Cricket

Indian Cricket Team Honors Late Anshuman Gaekwad with Black ArmbandsThe Indian cricket team paid a heartfelt tribute to former batsman and coach Anshuman Gaekwad, who passed away on Wednesday at the age of 71, by wearing black armbands during the opening ODI of the three-match series against Sri Lanka in Colombo on Friday.Gaekwad, a renowned figure in Indian cricket, had been battling blood cancer for an extended period. His demise sent shockwaves through the cricketing fraternity, with tributes pouring in from all corners.The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) released a statement expressing its condolences: "Team India is wearing black armbands today in memory of former Indian cricketer and coach Aunshuman Gaekwad, who passed away on Wednesday."Indian captain Rohit Sharma shared his grief and admiration for Gaekwad: "I was absolutely devastated to hear that news. I was lucky to have a few conversations with him during the BCCI awards, and on a personal note as well."Sharma recalled Gaekwad's guidance during his Ranji Trophy days: "When I was playing Ranji Trophy, he was there and he had a few things to talk about my game as well, which was overwhelming for me because he was such a great cricketer for us.""It's always nice when you learn from your seniors, understand how cricket was played back in the day, how tough it was and then to pass on his experiences on cricket and what his visions are about cricket. For me to understand that was a great learning at that point," Sharma added.Gaekwad's legacy extends beyond his playing career. As a coach, he played a pivotal role in shaping the careers of several young cricketers, including Sachin Tendulkar. His contributions to Indian cricket will be forever remembered.

Sachin Tendulkar, the legendary cricketer revered as the "God of Cricket," has always been known for his exceptional talent and his ability to connect with fans on a personal level. Recently, Tendulkar took to social media to share a light-hearted moment with his followers, showcasing a side of his life that fans rarely get to see."Since retiring from cricket, I don’t mind ducks," Tendulkar quipped in his post, accompanied by a picture of him feeding ducks near a serene lake. The witty remark was a playful nod to the term "duck" in cricket, which refers to a batsman being dismissed without scoring any runs.For a player of Tendulkar's stature—who holds the record for the most runs in both Test and ODI cricket—the concept of getting out for a duck was a rare occurrence. However, the humor in his statement wasn't lost on his millions of fans.The post quickly went viral, with fans and fellow cricketers alike flooding the comments section with laughter and admiration. Many praised Tendulkar for his ability to find humor in situations and for staying connected with his fans in such a relatable way.Some even reminisced about the few times he was dismissed for a duck during his illustrious career, but they all agreed that his contributions to the game far outweighed any such moments.A few months back, Wimbledon’s Centre Court was graced with a memorable moment when the announcer introduced Sachin Tendulkar, highlighting his status as a cricketing icon, World Cup winner, and the sport’s highest run-scorer. As the announcer's voice echoed through the historic venue, declaring, "Joining us today is a legend of the game from India, another World Cup winner and the highest run-scorer in cricket history—please welcome Sachin Tendulkar!", the crowd erupted into applause, offering a momentous and unforgettable reception for the cricket legend.Tendulkar's social media post and his appearance at Wimbledon are just two examples of his enduring popularity and the special bond he shares with his fans. Even after retiring from the game, Tendulkar remains an inspiration to millions around the world, both on and off the field.

Legendary English cricketer Geoffrey Boycott has undergone successful surgery to remove throat cancer, prompting an outpouring of support from the cricketing community.Boycott, 81, was diagnosed with throat cancer in 2002 and underwent chemotherapy and radiotherapy. However, the cancer recently returned, necessitating surgical intervention.His daughter, Emma, announced the successful outcome of the surgery on Boycott's Twitter account. "My Father, Geoffrey, has successfully come out of surgery this evening after a 3-hour operation to remove his throat cancer," she wrote.Former Australian cricketer and coach Darren Lehmann expressed his relief and well wishes. "Thanks for the update, please pass on our thoughts to the whole family and glad the surgery went well," he tweeted.Ex-England player Alan Butcher exclaimed "Great news," while former captain Michael Vaughan posted a red heart emoji.Boycott, known for his prolific batting and astute commentary, enjoyed a remarkable cricketing career. He amassed 8,114 runs in 108 Tests from 1964 to 1982, captaining England on four occasions. His Test average of 47.72 included 22 centuries and 42 half-centuries.In first-class cricket, Boycott represented Yorkshire, scoring an impressive 48,426 runs, the fifth-highest tally of all time. He later became president of Yorkshire and was a respected member of the BBC Test Match Special commentary team for 14 years until 2020.Boycott's contributions to cricket extend beyond his playing and commentary roles. He has authored several books on the sport and has been a regular pundit on Sky Sports and Talksport radio.The cricketing fraternity and fans alike are relieved and hopeful for Boycott's speedy recovery. His resilience and determination have been an inspiration to many, and his legacy as one of England's greatest batsmen remains secure.

James Anderson: A Swinging Legacy That Will Be Sorely MissedFormer Australian captain Ian Chappell has hailed James Anderson as the greatest swing bowler in cricket history, expressing concerns that England will struggle to replace his unique skills. Anderson, who recently retired from Test cricket, finished his illustrious career with 704 wickets, making him the third-most successful bowler in the format.Chappell praised Anderson's exceptional ability to swing the ball both ways with minimal change in his action. This rare skill, he noted, made Anderson an extremely difficult opponent to face. "Anderson had that rare ability to swing the ball both ways with very little change to his action," Chappell wrote. "Where other good bowlers gave the batter a clue with their change of arm slot, Anderson was able to produce swing both ways minus the early warning signal."Chappell also highlighted Anderson's remarkable longevity, attributing it to his fitness, skill, and unwavering dedication to Test cricket. "Twenty-one years at the top is a tribute to his fitness, skill, and ability to learn," Chappell said. "There was also his desire to keep playing when big life changes, like having a wife and kids, could easily have surpassed the priority of Test cricket."Anderson's subtle skills became even more evident as he continued to bowl with the same smooth rhythm and precision, regardless of whether he was facing right- or left-handed batters. "He continued to do so no matter whether he was bowling to a right- or left-handed batter," Chappell observed. "That was another skill that set him apart from many swing bowlers - it made little difference what type of batter he was facing."Chappell concluded by praising Anderson's patience and determination, which he believes were crucial factors in his success. "Most people's patience would be severely tested if they regularly charged in to bowl only to beat the bat and receive no reward," Chappell said. "Despite the occasional outburst, Anderson retained his patience, which was partly responsible for his amazing success."

Sunil Gavaskar, the legendary Indian cricketer, turns 75 today. Known for his unwavering determination and impeccable technique, Gavaskar has left an indelible mark on the sport.As a batsman, Gavaskar was a master of the straight bat. He possessed an uncanny ability to counter both pace and spin, making him a formidable opponent for bowlers worldwide. His signature floppy hat and broad bat became synonymous with his unwavering presence at the crease.Gavaskar's Test career spanned 16 years, during which he amassed a staggering 10,122 runs, including 34 centuries. His record-breaking 29th Test century in 1983 against the West Indies cemented his status as one of the greatest batsmen of all time.Beyond his batting prowess, Gavaskar was also a respected captain and a shrewd tactician. He led India to several memorable victories, including the historic 1983 World Cup triumph.After retiring from playing, Gavaskar transitioned seamlessly into a successful career as a commentator. His insightful analysis and witty observations have made him a beloved figure in the cricketing world.Off the field, Gavaskar is known for his philanthropy and his passion for badminton. He is a patron of the Prakash Padukone Badminton Academy and has been instrumental in promoting the sport in India.As Gavaskar celebrates his 75th birthday, the cricketing fraternity and fans alike pay tribute to his extraordinary contributions to the game. His legacy as a batsman, captain, and commentator will continue to inspire generations to come.

Sourav Ganguly, the former Indian cricket captain and current Director of Cricket for the Delhi Capitals, celebrated his 52nd birthday on July 8th. The legendary cricketer received heartfelt wishes from his former teammates, Manoj Tiwary and Munaf Patel, as well as his former IPL franchise, Kolkata Knight Riders.Tiwary, who played under Ganguly's captaincy at KKR, expressed his admiration and love for the birthday boy. "You are, you were, and you will always be an inspiration. Love you Dada and wishing you a very happy birthday," he tweeted.Patel, a former Indian fast bowler, praised Ganguly's contributions to Indian cricket. "A big hand of this guy in the development of #IndianCricketTeam where we are today. A very #HAPPYBIRTHDAY legend @SGanguly99. Wishing you a healthy life ahead #Dada," he wrote.KKR, where Ganguly led the team to two IPL titles, also extended their wishes. "Maharaja. Dada. The Prince of Kolkata. Happy Birthday, Sourav Ganguly," they tweeted.Ganguly's illustrious career spanned over two decades, during which he established himself as one of the most successful captains in Indian cricket history. Known for his aggressive leadership style, he led India to numerous victories, including the historic NatWest Trophy triumph in 2002.As a batsman, Ganguly was renowned for his elegant strokeplay and ability to score runs in all conditions. He made his Test debut in 1996 and quickly became a mainstay in the Indian batting lineup. He scored over 18,000 international runs, including 38 centuries and 107 half-centuries.After retiring from international cricket, Ganguly continued to play in the IPL and served as a mentor and coach for various teams. He is currently the Director of Cricket for the Delhi Capitals, where he plays a key role in shaping the team's strategy and performance.Ganguly's birthday celebration was a testament to his enduring legacy in Indian cricket. His contributions as a player, captain, and administrator have left an indelible mark on the sport, and he continues to inspire generations of cricketers and fans alike.

Mahendra Singh Dhoni, the legendary Indian cricketer and former captain, celebrates his 43rd birthday today. Known as "Captain Cool," Dhoni holds the unique distinction of being the only international captain to have won all three major ICC trophies: the T20 World Cup (2007), the ODI World Cup (2011), and the ICC Champions Trophy (2013).Dhoni's journey began in 2004 when he made his international debut in an ODI against Bangladesh. His breakthrough performance came in the 2006 ODI series against Pakistan in Lahore, where he scored an unbeaten 72 off 46 balls and was named "Player of the Match."Under Dhoni's leadership, India achieved unprecedented success. He led the team to victory in the inaugural T20 World Cup in 2007, becoming the first Indian captain to win a global tournament. In 2011, he guided India to their second ODI World Cup triumph, defeating Sri Lanka in the final. Two years later, Dhoni added the ICC Champions Trophy to his collection, making India the first team to win all three major ICC trophies.Dhoni's astute captaincy and calm demeanor earned him widespread admiration. He was known for his ability to read the game, make quick decisions, and inspire his teammates. Under his leadership, India also became the No. 1 Test team in the world.After retiring from international cricket in 2020, Dhoni continues to play for the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in the Indian Premier League (IPL). He has led CSK to five IPL titles, making him one of the most successful captains in the tournament's history.Dhoni's legacy extends beyond his on-field achievements. He is considered one of the greatest finishers in cricket history, known for his ability to guide his team to victory in tense situations. His calm and composed demeanor has made him a role model for aspiring cricketers and fans alike.As Dhoni celebrates his 43rd birthday, the cricket world pays tribute to his remarkable career and the indelible mark he has left on the sport.

Geoffrey Boycott Diagnosed with Throat Cancer for Second TimeLegendary English cricketer Sir Geoffrey Boycott has been diagnosed with throat cancer for the second time. The 83-year-old is scheduled to undergo surgery in two weeks to treat the illness.Boycott revealed his diagnosis in a statement quoted by 'The Telegraph.' "In the last few weeks, I have had an MRI Scan, CT Scan, a PET Scan, and two biopsies, and it has now been confirmed I have throat cancer and will require an operation," he said.Boycott first battled cancer in 2002, when he was diagnosed at the age of 62. At that time, he was given just three months to live but managed to recover through 35 sessions of chemotherapy, thanks to the support of his wife and daughter.The former England opener has an impressive cricket career, scoring 8114 runs in 108 Test matches and 151 first-class centuries. He retired in 1982 and transitioned into a media career, working as a commentator for BBC until he stepped down in 2020.Boycott's diagnosis has sent shockwaves through the cricket world. Former England captain Michael Vaughan tweeted, "Thoughts are with Sir Geoffrey Boycott and his family at this difficult time. A true legend of the game and a great man."Boycott's resilience and determination have been praised by many. He has vowed to "get on with it and hope for the best." His positive attitude and unwavering spirit serve as an inspiration to all who are facing adversity.

Virat Kohli, the legendary Indian cricketer, has bid farewell to the shortest format of the game, Twenty20 Internationals (T20Is). His decision marks the end of an era for Indian cricket, as Kohli has been a pivotal figure in the team's success over the past decade.Kohli's T20I journey began in 2010, and he quickly established himself as one of the most prolific batters in the format. His aggressive style of play and ability to chase down targets earned him the moniker "ultimate chase master." Kohli's most memorable T20I performance came in the 2016 World Cup final, where he scored an unbeaten 82 off 52 balls to guide India to victory.However, in recent years, Kohli's T20I form has declined. The rapid evolution of the format, with its emphasis on higher strike rates and a less risk-averse approach, has posed challenges for the veteran batter. Despite occasional flashes of brilliance, Kohli has struggled to maintain his previous level of consistency.Kohli's decision to retire from T20Is is a testament to his understanding of the changing landscape of the game. He recognizes that the demands of modern T20 cricket may not be best suited to his current skillset. By stepping away from the format, Kohli can focus on his other commitments, including Test and One-Day International (ODI) cricket.Kohli's legacy in T20Is is undeniable. He is the leading run-scorer in the format, with over 3,300 runs at an average of 50.80. He has also scored 30 half-centuries and one century. Kohli's aggressive batting style and unwavering determination have inspired a generation of cricketers.As Kohli embarks on the next chapter of his career, he leaves behind a void in the Indian T20I team. His experience, leadership, and ability to perform under pressure will be sorely missed. However, his contributions to the format will continue to be celebrated for years to come.