Cricket

Sanju Samson's historic feat in Durban has etched his name in the annals of Indian cricket. The 29-year-old became the first Indian to score back-to-back T20I centuries, a testament to his exceptional batting prowess.Samson's century against South Africa came on the heels of his scintillating 111 against Bangladesh in the previous T20I. He reached the milestone in just 47 balls, smashing 7 fours and 9 sixes. His innings was a masterclass in power-hitting, leaving the South African bowlers in awe.Samson's achievement is even more remarkable considering he has grabbed the opportunity presented by the retirements of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma from T20I cricket. He has consistently performed in the shortest format, earning him a place in the Indian top order.The Kerala-born batsman is now part of an elite group of cricketers who have scored T20I centuries in consecutive matches. He joins England's Phil Salt, South Africa's Rilee Rossouw, and France's Gustav McKeon in this exclusive club.Samson's rise to prominence has been meteoric. He captained Rajasthan Royals to two IPL playoffs in the past three seasons, showcasing his leadership qualities and batting brilliance. His retention by the franchise for Rs 18 crore ahead of the IPL 2025 mega auction is a testament to his value.In the first T20I against South Africa, India won the toss and chose to bat first. Samson's century laid the foundation for a strong total, which India eventually defended to win the match.Samson's historic achievement is a proud moment for Indian cricket. It highlights the depth of talent in the country and the emergence of a new generation of stars. As India looks to build a formidable team for the upcoming T20 World Cup, Samson's batting prowess will be crucial.

Yashasvi Jaiswal Enters Test Cricket History Books with 1,000 Runs in a Calendar YearNew Delhi, India - Yashasvi Jaiswal, the prodigious Indian opener, has etched his name into the annals of Test cricket history by becoming the first Indian batter to amass 1,000 runs in a calendar year before turning 23. This remarkable achievement was accomplished during the second Test against New Zealand at Pune's MCA Stadium, where Jaiswal contributed 30 runs before being dismissed by Glenn Phillips.Jaiswal's historic feat places him among an elite group of Test cricket legends who have reached the 1,000-run milestone in a year at such a young age. He joins West Indies great Garfield Sobers (1958), South Africa's Graeme Smith (2003), AB de Villiers (2005), and England's Alastair Cook (2006) as the only batters to achieve this rare distinction.Jaiswal's journey to this milestone has been nothing short of extraordinary. The 22-year-old made his Test debut in December 2021 and has since established himself as a key member of the Indian batting lineup. His consistent performances throughout the year, including a century against Sri Lanka in March, have propelled him to the forefront of Indian cricket.Despite Jaiswal's historic achievement, India found themselves in a precarious position on the second day of the Test. Jaiswal's wicket left India struggling at 70/4 in the morning session, trailing New Zealand's first-innings total of 259. However, the young opener's record-breaking performance serves as a testament to his immense talent and potential as one of India's most promising young stars.

Virat Kohli's 'Shot of the Century': A Moment Etched in Cricket HistoryTwo years ago, on this day, the cricketing world witnessed a moment of brilliance that would forever be etched in the annals of the sport. Virat Kohli, the Indian batting maestro, executed one of the most stunning shots in cricket history during the India vs Pakistan match at the 2022 T20 World Cup.With India in a precarious position, needing 28 runs off just eight balls, Kohli's performance became a beacon of hope. Pakistan pacer Haris Rauf was bowling exceptionally well, but Kohli turned the tide by smashing two sixes off his deliveries.The first was a breathtaking back-foot punch that soared down the ground, a moment that captured the hearts of fans and analysts alike. However, it was the second six, a tennis-like shot out of the park, that mesmerized every eye.Kohli's unbeaten 83 runs off 52 balls proved pivotal as India secured a thrilling four-wicket victory over their arch-rivals. The shot, dubbed the 'Shot of the Century' by the ICC, became an instant sensation, showcasing Kohli's exceptional talent and unwavering determination.Haris Rauf himself later acknowledged Kohli's extraordinary talent, stating in an interview, "That was his class and the kind of shots that he plays, and the two sixes that he hit, I don't think any other player could hit those kind of shots."Kohli's shot not only won India the match but also cemented his status as one of the greatest batsmen of all time. It was a moment that transcended cricket, becoming a symbol of hope and inspiration for millions around the world.

Chetan Sharma's Historic Hat-Trick: A Defining Moment in Indian CricketOn October 31, 1987, Indian cricket history was etched in gold when Chetan Sharma became the first Indian bowler to claim a hat-trick in a World Cup match. This remarkable feat occurred during a group stage encounter against New Zealand in Nagpur, propelling India to a comfortable nine-wicket victory.Sharma's hat-trick unfolded in the 42nd over of New Zealand's innings. With sharp and accurate deliveries, he clean bowled Ken Rutherford, Ian Smith, and Ewen Chatfield in succession, leaving the Kiwi batsmen in disbelief. His bowling performance played a crucial role in restricting New Zealand to a modest total of 221/9.India's batting lineup, led by Sunil Gavaskar's unbeaten century (103 off 88 balls) and Kris Srikkanth's 75 off 58, made light work of the chase, reaching the target in just 32.1 overs. However, it was Sharma's hat-trick that stole the show, becoming the defining moment of the match.Sharma's hat-trick not only marked a historic milestone for Indian cricket but also set a high standard for future generations. Since then, three other Indian bowlers have achieved hat-tricks in ODIs: Kapil Dev, Mohammed Shami, and Kuldeep Yadav (twice).Mohammed Shami remains the only Indian bowler after Sharma to take a hat-trick in an ODI World Cup. During the 2019 World Cup, Shami dismissed Mohammad Nabi, Aftab Alam, and Mujeeb Ur Rahman in three consecutive deliveries against Afghanistan, echoing Sharma's historic achievement.Chetan Sharma's hat-trick in the 1987 World Cup remains an iconic moment in Indian cricket history, showcasing the skill, determination, and legacy of one of the country's greatest bowlers.

The India-New Zealand Test cricket rivalry has been marked by mutual respect and competitive matches. In October 1999, New Zealand toured India for a three-Test series, with the first Test taking place in Mohali.The match began with a delayed start due to a damp pitch. New Zealand captain Stephen Fleming won the toss and elected to field. India's batting lineup struggled against the Kiwi bowlers, with Dion Nash taking 6/27 as India was bundled out for just 83 runs in their first innings.However, India's bowlers responded strongly, with Javagal Srinath taking 6/45 to dismiss New Zealand for 215 runs in their first innings. Openers Devang Gandhi and Sadagoppan Ramesh then put on a 137-run stand for India, followed by a 229-run partnership between Rahul Dravid (144) and Sachin Tendulkar (126*). Sourav Ganguly's unbeaten 64 helped India declare their second innings at 505/3, setting New Zealand a target of 374 runs.Fleming led New Zealand's resistance with a determined 73-run knock, but India's bowlers kept the pressure on. Despite their best efforts, New Zealand ended their second innings at 251/7, drawing the Test match.Nash's spell of 6/27 remains one of the standout performances in New Zealand cricket history. His remarkable swing and seam bowling dismantled India's batting lineup, showcasing his ability to exploit the conditions in India, where seam bowlers often struggle.The Mohali Test was a testament to the competitive nature of the India-New Zealand rivalry. Both teams displayed resilience and determination, with Nash's bowling performance standing out as a defining moment in the match.

Anil Kumble's Historic 10-Wicket Haul: A Masterclass in Spin BowlingOn February 7, 1999, at the iconic Feroz Shah Kotla Ground in Delhi, Indian spin legend Anil Kumble etched his name into cricket history with an unforgettable 10-wicket haul against arch-rivals Pakistan. The match, the second Test of the series, witnessed one of the most remarkable spells of spin bowling the game has ever seen.Chasing a daunting target of 420 runs, Pakistan's openers, Shahid Afridi and Saeed Anwar, provided a solid start. However, the introduction of Kumble into the attack proved to be a game-changer. With his trademark accuracy and subtle variations, Kumble began to weave his magic on the pitch, which offered some assistance.Afridi was the first to fall, trapped lbw by Kumble's guile. From there, it was a one-man show as the Pakistani batsmen succumbed one by one to Kumble's spin mastery. Each delivery seemed to carry a hint of menace, with Kumble extracting extra bounce and sharp turn. His ability to outthink the batsmen was evident as he trapped them either lbw or got them caught behind.As Kumble took his ninth wicket, the tension was palpable. He was on the verge of achieving something only one bowler before him, England's Jim Laker, had done – take all ten wickets in an innings. And in the most fitting conclusion, Kumble dismissed Wasim Akram to complete his perfect 10 for 74, leading India to a massive victory.Kumble's feat cemented his legacy as one of the greatest spin bowlers in cricket. His 10-wicket haul remains a testament to his skill, determination, and the magic of spin bowling at its finest. It is a moment that will forever be etched in the annals of cricket history, inspiring generations of bowlers to come.

Sachin Tendulkar's Historic Double Century: A Moment Etched in Cricket HistoryOn February 24, 2010, the Captain Roop Singh Stadium in Gwalior witnessed a historic moment in cricket. Sachin Tendulkar, the legendary Indian batsman, became the first player to score a double century in One Day International (ODI) cricket.Tendulkar's remarkable innings came against a formidable South African bowling attack that included Dale Steyn, Wayne Parnell, Jacques Kallis, Roelof van der Merwe, Charl Langeveldt, and Jean-Paul Duminy. Undeterred, Tendulkar unleashed a breathtaking display of batting, smashing 25 fours and 3 sixes in his unbeaten 200 off 147 balls.India posted a mammoth 401/3 in their 50 overs, with Tendulkar reaching his 50 off 37 balls, 100 off 90 balls, and 150 off 118 balls. South Africa were bowled out for 248 in response, giving India a commanding 153-run victory.After the match, Tendulkar expressed his gratitude to the Indian fans and dedicated his achievement to them. He also acknowledged the contributions of Yusuf Pathan and MS Dhoni, who played crucial roles in India's victory.Tendulkar's double century was not only a personal milestone but also a testament to his exceptional fitness and longevity in international cricket. At the age of 36, he showcased his remarkable ability to adapt and excel at the highest level.The innings inspired future generations of cricketers, with more double centuries being scored in the years that followed. It remains one of the greatest moments in cricket history and further cemented Sachin Tendulkar's legendary status in the sport.

India's Unlikely Triumph: How Garry Sobers Predicted the 1983 World Cup UpsetIn the annals of cricket history, India's victory in the 1983 World Cup stands as a testament to the power of belief and the ability to defy expectations. While the team was not considered a favorite, legendary West Indies all-rounder Garry Sobers had a hunch that Kapil Dev's men could pull off a major upset.Sobers's prediction proved prophetic, as India went on to defeat the defending champions and his former team, the West Indies, in the final. But what was it that led Sobers to make such a bold prediction?According to Yashpal Sharma, a batsman on the victorious Indian team, Sobers was impressed by India's performance in a warm-up match against Sri Lanka. "We had made 285, thanks to a partnership between Kapil and myself," Sharma recalled. "Seeing us score that much on a green top, he said, 'These guys might be underdogs, but watch out for them in the World Cup.' He knew."Sobers's prediction was based on more than just India's batting performance. He also recognized the team's fighting spirit and determination. "They were a young team, but they had a lot of heart," Sobers said. "They were not afraid to take on anyone."India's victory in the 1983 World Cup was a watershed moment for Indian cricket. It inspired a generation of players and helped to establish India as a major force in the sport. Sobers's prediction played a small but significant role in that triumph, and it serves as a reminder that even the most unlikely of teams can achieve great things with belief and determination.

Yashasvi Jaiswal, India's prodigious batting sensation, has etched his name into the annals of cricket history by becoming the fourth-highest run-scorer in the world after the first 10 Test matches. With an impressive tally of 1,094 runs, Jaiswal has joined an elite group that includes the legendary Don Bradman.Jaiswal's remarkable achievement is a testament to his exceptional talent and unwavering determination. His journey from the humble streets of Mumbai to the pinnacle of Test cricket is an inspiring tale of hard work and dedication. Known for his exceptional performances in age-group cricket, Jaiswal shot to prominence as the highest run-scorer in the 2020 U-19 World Cup.Upon making his Test debut for India in 2023, Jaiswal displayed the maturity and composure of a seasoned veteran. His debut century in the Caribbean against the West Indies was followed by a string of impressive knocks, establishing him as one of India's most dependable top-order batters.Jaiswal's inclusion in the list of the highest run-scorers after 10 Tests is a testament to his exceptional batting prowess. He stands alongside some of the greatest names in the sport, including Don Bradman, Everton Weekes, George Headley, and Mark Taylor.Bradman's 1,446 runs after 10 Tests remain an untouchable record, a testament to his unparalleled greatness. However, Jaiswal's achievement of surpassing legendary West Indian greats Weekes and Headley, as well as Australian icon Taylor, speaks volumes about his potential.Before Jaiswal's meteoric rise, the record for the most runs scored by an Indian batter in their first 10 Tests belonged to the great Sunil Gavaskar, who had amassed 978 runs. Jaiswal's 1,094 runs have surpassed Gavaskar's mark, further solidifying his status as one of India's most promising young cricketers.Jaiswal's achievement is not only a personal triumph but also a source of pride for Indian cricket. His success serves as an inspiration to aspiring cricketers across the country, demonstrating that with hard work and dedication, anything is possible.