Cricket

Virat Kohli's journey to cricketing greatness has been marked by an unwavering determination and an insatiable hunger for success. Harbhajan Singh, a former teammate and close friend, recently shared insights into Kohli's early career, highlighting the qualities that have shaped him into one of India's most celebrated cricketers.During Kohli's debut ODI series in 2008, Harbhajan witnessed firsthand the young batsman's relentless drive. Despite scoring a half-century, Kohli expressed dissatisfaction, revealing his desire to push himself further. This attitude hinted at the exceptional heights he would eventually reach.Kohli's early Test struggles in 2011 against the West Indies tested his self-belief. Harbhajan recalled a conversation where he encouraged Kohli to believe in his abilities, predicting that he would score 10,000 Test runs. These words proved prophetic, as Kohli transformed into a batting phenomenon over the next 13 years.Harbhajan attributed Kohli's success to his unwavering mindset and meticulous preparation. He observed a shift in Kohli's diet and training regimen, reflecting his determination to become an extraordinary player. Kohli's stubbornness and unwavering belief in his abilities have been instrumental in his rise to the top.Kohli's impact on Indian cricket has been profound. He has elevated his batting to unprecedented levels, breaking numerous records and becoming the face of the sport in India. His aggressive approach and relentless pursuit of victory have inspired a generation of cricketers.Currently, Kohli stands on the cusp of surpassing 10,000 Test runs, a milestone that would further cement his legacy as one of India's all-time greats. His journey from a young batsman to a cricketing legend serves as a testament to the power of determination, hard work, and an unwavering belief in oneself.

Sachin Tendulkar Lauds Maharashtra Government's Decision to Honor Late Coach Ramakant Achrekar with StatueIndia's batting legend Sachin Tendulkar has expressed his gratitude to the Maharashtra Government for its decision to erect a statue of his childhood coach, the late Ramakant Achrekar, at Mumbai's Shivaji Park."Achrekar Sir has had an immeasurable impact on my life and countless others," Tendulkar wrote on social media. "His life was dedicated to cricket at Shivaji Park. Being immortalized there is what he would have desired. I am overjoyed with the government's decision to honor him at his 'karmabhoomi.'"The announcement was made on Wednesday, coinciding with National Sports Day and the birth anniversary of hockey legend Major Dhyan Chand. The Government of Maharashtra issued a Government Resolution (GR) permitting the installation of the monument near gate No. 5 of Shivaji Park.The initiative to build a memorial for Achrekar was spearheaded by his former student, Sunil Ramachandran, who played a pivotal role in securing the support of Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray.Achrekar, a recipient of the prestigious Dronacharya award, passed away in 2019 at the age of 87. He mentored 14 players who went on to represent India, including Tendulkar, Vinod Kambli, and Pravin Amre.The monument will feature a ball, helmet, gloves, and pad, along with Achrekar's name inscribed on it. The bat will bear the signatures of all 14 India cricketers he coached."The monument is expected to be completed within the next few months and will be inaugurated by Tendulkar," Ramachandran said.Tendulkar's heartfelt appreciation for the government's decision highlights the profound impact Achrekar had on his life and career. The statue will serve as a lasting tribute to the legendary coach who played an instrumental role in shaping the destiny of some of India's greatest cricketers.

Virat Kohli Lauds Shikhar Dhawan's Legacy as India's Dependable OpenerFormer Indian skipper Virat Kohli has paid a heartfelt tribute to Shikhar Dhawan, who recently announced his retirement from all forms of cricket. Kohli hailed Dhawan as one of India's most dependable openers, whose passion, sportsmanship, and signature smile will be dearly missed.Dhawan, fondly known as 'Gabbar,' has had an illustrious career, amassing 10,867 runs in 34 Tests, 167 ODIs, and 68 T20Is. He is the 12th highest run-scorer for India in international cricket, with 24 centuries and 79 fifty-plus scores.Kohli highlighted Dhawan's fearless debut and his rise to becoming one of India's most reliable openers. He credited Dhawan for giving countless memories to cherish, both on and off the field."Your passion for the game, your sportsmanship, and your trademark smile will be missed, but your legacy lives on," Kohli wrote on social media.Dhawan's most notable achievement came in the 2013 Champions Trophy, where he was named the player of the tournament for scoring the most runs (363). Along with Kohli and Rohit Sharma, he formed an unmatched triumvirate in the international white-ball formats from 2013 to 2019.Kohli and Dhawan shared a deep bond, both on and off the field. They hail from the same region in West Delhi and came through the system at almost the same time. They were teammates for the Indian team for almost a decade.Kohli expressed his gratitude to Dhawan for all the memories and wished him luck in his future endeavors. "Thank you for the memories, unforgettable performances, and always leading with your heart. Wishing you the best in your next innings, off the field Gabbar!" he added.Shikhar Dhawan's retirement marks the end of an era for Indian cricket. His contributions to the team have been immense, and his legacy as a dependable opener will forever be etched in the annals of Indian cricket history.

Virat Kohli, the legendary Indian cricketer, has etched his name in the annals of the sport with an illustrious career spanning 16 years. His remarkable journey has been marked by an array of records and accolades, solidifying his status as one of the greatest batters in modern cricket.Former Pakistan cricket star Basit Ali recently paid a glowing tribute to Kohli, emphasizing the importance of not just acknowledging his longevity but also understanding the unwavering dedication and resilience that have fueled his success. Ali highlighted the likes of Sachin Tendulkar, Sunil Gavaskar, Rahul Dravid, Sourav Ganguly, Younis Khan, and Javed Miandad as examples of players who enjoyed extended careers due to their unwavering commitment to the game.Ali stressed that Kohli's brilliance extends beyond his batting prowess. He pointed out the exceptional intensity and dedication that Kohli brings to the field, even when facing setbacks. "Just look at his dedication and the hard work he puts in. Even if he gets out early, he gives it all in the field," Ali said. "You can feel that Kohli is on the ground just by the noise the crowd makes when the ball goes to him. This is the result of the hard work he has put in for 16 years."Kohli's unwavering determination and relentless pursuit of excellence have been instrumental in his longevity and success. He has consistently set high standards for himself and his teammates, inspiring a new generation of cricketers to strive for greatness.

Wasim Akram and Shaniera Celebrate 11th Wedding Anniversary with Social Media CreativityLegendary Pakistani fast bowler Wasim Akram and his wife Shaniera marked their 11th wedding anniversary on August 19th with a touch of humor and heartfelt messages on social media.Shaniera took to the social media platform 'X' to wish her husband in a unique way. She showcased her photoshopping skills by portraying Akram with a bald head and a thick beard. "11 years on, you look as good as the day I met you," she captioned the humorous image.Shaniera, an Australian-born social worker in Pakistan, is Akram's second wife. His first wife, Huma, passed away in 2009.In a heartwarming message, Shaniera expressed her gratitude for Akram's presence in her life. "Thank you for everything you are and everything you give to my life, you are my world and 11 years on you look as good as the day I met you, you haven't changed a bit!" she wrote.Akram, who has 916 international wickets across formats, responded with a heartfelt letter to his wife. "Happy anniversary to the love of my life. With you in my life, I became a better person. You are that gift that keeps on giving, not just to me but to everyone around you. Your positive energy is so infectious it lifts everyone around you and shines wherever you go," he wrote.Shaniera later tweeted a more recent photo of Akram, saying, "Ok ok I'll be nice, here is a more current pic haha! I love you more every day. No matter what look you go for, as long as that smile stays the same. Happy 11 years to us!"Akram and Shaniera met in Melbourne in 2011 and married in 2013. They have one child together, born in 2014.

Star England batter and former captain Joe Root has paid a heartfelt tribute to late English great Graham Thorpe, acknowledging the profound impact Thorpe had on his career. Thorpe, who passed away at the age of 55, was a mainstay of the English batting lineup throughout the late 1990s and early 2000s.Root, who worked closely with Thorpe during his time with the England Lions and later with the senior team, described Thorpe as a "complete batter" and a "rockstar" who could adapt to any situation. He credited Thorpe with helping him improve his game, particularly in subcontinent conditions."He was one of the players that stood out in that time [for England in the 1990s and early 2000s]. He was one of the guys that consistently performed when things were tough and when results were not always going in our favour, which I think is a great quality to have," said Root.Root also highlighted Thorpe's role in developing the next generation of England batters, including skipper Ben Stokes. "He had a huge influence on my career and arguably without his backing and pushing my case, I may not have had the career I have had," said Root.Thorpe's coaching style was characterized by his attention to fundamentals and his ability to connect with each batter on an individual level. "There were certain fundamentals that he was big on - can you get really close to the ball and far away from it? - but he did not have one way of coaching," said Root.Beyond his technical guidance, Thorpe also provided valuable off-field support to Root. "Some of the best lessons I learned were not necessarily in the nets but over dinner or a few glasses of wine, just talking about the game, about shared experiences people can relate to," said Root.Root concluded his tribute by emphasizing Thorpe's legacy as both a player and a coach. "A lot will and should be talked about how brilliant a player he was for a long period of time, but we should remember the impact he has had on English cricket as a fantastic coach as well," said Root.

Virat Kohli, the legendary Indian batsman, celebrated 16 years of his illustrious international cricket career on August 18, 2024. His journey has been marked by remarkable achievements, inspiring performances, and an unwavering dedication to the sport.Kohli's international debut came in an ODI against Sri Lanka in 2008, where he scored a modest 12 runs. However, he quickly established himself as a consistent performer, finishing the series with an average of 31.80. Over the years, he has evolved into one of the most dominant batsmen in cricket history.In ODIs, Kohli holds the record for the most centuries (50) by a male batter. His unparalleled 27 centuries in successful run chases solidify his status as a modern-day great. His contributions extend beyond ODIs, with significant runs amassed in Test matches (8,848) and T20 Internationals (4,188).Kohli has been a key figure in India's triumphs in major ICC tournaments, including the 2011 World Cup, the 2013 Champions Trophy, and the 2024 T20 World Cup. His leadership qualities were evident during his tenure as Test captain, during which India secured a record 40 victories out of 68 matches.Beyond statistics, Kohli's impact on cricket is profound. He is credited with revolutionizing the approach to batting in limited-overs cricket, emphasizing fitness, aggressive running between the wickets, and a relentless pursuit of victory. His unwavering passion and dedication have inspired a generation of aspiring cricketers.As Kohli enters the latter stages of his career, his legacy as one of the most influential figures in cricket history is undeniable. His impact on Indian cricket, and the sport globally, is immeasurable, leaving an indelible mark on the game's evolution.

Graham Thorpe, the former England batsman, tragically lost his life after being struck by a train at Esher railway station on August 4, 2023. The inquest held on Tuesday revealed that the 55-year-old had taken his own life.Thorpe's wife, Amanda, had reported him missing on Monday, and his body was later identified. The Surrey Coroner's Court in Woking confirmed that Thorpe suffered "traumatic injuries" in the incident.Area coroner for Surrey, Simon Wickens, recorded Thorpe's cause of death as multiple injuries during a brief hearing. He expressed his condolences to Thorpe's family and all those affected by his passing. A date for the full inquest will be scheduled later.Thorpe's death has sent shockwaves through the cricket world, where he was a highly respected figure. He had a distinguished England career as an elegant batsman from 1993 to 2005, amassing over 9,000 runs in 100 Test matches and 82 one-day internationals. He scored 16 Test centuries and was known for his composure and technique.After retiring from playing, Thorpe served as a coach for England and Surrey for 12 years. He was highly regarded for his knowledge and ability to develop young players. However, in May 2022, he was hospitalized and described as "seriously ill."Amanda Thorpe revealed to The Times that her husband had attempted suicide two years prior to his death. She said that despite having a loving family, Thorpe struggled with mental illness and believed that his family would be better off without him.Thorpe's daughter, Kitty, 22, emphasized the importance of talking about mental health and reducing the stigma associated with it. She said that her father was a strong person on the field but that mental illness can affect anyone.Graham Thorpe's legacy as a cricketer and coach will be remembered, but his passing also highlights the importance of addressing mental health issues and providing support to those who are struggling.

Graham Thorpe: A Legacy of Excellence and InspirationThe cricket world is mourning the untimely passing of former England batsman Graham Thorpe, who passed away at the age of 55. Thorpe's illustrious career spanned 13 years, during which he represented England in 100 Tests and 82 One-Day Internationals.As a batsman, Thorpe was renowned for his exceptional skill and unwavering determination. He amassed 6,744 Test runs, including 16 centuries, with an impressive average of 44.66. His ability to adapt to different conditions and play with both finesse and power made him a formidable opponent.Beyond his batting prowess, Thorpe was also a respected coach. He played a pivotal role in guiding England's men's team to numerous victories across all formats of the game. His expertise and mentorship helped shape the careers of some of England's most talented players.The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) expressed their profound shock and sadness at Thorpe's passing. "There seem to be no appropriate words to describe the deep shock we feel at Graham's death," said an ECB statement. "More than one of England's finest-ever batters, he was a beloved member of the cricket family and revered by fans all over the world."Thorpe's legacy extends far beyond his statistics and achievements. He was a true ambassador for the sport, inspiring countless young cricketers with his passion and dedication. His untimely demise is a significant loss to the cricket community and will be deeply felt by all who knew and admired him.