Cricket

Mohammad Rizwan, the newly appointed captain of the Pakistan cricket team, has downplayed his role, stating that he is merely responsible for "toss and presentations." Despite his modest assessment, Rizwan has led Pakistan to a historic ODI series victory over Australia, marking their first such triumph in Australia in 22 years.In the post-match press conference, Rizwan emphasized the collective effort behind Pakistan's success. "I'm the captain only for the toss and presentations - everyone gives me suggestions on the field, the batting group and the bowling group," he said.Rizwan praised the bowlers for their exceptional performance, particularly in the challenging conditions of Australia. "Australia in Australia isn't easy, the conditions suit their style of playing, but the bowlers were outstanding," he remarked.The veteran cricketer also acknowledged the contributions of the openers, Saim Ayub and Abdullah Shafique, who set the tone for the chase with their solid starts. "Credit to the two openers, they made the chases easy," Rizwan said.Despite the team's recent struggles, Rizwan expressed his gratitude for the unwavering support of the Pakistani people. "I don't care a lot about the press, but the people back home are always behind us and I want to dedicate this victory to them," he added.Pakistan's victory was a testament to their resilience and determination. After losing the opening match in Melbourne, they bounced back with an emphatic win in Adelaide and sealed the series with a dominant performance in Perth.The series triumph is a significant achievement for Pakistan, who have struggled to find consistency in recent years. It will undoubtedly boost their confidence as they prepare for the upcoming ICC Cricket World Cup in India later this year.

Mohammad Rizwan: Pakistan's New Limited-Overs CaptainPakistan's newly appointed limited-overs captain, Mohammad Rizwan, has revealed that he never actively sought the role. Rizwan took over from Babar Azam as Pakistan's white-ball captain following the Pakistan Cricket Board's (PCB) latest leadership announcement. He will lead the team in the upcoming three-match ODI and T20I series against Australia."I never desired or asked for captaincy. If it's granted by Allah, one shouldn't refuse. I never sought captaincy," Rizwan said.He emphasized that his focus as captain will be on developing future leaders for the team. "Regarding the past, everyone had their opinions on this. Even when Saifee was captain, I offered him suggestions, and he did the same for me. Now that I've become captain, all the players will be captains for the team. My focus will be that when I leave cricket, there will be more captain material ready for the team," he added.Pakistan is coming off a 2-1 Test series win at home against England and is set to face Australia in an ODI series starting on November 4, followed by three T20Is. The ODIs will take place in Melbourne, Adelaide, and Perth, while the T20Is will be hosted in Brisbane, Sydney, and Hobart.Reflecting on his new role, Rizwan said, "One of my wishes is to see the Pakistan team in the same kind of atmosphere that we had a couple of years ago. We were all with each other at any stage, whether things were working for us or not. Because of that, a lot of things worked in our favor back then.""The same things are present now also. But the difference is that we have more young talent along with seniors, and we wish that we all as a team gel together. It's a bit difficult when the seniors are playing and when the young lot comes and takes time to understand things. I guess during the Australia series, we will regain the same momentum that we had earlier," he added.Rizwan's appointment as captain has been met with mixed reactions. Some believe that he is the right man for the job, while others question his leadership abilities. However, Rizwan is determined to prove his critics wrong and lead Pakistan to success in the upcoming series against Australia.

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has appointed Mohammad Rizwan as the new captain of Pakistan's ODI and T20I teams, marking a significant shift in the nation's cricket leadership. The 32-year-old wicketkeeper-batter replaces Babar Azam, who stepped down following a string of disappointing performances in major ICC tournaments.Rizwan's appointment comes after Pakistan's early exits from both the 2023 ODI World Cup and the 2024 T20 World Cup. Babar Azam confirmed his resignation from the white-ball formats via social media, citing the need for a fresh start.The PCB has also appointed Salman Ali Agha as the vice-captain of the white-ball team, signaling a move towards a new era of leadership under Rizwan's guidance. Rizwan's experience and leadership skills, honed during his successful tenure as captain of the Multan Sultans in the Pakistan Super League (PSL), are expected to bring stability to Pakistan's white-ball squads.Rizwan will begin his captaincy journey with Pakistan's upcoming white-ball tour of Australia, which includes three ODIs and three T20Is. The tour will provide Rizwan with an opportunity to implement his strategies and build a cohesive team.Meanwhile, star players Babar Azam and Shaheen Afridi have been named in the squad for the Australia series but are set to be rested for the Zimbabwe tour later in the year. The PCB is also looking to introduce fresh talent during the Australia series, with Aamer Jamal, Saim Ayub, and Faisal Akram among the rising stars expected to make their mark.Rizwan's appointment as captain is a testament to his leadership abilities and his commitment to Pakistan cricket. With his experience, composure, and tactical acumen, Rizwan is expected to lead Pakistan's white-ball teams to greater heights and restore their status as a formidable force in international cricket.

Phoebe Litchfield, the rising star of Australian cricket, has been appointed as the captain of Sydney Thunder for the upcoming Women's Big Bash League (WBBL) season. At just 21 years old, Litchfield becomes the youngest full-time captain in WBBL history.Litchfield's appointment comes after the departure of England captain Heather Knight, who led Thunder last season but will miss the latter stages of this year's competition due to injury. Litchfield has been a key player for Thunder since making her debut at the age of 16, scoring over 1200 runs in 67 matches.In the past season, Litchfield has shown significant improvement in her batting, increasing her strike rate and scoring 309 runs at an impressive 130.37. Her maturity and leadership qualities have also been evident, making her a natural choice for the captaincy role.Thunder general manager Trent Copeland praised Litchfield's appointment, saying, "She's young, but her experience in the game makes this a natural progression. Phoebe has always been mature beyond her years, and her leadership qualities have been evident from the moment she joined Thunder."Litchfield will have the support of an experienced squad, including Chamari Athapaththu, Hannah Darlington, Shabnim Ismail, and Sammy-Jo Johnson, as well as coach Lisa Keightley. Thunder will begin their WBBL campaign against Hobart Hurricanes on October 28.

Chris Gayle, the legendary West Indian cricketer, has hailed Mahendra Singh Dhoni as the most successful captain for India. In an interview with IANS, Gayle praised Dhoni's leadership qualities and his remarkable achievements as the Indian skipper.Dhoni, who captained India in a staggering 200 ODIs, led the team to victory in three major ICC trophies: the ICC T20 World Cup in 2007, the ICC Cricket World Cup in 2011, and the ICC Champions Trophy in 2013. Under his leadership, India won 110 ODIs, lost 74, and had 16 no-results.Gayle also acknowledged the contributions of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli as Indian captains, but he believes Dhoni stands out as the most successful. "Dhoni has been the most successful captain for India. The guy has actually set the trend and overall, Rohit Sharma did his job well and Virat Kohli did his job pretty much," Gayle said.When asked about the toughest bowler he faced in his career, Gayle responded with his trademark humor. "The toughest bowler, is he born or is he still alive? I'm not sure. So, all bowlers are tough because every bowler tries and gets a chance to pick a wicket," he said.Gayle, who is currently playing for Gujarat Giants in the Legends League Cricket, expressed his excitement about the tournament and his joy at sharing a dressing room with former India opener Shikhar Dhawan. He also shared his desire to be part of an IPL franchise as a mentor or coach to share his knowledge and experience with young players.As the LLC enters its third leg, Gayle expressed his excitement about visiting Kashmir for the first time. "I've never been to Srinagar. It's going to be my first time so that's another tick on my list in India, one more state that I'm actually going to visit. So I'm actually looking forward to Srinagar. Is quite close to Kashmir... I think I'm looking forward to it because I've never been to that side of India. I'm really excited," he said.

Indian cricket team captain Rohit Sharma's witty one-liners and candid comments have become a staple of the sport. His interactions with reporters and teammates have garnered widespread attention, showcasing his playful and charismatic nature.South African cricket legend Jonty Rhodes, who worked with Rohit as the Mumbai Indians fielding coach in the Indian Premier League (IPL), has shed light on the India skipper's "naughty" side. Rhodes revealed that Rohit's interactions with his teammates are often filled with humor and banter."The way that he interacts with his teammates, he's quite a character. He's quite a naughty boy, almost. He says a few things on the stump mic and you go 'Oh! Do you know people are listening, Ro?' I don't understand all of it but it's always broadcast and translated for us," Rhodes said.Rhodes also praised Rohit's growth as a captain, highlighting his ability to connect with his teammates and foster a positive environment."From a captaincy point of view, he has been superb. I was with him at MI for a quite few seasons. He grew as a captain there and that's the best thing about him," Rhodes said.Rhodes emphasized the importance of constant evolution for cricketers, noting that Rohit's success stems from his willingness to adapt and improve."Cricketers have to keep reinventing themselves. You are found out easily at the international level. I was dropped for two years from Test cricket because I had a technical issue.""If you look at Rohit, so much cricket has been played that if you don't evolve, you are going to be stuck. People are going to figure you out," he added.India will face Bangladesh in a two-match Test series starting September 19, where Rohit's leadership and witty remarks will undoubtedly be on display.

Rohit Sharma's Humble Gesture Delights Fans in MumbaiIndian cricket captain Rohit Sharma's popularity among fans is undeniable. His approachable and down-to-earth nature has always resonated with supporters, and a recent incident in Mumbai further cemented his status as a beloved figure.While in Mumbai, Rohit took time out to interact with fans who had gathered to meet him. He graciously posed for pictures, ensuring that everyone had a chance to capture a moment with their idol. However, amidst the excitement, Rohit remained mindful of the potential traffic congestion caused by the gathering.In a video posted on social media, Rohit can be heard gently reminding the fans, "Traffic ho jayega idhar" (There will be traffic here). His concern for the well-being of others, even in such a small gesture, speaks volumes about his character.After ensuring that everyone was happy, Rohit got into his car and departed, leaving behind a trail of delighted fans. His humility and consideration left a lasting impression on those present.Rohit's last appearance for India was during the three-match ODI series against Sri Lanka. After a month-long hiatus, he will return to the field to lead India in a two-match Test series against Bangladesh, commencing on September 19. The first Test will be held at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai, while the second match will take place at the Green Park Stadium in Kanpur from September 27 onwards.Rohit's leadership and batting prowess will be crucial for India's success in the upcoming series. His ability to inspire his teammates and guide them to victory has been instrumental in India's recent triumphs, including the T20 World Cup win in Barbados.

Rohit Sharma, the captain of India's victorious 2024 Men's T20 World Cup team, has been hailed as a "people's captain" by legendary Indian batsman Sunil Gavaskar. Gavaskar drew parallels between Rohit and former Indian captains MS Dhoni and Kapil Dev, who also led India to World Cup triumphs.Rohit's journey to World Cup glory has been marked by both success and setbacks. As a member of the Indian team, he won the 2007 T20 World Cup and the 2013 Champions Trophy. However, he narrowly missed out on the 2023 World Test Championship and ODI World Cup titles as captain.The T20 World Cup victory in South Africa last month was a defining moment for Rohit. India remained unbeaten throughout the tournament, showcasing their dominance and Rohit's astute leadership.Gavaskar praised Rohit's ability to connect with his team and the Indian cricketing community. He described Rohit as "well-liked" and "laconic," with a sharp tactical mind."Some of his moves can surprise you and make you scratch your head as to the reason, but the end result is more often than not exactly what the team needed at that moment," Gavaskar wrote.Rohit's contributions on the field were equally impressive. He scored 257 runs at a strike rate of 156.70, providing India with crucial early runs. His fifties against Australia and England were particularly significant.Gavaskar also acknowledged the role of coach Rahul Dravid in India's World Cup triumph. He described the duo of Rohit and Dravid as "totally team-oriented, completely selfless, and prepared to do anything and everything for Team India."Rohit's victory as captain has cemented his legacy as one of India's greatest cricketers. His leadership style and tactical acumen have earned him the respect and admiration of fans and experts alike.

Indian cricket captain Rohit Sharma has shared his insights on his journey as an international cricketer and captain, offering a glimpse into his future with the national team.During an interview on Dubai Eye 103.8 Radio Station while participating in the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL) for Mumbai Indians (MI), Rohit reflected on his career trajectory. Expressing his aspirations, he mentioned his intent to continue playing for several more years, aspiring to leave a lasting impact on the global cricketing stage."The journey has been wonderful; to make it to the highest level is not easy, especially in the country from where I come from; it has been 17 years; I still hope to play a few more years as well and make an impact in world cricket," Rohit said.The Indian skipper also reflected on the trials and tribulations he has faced throughout his cricketing journey, noting that he has experienced more setbacks than triumphs, particularly during the early stages of his career. These challenges took a toll on him, leading him to question his place within the national team."I have seen more downs than ups in my life, the human and person I am today is because of what I have seen in the past, and in the downs. When I started my career, I did not have a lot of positives. I did not have a lot of positive impact on the team. I was questioning whether I belonged here or not. It was about what I could do as a person or want in this life as a person and player," said Rohit.Discussing his role as the captain of the Indian team, Rohit emphasised that leading one's country is the ultimate honour for any cricketer. He further delved into his leadership philosophy, highlighting his vision as a skipper, which revolves around prioritising the team's success over individual milestones."Captaining your country is the biggest honour that you can have, and for me, I have never thought that this would arrive where I will be captaining one day. But yeah, people say good things happen to good people," said Rohit."I was very fortunate to get that opportunity (to be a captain), and I knew the past captains who have had an impact in Indian cricket and the kind of legacy they have left as well. We have had so many great captains, so yeah, just taking from where these guys left, making sure that the team heads in the right direction.""When I took over as India captain, I just wanted everyone to drive in one direction, that is how the team sport should be played, it is not about personal milestones, stats and goals, it is about what all 11 of us can bring to the table and win the trophy," Rohit concluded his point.Addressing the pressure inherent in being a cricketer and a role model in India, Rohit acknowledged its significant influence on his life. He emphasised his approach to handling pressure, viewing it as a constructive force that drives him to excel."I believe unless you are put under pressure, the real you does not come out so much. Sometimes you do not realise what kind of strengths you have as an individual, so when you are under pressure you try and bring out that strength," he added.Rohit will be in action for India in the ICC T20 World Cup from June 1 onwards in the West Indies and USA.