Cricket

Cricket, a sport known for its intense competition, occasionally provides moments of hilarity that leave fans in stitches. In a recent video shared by former Indian cricketer Aakash Chopra, a wicketkeeper's comical attempt at a run-out has gone viral.The video captures a wicketkeeper attempting to run out a batter at the non-striker's end. As the batter attempts to steal a single, the wicketkeeper collects the ball and aims to throw it at the stumps. However, in a moment of misjudgment, the wicketkeeper's throw goes astray and hits his own team's bowler."There is no single, where are you running? We have been looted by our own, what can strangers do," quips Aakash Chopra, a renowned commentator, in the video.The incident highlights the unpredictable nature of cricket and the occasional moments of absurdity that can occur even in the most serious of matches. It serves as a reminder that even in the midst of intense competition, there is always room for a bit of laughter.Meanwhile, former India opener Aakash Chopra has expressed surprise over the exclusion of leg-spinner Yuzvendra Chahal from the BCCI's central contracts. Chopra believes that Chahal's omission indicates that the selection committee is exploring other options."I am a bit surprised that Yuzi Chahal's name is not there. Cheteshwar Pujara, Ajinkya Rahane, and Shikhar Dhawan - their names not being there, I can understand. Even Deepak Hooda for that matter. But Chahal's name not being there - what does that signify? It seems to indicate that they (BCCI) are looking in a different direction," said Chopra on his YouTube channel.The BCCI's decision to exclude Chahal has raised questions about his future in the Indian team. The leg-spinner has been a consistent performer for India in limited-overs cricket, but his recent form has been inconsistent. It remains to be seen whether Chahal will be able to regain his place in the team and prove his worth to the selectors.

Former India opener Aakash Chopra has predicted a stellar season for Mumbai Indians' Rohit Sharma in the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024. With Hardik Pandya taking over the captaincy, Chopra believes Rohit will be relieved of the burden and unleash his full potential as a batsman.Despite Mumbai Indians' success under Rohit's leadership, winning a record five titles, his batting performance has been underwhelming in recent years. From IPL 2017 to 2023, Rohit averaged a mere 24.76 with the bat. However, Chopra believes that the upcoming season will be different."You have released Rohit Sharma from captaincy. When you talk about top players like Rohit Sharma, you see a 600 plus season. But no season seemed like that for him. This could be that season. Because there is nothing to prove per say, but there is a lot to prove. Kaptaan nahi hain toh phir todenge aisa lag raha hai mujhe (Since he is not the captain, he is going to pile a lot of runs)," said Chopra on his YouTube channel.Chopra's prediction is based on the belief that Rohit will be more focused on his batting without the added responsibility of captaincy. He believes that Rohit has the potential to score over 600 runs in IPL 2024, a feat he has not achieved in any previous season.IPL 2024 is set to begin on March 22 with a match between defending champions Chennai Super Kings and Royal Challengers Bangalore at Chepauk. Mumbai Indians will open their campaign against Gujarat Titans in Ahmedabad. The BCCI has released the schedule only for the first 21 matches of IPL 2024, owing to the Lok Sabha Elections. The remaining schedule will be announced after the date for elections is out.

Meg Lanning, the former Australian cricket captain, has emphasized the importance of enjoying the game after retiring from international cricket. In a recent press conference, Lanning expressed her desire to "have fun and enjoy cricket" while leading the Delhi Capitals in the Women's Premier League (WPL).Lanning, who retired in November 2023, believes that the pressure and expectations have diminished since her retirement. However, she remains competitive and determined to contribute to her team's success. "I still have the competitive edge when I need to," she said.The 31-year-old has found a supportive and enjoyable environment at Delhi Capitals. "The environment at Delhi is great, it's fun, it's really relaxed," she said. "We back each other to go and play to our strengths. It makes my job easier."Lanning's performance in the WPL has been impressive, with 148 runs in four matches, including two half-centuries. She attributes her success to her newfound freedom and enjoyment of the game. "I am just enjoying playing cricket," she said. "I feel like there's a little bit less pressure and expectation."Despite her retirement, Lanning has not yet fully processed the transition. "I actually haven't had a lot of time to do that [explore new things] yet," she said. "Once the tournament finishes, there will be a big chunk of time. It will probably hit me harder and you know, sort of come to terms with it a little bit more."Lanning is exploring various options for her future, but she is in no rush to make any decisions. "I can keep playing and keep being involved," she said. "When an opportunity pops up, I can take it."

Sanju Samson, the enigmatic Indian wicketkeeper-batter, has once again captured the hearts of cricket enthusiasts with his heartwarming gesture towards a specially-abled child. Despite facing setbacks in his international career, Samson's popularity remains undiminished, as evidenced by his massive fan following.After being overlooked for the ODI World Cup last year, Samson made a strong comeback in the ODI series against South Africa in December, scoring a century in the third match. However, his consistent performances have not yet earned him a regular spot in the Indian team.Undeterred by the selectors' decisions, Samson continues to inspire his fans with his unwavering spirit and dedication to the sport. Recently, a video surfaced on social media that showcased his compassionate side. In the video, Samson is seen playing cricket with a specially-abled child, fulfilling the boy's dream of meeting his cricketing hero.Samson had earlier promised the young fan that he would meet him. Upon returning to Kerala after playing the Ranji Trophy, Samson kept his word and shared a memorable moment with the boy. The video of their interaction went viral on social media, melting the hearts of netizens.Despite being regularly ignored by the selectors, Samson has retained his place in the Grade-C category of BCCI's central contract. He will be leading the Rajasthan Royals in the upcoming IPL 2024, which begins on March 22.Samson's gesture towards the specially-abled child is a testament to his character and his commitment to making a positive impact on society. It is a reminder that true sportsmanship extends beyond the boundaries of the field and into the realm of human connection.

Gautam Gambhir's Stern Message to Kolkata Knight Riders: IPL is About Cricket, Not BollywoodAhead of the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 season, Kolkata Knight Riders mentor Gautam Gambhir has issued a clear and unwavering message to his team: IPL is not about Bollywood or after-parties, but a golden opportunity for young players to showcase their talent in the world's most competitive cricket league.In an exclusive interview with Star Sports, Gambhir emphasized the importance of focusing on the game and delivering results on the field. "I made it very clear on Day 1 that IPL for me is serious cricket. It's not about Bollywood, it's not about you, it's not about after-party and stuff. It's about going out there and playing competitive cricket," he stated.Gambhir, who led KKR to IPL titles in 2012 and 2014 as captain, believes that the IPL is the closest league to international cricket in terms of intensity and pressure. "It is probably closest to international cricket as compared to any other league and if you want to be known as a successful franchise, you should be able to deliver on the cricket field," he added.KKR failed to reach the play-offs in the previous season, finishing seventh in the standings. Gambhir acknowledged the disappointment and urged the players to work harder for the passionate fanbase of the team. "I think there are very passionate fans. We need to be honest to them. We need to try and probably bring that happiness on their smiles because I've always believed I think the most loyal fans have been fans from Kolkata because they've gone through a lot in the first three years of the IPL," he said.Gambhir's message is a reminder that the IPL is not just about entertainment and glamour, but also about showcasing cricketing talent and delivering results for the fans. As the league enters its 17th season, KKR will be looking to bounce back and prove their worth under Gambhir's guidance.

New Zealand's pace attack faces a setback as Will O'Rourke's hamstring injury casts doubt on his availability for the second Test against Australia. Captain Tim Southee hinted at a potential recall for veteran Neil Wagner, who retired last week but remains in the squad.Southee ruled out Trent Boult due to his recent focus on white-ball cricket. However, he left the door open for Wagner, saying, "We'll see how Will scrubs up and we'll go from there."Australia's Pat Cummins expressed readiness for Wagner's return, calling it "the world's shortest retirement." He praised the energy and short-ball prowess of the 37-year-old.Cummins lauded Nathan Lyon and Cameron Green for their match-winning performances in the first Test. Lyon's six-wicket haul on day four sealed Australia's 172-run victory. Green's career-high 174 on day one set up a decisive first-innings lead.New Zealand's Glenn Phillips impressed with his all-round contributions, scoring 71 in the first innings and taking 5-45 in the second. Southee and Kane Williamson will reach the milestone of 100 Tests in the second match at Hagley Oval.The final morning of the first Test saw New Zealand collapse from 111-3 to 196 all out. Lyon's spin proved too much for the hosts, while Green's short-ball tactics also paid dividends.

India vs Pakistan T20 World Cup 2024 Tickets Skyrocket in Resale MarketThe highly anticipated T20 World Cup 2024 match between India and Pakistan has sparked a frenzy in the ticket market, with prices reaching astronomical figures on resale platforms.The official ticket sale offered prices ranging from $6 to $400, with the most expensive seats for the India-Pakistan encounter priced at $400. However, on resale sites like StubHub and SeatGeek, prices have soared to unprecedented levels.Tickets originally priced at $400 are now being sold for a staggering $40,000, with platform fees pushing the total cost to $50,000. This exceeds the average ticket price for Super Bowl 58 ($9,000) and courtside seats for NBA finals ($24,000).On SeatGeek, the costliest ticket for the India-Pakistan match has been listed for an astonishing $175,000. With platform charges and additional fees, the total cost balloons to approximately $1.86 crore.The high demand for tickets reflects the intense rivalry between India and Pakistan, which has made their encounters some of the most eagerly anticipated events in cricket. The fact that the two teams rarely play bilateral series due to political tensions further fuels the excitement and demand for tickets.The astronomical prices have raised concerns about accessibility for fans who may not be able to afford the exorbitant resale prices. However, the high demand is unlikely to diminish, as the India-Pakistan match remains one of the most sought-after events in the cricketing world.

Kerala's Abijith Praveen Joins Elite Club with Six Sixes in an OverIn a remarkable display of power hitting, Kerala's Abijith Praveen has etched his name into the annals of cricket history by becoming the latest batsman to smash six sixes in an over. The feat, achieved during the semifinal of the Navio Youth Trophy U-22 Cricket Tournament, follows a similar accomplishment by Andhra opener Vamshhi Krrishna just a week earlier.Playing for Masters CC, Thiruvananthapuram, Abijith faced leg-spinner Joe Francis from Trident Cricket Academy, Thrissur, in the 21st over of the match. With the score already at 69, Abijith unleashed a barrage of sixes that cleared the boundary with ease. The first two balls sailed over long-off, while the third soared over deep mid-wicket. The fourth and fifth deliveries were deposited over cow corner and long-on, respectively, as Abijith raced to 105 by the end of the over.However, Abijith's pursuit of another six proved costly as he was caught at long-on by Abhiram off the bowling of Akshay TK. His innings of 106 came from just 52 balls and featured 10 sixes and two fours. Masters CC went on to win the match by 106 runs.A native of Pachalloor in Thiruvananthapuram, Abijith expressed his elation at reaching his century with a six. "I have hit five sixes in an over before, but to hit six maximums is a dream come true," he said. "After I connected the first two, I felt I should go for it. Luckily, I timed each shot perfectly. I still get goosebumps when I think of the moment."Abijith, who cites Ab de Villiers and Hardik Pandya as his role models, is an allrounder who bowls medium pace. He made his List A debut for Kerala last December against Sikkim in the Vijay Hazare one-day tournament, claiming three wickets but not getting an opportunity to bat.Biju George, fielding coach of Delhi Capitals, under whom Abijith trains at the SAI Medical College ground in Thiruvananthapuram, praised his ward's remarkable achievement. "He has strong hands, and his shots go a long distance," George said. "His six-hitting technique is simple but mighty effective. I knew Abi could pull off something like this, and I am happy for him. I hope someone recognizes his power hitting and gives him a much bigger platform to showcase his talent in the coming days."

Rishabh Pant's Marbles Match: A Glimpse of Childhood Amidst IPL PreparationsIndian cricket star Rishabh Pant is eagerly anticipating his return to the Indian Premier League (IPL) after a horrific accident in December 2022. While recovering from his injuries, Pant has found solace in reliving his childhood memories, as evidenced by his recent game of marbles with neighborhood children.On Sunday, Pant took to Instagram to share a story of himself playing "goli," a popular street game in India. With a bandana covering his face, Pant was seen enjoying the game with the neighborhood kids. The video captured the essence of his childhood, bringing a smile to the faces of his fans.Pant's return to the IPL is a significant development for the Delhi Capitals franchise and the Indian team. Former India captain and Delhi Capitals' Director of Cricket, Sourav Ganguly, has indicated that Pant will be declared fit for action by the NCA on March 5.However, Ganguly hinted that Pant may not be pushed directly into wicketkeeping in the IPL. This decision is likely to be made based on Pant's recovery progress and the team's strategy.Pant's accident on December 31, 2022, was a major setback for the Indian team. He suffered multiple injuries, including a torn anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in his right knee. The accident raised concerns about his future in cricket, but Pant's determination and resilience have been evident throughout his recovery process.With the 17th edition of the IPL commencing on March 22, Pant's return to action is a welcome boost for the Delhi Capitals. His aggressive batting and exceptional wicketkeeping skills will be crucial for the team's success in the tournament.