collective effort played a pivotal role in India's success. The victory is a testament to the team's resilience, determination, and unwavering spirit.

The Indian cricket team will require two to three years to regain its dominance in T20 cricket following the international retirements of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, according to BCCI President Roger Binny.Kohli, 35, and Sharma, 37, played pivotal roles in India's second T20 World Cup triumph on Saturday, defeating South Africa by seven runs in a thrilling final. However, both players have now stepped away from the T20I format."There is so much talent in the IPL, and many cricketers are coming through, but it will take some time to bridge the gap after the retirement of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli from T20Is," Binny said."They have contributed so much. It's going to take time. We will probably see in the next two-three years, the team coming back into its own without them."Sharma leaves T20Is with 4231 runs from 159 matches, including five centuries and 32 fifties. Kohli, in 125 T20I matches, scored 4188 runs at an average of 48.69, with his highest score being 122 against Afghanistan in 2022.Both players will continue to play in the IPL and represent India in ODIs and Tests.Binny, who was part of India's 1983 ODI World Cup-winning team, believes that the maiden World Cup victory transformed India from underdogs to contenders."In 1983, we went as underdogs. But after that, that tag was taken off us. Whenever we go into World Cup, people expect India to win. No one is taking us lightly anymore," he said.The conclusion of the T20 World Cup marks the end of Rahul Dravid's tenure as head coach. There is speculation that former opener Gautam Gambhir will replace him, but Binny declined to comment on the matter."Nothing concrete has come yet. Gautam Gambhir has a lot of experience. He has worked with teams. He played Test matches, ODIs, T20s. Let's see," he said.

Rahul Dravid, India's former head coach, set a final goal for star batter Virat Kohli after the team's triumph in the T20 World Cup. Dravid urged Kohli to conquer the World Test Championship, referencing Kohli's impressive collection of limited-overs global trophies."All three white ticked off, one red to go. Tick it," Dravid told Kohli, referring to Kohli's victories in the T20 World Cup, ODI World Cup, and Champions Trophy. Dravid repeated warmly, "Go tick it."Dravid's tenure as India's coach ended on a high note after his appointment in 2021. India secured their second T20 World Cup title by defeating South Africa by seven runs, the first being in 2007 under Mahendra Singh Dhoni.India's cricket achievements include ODI World Cup victories in 1983 and 2011, along with Champions Trophy titles in 2002 and 2013.The celebratory video also featured Suryakumar Yadav, who made a remarkable catch to dismiss David Miller in the final. Yadav expressed his overwhelmed feelings, saying, "No feelings right now, I don't know what to say."Pacer Arshdeep Singh proudly showed polaroid photos taken before and after the final, illustrating his belief in the team's success. "This is what belief can do," he said.With India celebrating this significant achievement, the focus now shifts to future goals, inspired by the legacy of its cricketing legends.

Rahul Dravid's Calm and Correct Coaching Style Leads India to T20 World Cup GloryFormer India head coach Lalchand Rajput has lauded Rahul Dravid's unique coaching style, attributing the team's recent T20 World Cup triumph to his calm and composed approach."Rahul Dravid's coaching is very silent and correct," Rajput told ANI. "We call him the Wall of Cricket. When one wins the World Cup, any person jumps up with joy. He danced yesterday and showed that he has another side also."India's victory in the summit clash against South Africa was a testament to Dravid's astute leadership. The team displayed remarkable resilience and composure under pressure, with Arshdeep Singh, Jasprit Bumrah, and Hardik Pandya delivering exceptional performances in the death overs.Virat Kohli and Axar Patel also played crucial roles with the bat, guiding India to a competitive total. This win marks the end of India's 11-year ICC trophy drought, with their last triumph being the Champions Trophy in 2013.Dravid's calm and collected demeanor has been a key factor in India's success. He has instilled a sense of discipline and focus in the team, while also fostering a positive and supportive environment."He is a very calm and composed coach," Rajput said. "He doesn't get excited or angry. He always keeps his cool and that reflects in the team's performance."Under Dravid's guidance, India has developed a winning mentality and a never-say-die attitude. The team's ability to perform under pressure and execute their plans effectively has been a hallmark of their recent success.Dravid's coaching style has also been praised by former players and experts. Former India captain Sunil Gavaskar believes that Dravid's calm and composed approach has helped the team to stay focused and disciplined."Rahul Dravid is a very calm and composed coach," Gavaskar said. "He doesn't get excited or angry. He always keeps his cool and that reflects in the team's performance."With Dravid at the helm, India will be looking to continue their winning ways and establish themselves as a dominant force in world cricket.

The Indian cricket team's recent triumph at the T20 World Cup has ignited ambitious aspirations within the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). Secretary Jay Shah has set his sights on conquering the World Test Championship and Champions Trophy, emphasizing the significance of experienced senior players in the squad."Our target is to win the World Test Championship final and Champions Trophy," Shah declared. "The seniors will be there."Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, instrumental in India's victory over South Africa, have bid farewell to T20Is, along with Ravindra Jadeja. Shah lauded their contributions, highlighting the value of experience in high-stakes tournaments."Experience makes a lot of difference," Shah said. "A good player knows when to say goodbye to the game. We saw that yesterday."India's title drought has been broken after a decade of near misses in major finals. Shah expressed optimism about the team's future, citing its depth and versatility."We have the biggest bench strength," Shah said. "We can field three teams if needed."The transition following the retirement of key players is underway, with Shah acknowledging the impact of their departure."Transition has already happened with three greats retiring," Shah remarked.India's T20 World Cup victory marks their first ICC title in 11 years, fueling hopes for continued success with a blend of seasoned veterans and emerging talents.