Cricket

India's T20I dominance in 2024 reached unprecedented heights, culminating in a record-breaking series win over South Africa. With a massive 283-run total in Johannesburg, India secured a 3-1 series victory and cemented their status as the world's leading T20I team.The year marked a remarkable turnaround for India, who had endured a disappointing ODI World Cup final defeat earlier in the year. However, the T20 World Cup in the West Indies and USA proved to be a transformative moment, as India went unbeaten throughout the tournament to claim their second T20 World Cup title.The triumph was a testament to the team's aggressive and fearless approach, led by Suryakumar Yadav, who took over the captaincy after Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli stepped away from the format. India's win percentage of 92.31 in T20Is was the highest ever by any team, surpassing Pakistan's previous record.Individually, Sanju Samson emerged as a standout performer, becoming the first player to score three centuries in T20Is. He finished the year as India's top run-getter with 436 runs, averaging over 40 and striking at an impressive 180. Tilak Varma also impressed with two centuries and a strike rate of over 187.India's batting prowess was evident throughout the year, as they scored 200-plus totals nine times, including three in the series against South Africa. They also set a record for the most team centuries in a calendar year in T20Is, with seven centuries in total.On the bowling front, Arshdeep Singh led the charge with 36 wickets in 18 matches, the highest haul for a Test-playing nation bowler this year. Indian bowlers averaged 8.39 wickets per innings, the highest-ever among Test-playing nations in a calendar year.Overall, India's performance in 2024 was a testament to their aggressive and fearless approach, which has transformed them into the world's leading T20I team.

India's cricket team has achieved a remarkable triumph in their T20 International series against South Africa, securing a resounding 3-1 victory. The series win is a testament to the team's resilience and determination, as they faced a formidable opponent on their home turf.Led by stand-in captain V.V.S. Laxman, India showcased their depth and talent throughout the series. Young batters Tilak Varma and Sanju Samson emerged as key contributors, while experienced all-rounder Varun Chakravarty played a pivotal role with his exceptional bowling.In the first match of the series, India set a challenging target of 212 runs, which South Africa failed to chase down. Varma and Samson played crucial knocks of 48 and 63, respectively, while Chakravarty claimed three wickets.The second match saw India suffer a narrow defeat, but they bounced back strongly in the third match. Samson once again starred with a blistering 86 off just 59 deliveries, while Chakravarty continued his impressive form with another three-wicket haul.In the final match of the series, India produced a dominant performance to secure a massive 135-run victory. Varma and Samson continued their impressive run with half-centuries, while Chakravarty and fellow spinner Axar Patel shared seven wickets between them.Laxman hailed the team's performance as "a special effort," praising their spirit and determination. He highlighted the contributions of the young players and the support provided by the non-playing members.Captain Suryakumar Yadav also expressed his delight with the series win, describing it as "special." He credited the team's collective effort and the fearless approach they displayed throughout the series.India's T20I series triumph against South Africa is a significant achievement, demonstrating the team's potential and their ability to compete at the highest level. The victory will provide a much-needed boost of confidence as they prepare for the upcoming T20 World Cup in Australia.

Sachin Tendulkar's Social Media Post Reignites Controversy over Steve Bucknor's Controversial DecisionsLegendary Indian cricketer Sachin Tendulkar's recent social media post has sparked a storm among fans, reigniting the debate over former umpire Steve Bucknor's controversial decisions against the batting maestro.Bucknor, known for his deliberate decision-making style, earned the nickname "Slow Death" during his illustrious career. However, his reputation was tarnished by two high-profile blunders involving Tendulkar, one at the Gabba in 2003 and the other at Eden Gardens in 2005.In the 2003 Test between India and Australia, Bucknor controversially gave Tendulkar out LBW off Jason Gillespie, despite replays showing the ball would have gone over the stumps. This error denied Tendulkar a chance to continue his innings and sparked widespread outrage among fans.The second incident occurred in 2005 during a Test against Pakistan at Eden Gardens. Tendulkar was given out caught behind off Abdul Razzaq, despite no contact with the ball. The delivery, which swung away from Tendulkar, ended a promising innings and shifted the match's momentum.Tendulkar's recent social media post, featuring an image of three trees resembling big wickets, asked fans to guess which umpire made the stumps feel this big. The post quickly went viral, with fans flooding the comments section with replies naming Bucknor.The decisions made by Bucknor during those two crucial matches have remained significant moments of debate in cricket history, cementing his legacy for his contentious decisions. Despite being regarded as one of the best umpires of his time, Bucknor's errors against Tendulkar have left an indelible mark on the sport.

India's Test captain Rohit Sharma is facing a race against time to be fit for the opening match of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy against Australia, starting November 22 in Perth. Rohit and his wife Ritika Sajdeh welcomed their second child on Friday, and his availability for the first Test remains uncertain.In Rohit's absence, vice-captain Jasprit Bumrah is set to lead the Indian team. Head coach Gautam Gambhir has confirmed that Bumrah will take over the captaincy duties if Rohit is unavailable. Former India player Suresh Raina has endorsed Bumrah's leadership credentials, comparing him to Australia's Pat Cummins, who led the Aussies to victory in the World Test Championship and Cricket World Cup in 2023."For Bumrah, it's going to be a new opportunity. I think he is a good leader and has a good cricketing brain. Even Gauti bhai (coach Gautam Gambhir) said in the media that Jasprit has that astute leadership (quality), and I think he will be different," Raina told Times of India."Like if you see Pat Cummins, he won the World Cup for them (Australia), has done really well as a player and as a captain. I think Bumrah is close to that. If you look at it from the point of an opportunity, it's a gun opportunity for him. If he does well, I think we will have a future leader in Test cricket," he added.Gambhir has confirmed that Bumrah will lead the team in Perth if Rohit is unavailable. However, Rohit has not been officially ruled out of the series opener, and Gambhir has stated that the team will provide an update on his status closer to the start of the series.India's preparations for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy have been overshadowed by their recent 3-0 Test series defeat to New Zealand at home. The loss has made their path to the World Test Championship final more challenging. To qualify for the final in London, India must win the series against Australia by 4-0.

Shahrukh Khan, the Tamil Nadu all-rounder, has expressed his contentment with his decision to stay with the Gujarat Titans (GT) franchise ahead of the 2025 Indian Premier League (IPL) season. Khan, who was retained by GT for ₹4 crore, has found a sense of belonging and support within the team."A lot of people have said GT is a really good place to play cricket and I got to experience it last year. The feeling of home that they give is immense. Honestly, I haven't found it anywhere else," Khan told The Hindu after Tamil Nadu's victory over Railways in a Ranji Trophy match.Khan's decision to stay with GT was largely influenced by the camaraderie he shares with head coach Ashish Nehra. "Everybody knows what sort of a character Nehra is. He has a big heart and he is compassionate about the players and around the set-up. That was the reason behind sticking with GT because of the trust that they showed in me," Khan said.Khan's batting prowess has been recognized by GT, who have given him opportunities to bat up the order. In the 2024 IPL season, Khan scored a half-century against Royal Challengers Bangalore when he was sent in at No. 4."GT made me bat up the order against RCB. I wasn't sure about it. I knew that I could bat up the order but I really wasn't ready to go at No. 4 and play. But when they sent me, it was a new role and I understood they valued me. They know what sort of a person I am… So, it is better to stick to the team," Khan said.Khan's recent performance in the Ranji Trophy, where he scored an 86-ball 114 as an opener, further highlights his versatility and adaptability. "The idea was Bala anna's (Balaji). He asked me to go and take on the fast bowlers. I like the ball coming fast because I'm good against the pacers. So, it was his idea completely. Nobody expected it... I don't know what he saw, but whatever he saw clicked for us in this match."Khan's commitment to GT and his belief in the team's culture and support system suggest that he will continue to be a valuable asset for the franchise in the upcoming IPL seasons.

Former Australian cricketers Adam Gilchrist and Matthew Hayden have come to the defense of their teammate Ricky Ponting after India head coach Gautam Gambhir criticized Ponting's comments on Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma's form ahead of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy.Gilchrist and Hayden emphasized the importance of open discussions and the role of commentary in cricket, countering Gambhir's assertion that Ponting should focus solely on Australian cricket."Punter can comment on anything he wants. I think he has earned the right to comment on most aspects of cricket. I love this, this is going to get the popcorn out for the rest of the summer," said Gilchrist on the Club Prairie Fire podcast.Hayden echoed Gilchrist's sentiments, stating that commentators are paid to provide their opinions and insights on the game. "We are paid to make an opinion, make a comment and make a call about the game we know and love," he said.Kohli's recent form has been a cause for concern, with the Indian batter struggling to score runs consistently. In 2024, he has managed just 488 runs in 25 innings across formats, averaging 20.33. His performances in home Tests have been particularly disappointing, with only one half-century in five matches against Bangladesh and New Zealand.Rohit Sharma has also faced criticism for his inability to deliver under pressure in critical games. In the three-Test series against New Zealand, which India lost 0-3, Sharma scored 91 runs, slightly outpacing Kohli's 93 runs.India's upcoming five-Test series against Australia, beginning on November 22, is crucial for their qualification hopes for the World Test Championship (WTC) final. India is currently ranked second in the WTC points table, and strong performances in this series are essential to maintain their position.

Indian pace spearhead Mohammed Shami made a triumphant return to competitive cricket after a year-long injury layoff, spearheading Bengal's thrilling 11-run victory over Madhya Pradesh in their Ranji Trophy encounter. Shami's impressive performance, including a seven-wicket haul, bodes well for Team India ahead of their upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy series in Australia.In the match, Bengal posted a competitive 228 runs in their first innings, with Shahbaz Ahmed's quickfire 92 leading the charge. Madhya Pradesh's bowlers, Aryan Pandey and Kulwant Khejroliya, claimed four wickets each.Shami's impact was immediate as he ripped through Madhya Pradesh's batting lineup, claiming four wickets for 54 runs in the first innings. His incisive bowling, coupled with contributions from Suraj Sindhu Jaiswal, Mohammed Kaif, and Rohit Kumar, restricted Madhya Pradesh to 167 runs, giving Bengal a 61-run lead.In the second innings, Bengal capitalized on their advantage, posting a formidable 276 runs. Writtick Chatterjee and Wriddhiman Saha anchored the innings with half-centuries, while Shami's valuable 37-run cameo propelled Bengal to a challenging target of 338 runs.Madhya Pradesh's chase fell agonizingly short as they were bowled out for 326 runs. Skipper Shubham Sharma, Venkatesh Iyer, and Subhranshu Senapati scored half-centuries, but Shami's 3/102 in 24.2 overs proved too much to overcome. Shahbaz Ahmed's all-round performance, including 4/48 with the ball, earned him the 'Player of the Match' award.Shami's return to domestic cricket is a significant milestone in his comeback journey. His sensational performance in the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023, where he emerged as the tournament's leading wicket-taker, showcased his exceptional talent. Despite missing the T20 World Cup due to injury, Shami's return to form is a welcome boost for Team India.With the Border-Gavaskar Trophy on the horizon, Shami's experience and proven track record in Australia will be invaluable. India's pace attack, featuring Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, and promising talents like Harshit Rana and Prasidh Krishna, will benefit immensely from Shami's guidance and leadership.

Gautam Gambhir's appointment as the head coach of the Indian cricket team has raised concerns among former Australian captain Tim Paine. Paine believes that Gambhir's "prickly" coaching style may not be a good fit for the team, especially in the wake of their recent 0-3 home series loss to New Zealand.Paine highlighted the contrast between Gambhir's approach and that of former coach Ravi Shastri, who was known for his positive and motivating style. He expressed concern that Gambhir's "prickly" nature could create a tense atmosphere within the team, especially under pressure.Paine's comments stem from a recent media interaction where Gambhir took issue with Ricky Ponting's remarks on Virat Kohli's struggling form. Gambhir's response, which Paine described as "prickly," has raised questions about his ability to handle criticism and stay calm under pressure.Paine believes that Gambhir's biggest concern is not the form of Rohit Sharma or Virat Kohli, but his own ability to remain composed under pressure. He emphasized that the coach's demeanor can have a significant impact on the team's performance, especially in a high-stakes environment like the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy against Australia.Gambhir's appointment has also raised questions about the future of the Indian team. The team has struggled in recent months, and the loss to New Zealand has further dented their confidence. Paine believes that if India fails to start strong in the Perth Test, it could be a "long summer" for Gambhir and the team.

Former India coach Ravi Shastri has hailed Rishabh Pant's recovery from a horrific car accident as a "miracle." Shastri visited Pant in the hospital shortly after the incident and was initially uncertain about his cricketing future."Honestly, if you had seen him, you would not have given him a hope in hell to play cricket again," Shastri said. "He was in terrible shape. I went to see him in hospital a month after he was injured. He was battered and bruised, scarred all over."Pant underwent a major operation and had stitches all over his body. Shastri said that from that point, for him to recover and play cricket again was a miracle."To then go on and play in a World Cup-winning team and be a part of the Test team is a truly remarkable achievement," Shastri added.Pant has been in incredible form since his return to the game, averaging 62 on his two tours of Australia. Shastri said that Pant returns to Australia for this tour in form and as a man Australia fears, an unthinkable prospect when he was bailed up in hospital unable to walk."When you speak to him now, the respect he has for the game is even more," Shastri said. "He was nowhere. Suddenly he is back and he values that. But I have seen him work really, really hard over the past few months to get in to the shape he is to play Test cricket."Pant's accident occurred in December 2022 while he was returning to his hometown from New Delhi. He had a narrow escape thanks to some good Samaritans and his own presence of mind, which prompted him to break the windshield of his car."First time in my life I had that feeling of letting it go. I felt my time in this world was over," Pant had said. "When my accident happened, I felt something spiritual saved me. I can't even imagine how much worse it could have been. Doctors even spoke to me about amputation."Pant was later airlifted to Mumbai, where he underwent reconstruction in three knee ligaments."I asked the doctor how long it would take for me to recover. He said it would take 16 to 18 months," Pant said. "I told the doctor that whatever timeline he gave me, I would reduce six months from it."Pant's determination and hard work have paid off, and he is now back playing at the highest level. His recovery is a testament to his resilience and the power of the human spirit.