Cricket

Rohit Sharma Retires from T20Is After Leading India to World Cup GloryIndian cricket legend Rohit Sharma has announced his retirement from Twenty20 International (T20I) cricket after guiding the Men in Blue to a historic victory in the 2024 T20 World Cup. The 37-year-old skipper, who has been at the helm of India's T20I team since 2021, bows out as the format's all-time leading run-scorer with 4231 runs in 159 matches.Sharma's retirement marks the end of an illustrious T20I career that has seen him shatter numerous records. He holds the distinction of being the only player to score five centuries in T20Is, a testament to his exceptional batting prowess. Under his leadership, India has emerged as a formidable force in the shortest format of the game, winning the 2024 T20 World Cup and reaching the semi-finals of the 2022 edition.In a heartfelt Instagram post, Sharma expressed his overwhelming emotions following India's triumph. "This picture epitomizes how I'm feeling right now. So many words but can't find the right ones to express what yesterday meant to me," he wrote. "But I will, and I will share them, but right now I'm basking in a dream come true for a billion of us."Sharma's retirement has been met with an outpouring of tributes from fans, teammates, and fellow cricketers. Former India captain Virat Kohli hailed Sharma as "a true legend of the game" and praised his leadership qualities. "He has been an inspiration to many young players and has played a pivotal role in India's success in T20 cricket," Kohli said.As Sharma steps away from the international T20I arena, he leaves behind a legacy that will inspire generations to come. His exceptional batting skills, astute captaincy, and unwavering determination have made him one of the most respected and admired cricketers of his era.

Virat Kohli's Test Cricket Journey: A Decade of DominanceThirteen years ago, on this day in 2011, Virat Kohli embarked on his illustrious Test cricket career at Sabina Park in Kingston, Jamaica. Fresh from India's ODI World Cup triumph, Kohli was handed his Test cap, becoming the 268th Indian to represent the nation in the longest format of the game.Although his debut innings yielded modest scores of 4 and 15, it marked the beginning of an extraordinary journey that would transform Kohli into one of the greatest batsmen of his generation. Over the past decade, he has amassed an astonishing 8848 runs in 113 Test matches, with a remarkable average of 49.15.Kohli's Test career has been adorned with 29 centuries and 7 double centuries, including an unbeaten 254, his highest score. He ranks fourth among India's all-time run-scorers, trailing only Sachin Tendulkar, Rahul Dravid, and Sunil Gavaskar.Beyond his batting prowess, Kohli has also established himself as a formidable leader. He succeeded MS Dhoni as Test captain in 2014 and has led India in 68 matches, boasting the highest win percentage among captains with at least 10 matches. Under his stewardship, India has triumphed in Test series in Australia, England, South Africa, Sri Lanka, and the West Indies.Kohli's unwavering belief in the importance of Test cricket has been instrumental in India's resurgence as a dominant force in the format. He has consistently emphasized the significance of technique, patience, and mental fortitude in the longest format of the game.In January 2022, Kohli relinquished the Test captaincy to Rohit Sharma, but his passion for Test cricket remains undiminished. As India faces Afghanistan in the Super Eights of the T20 World Cup, Kohli will be eager to make a significant contribution with the bat and add another memorable chapter to his illustrious Test career.

MS Dhoni's Global Fandom Extends to FIFA World Cup, Earning 'Thala' MentionMahendra Singh Dhoni, the legendary Indian cricketer, continues to captivate fans worldwide, even after his retirement from international cricket. His iconic status extends beyond the boundaries of the sport, as evidenced by a recent mention of his nickname "Thala" in a FIFA World Cup post.On the official Instagram handle of the FIFA World Cup, a photo of Portuguese star Cristiano Ronaldo was posted with the caption "Thala for a reason." This unexpected reference to Dhoni's nickname sent his fans into a frenzy on social media, highlighting the global reach of his fandom.Dhoni's popularity stems from his exceptional cricketing skills, charismatic leadership, and humble demeanor. As captain of the Chennai Super Kings in the Indian Premier League (IPL), he led the team to four championship titles. His calm and composed nature under pressure earned him the respect of opponents and fans alike.Beyond his cricketing achievements, Dhoni is known for his kindness and accessibility. Despite his fame, he remains grounded and often interacts with fans. Recently, he obliged an adorable request for a picture, winning hearts on social media.Dhoni's global fandom is a testament to his enduring legacy in the sporting world. His nickname "Thala," meaning "big brother," reflects the respect and admiration he commands. Even years after his retirement, Dhoni continues to inspire and connect with fans across the globe, proving that his impact transcends the boundaries of cricket.

Nicholas Pooran, the swashbuckling Trinidadian, has etched his name in the annals of West Indies cricket history by becoming the leading T20 run-scorer, surpassing the legendary Chris Gayle. This remarkable achievement is a testament to Pooran's unwavering determination and relentless hard work.Pooran's journey to the top has been marked by both triumphs and setbacks. After a promising start in the 2014 Under-19 World Cup, he suffered a major setback in a car accident that sidelined him for an extended period. Undeterred, Pooran persevered, honing his skills in various franchise leagues.His international breakthrough came at the 2019 50-over World Cup, where he showcased his explosive batting with a brilliant 118 against Sri Lanka. However, a four-game suspension for ball-tampering later that year cast a shadow over his career.In 2022, Pooran was appointed captain of the T20 squad for the World Cup in Australia. Despite the team's disappointing losses to Scotland and Ireland, Pooran remained resolute in his belief in his abilities.Now, as the West Indies prepare for the Super Eights stage of the 2024 T20 World Cup, Pooran's experience and leadership will be crucial. He has vowed to continue the legacy of Chris Gayle, entertaining fans and inspiring the next generation of West Indian cricketers.Pooran's success is a reminder that with hard work, dedication, and a belief in oneself, anything is possible. His journey from adversity to triumph is an inspiration to all aspiring athletes.

Jacques Kallis, the legendary South African all-rounder, is renowned for his exceptional talent and unwavering focus. A recent anecdote shared by former Pakistan spinner Imran Tahir sheds light on Kallis's remarkable abilities and the unique approach he adopted before batting.During an online chat with former Pakistan wicketkeeper Rashid Latif, Tahir recounted an incident from his early Test career. Playing against Sri Lanka in Cape Town, Tahir witnessed Kallis fast asleep in the dressing room just before he was due to bat at number three.Tahir's initial concern turned into astonishment as he observed Kallis's nonchalant demeanor. Despite the gravity of the situation, Kallis remained unperturbed. As soon as Alviro Petersen was dismissed, Kallis opened his eyes, grabbed his bat, and casually walked out to the crease.To Tahir's disbelief, Kallis proceeded to score an unbeaten 237, leaving him in a state of shock. Latif remarked that such behavior would have resulted in a hefty fine in the Pakistan dressing room, while Tahir quipped that the player would have been banned from playing altogether.Kallis's ability to remain calm and focused under pressure is a testament to his exceptional mental strength. His unique approach to batting, which involved sleeping before an innings, allowed him to clear his mind and enter the crease with a clear and composed mindset.This anecdote highlights the extraordinary talent and dedication that made Jacques Kallis one of the greatest all-rounders in cricket history. His ability to perform at the highest level, even in the most challenging situations, is a source of inspiration for aspiring cricketers worldwide.

Virat Kohli's Form Slump Overshadowed by Unwavering Fan SupportDespite a disappointing T20 World Cup performance, Virat Kohli's popularity among Indian fans remains unyielding. The former India captain endured a string of low scores in the tournament, but his connection with his supporters was evident in a heartwarming moment during the match against USA.As Kohli stood at the boundary line, Indian fans erupted in passionate chants of "hamara neta kaisa ho, Virat Kohli jaisa ho" (our leader should be like Virat Kohli). Kohli, known for his humility and genuine connection with his fans, acknowledged the gesture with a wave, further strengthening the bond between the player and his devoted followers.The fans' enthusiasm reached new heights during the match. In another viral video, they chanted "10 rupay ki Pepsi, Kohli bhai s..y" (10-rupee Pepsi, Kohli is the best). They then added another line, saying "Diwali ho ya Holi, Anushka loves Kohli" (whether it's Diwali or Holi, Anushka loves Kohli).Kohli's face lit up with a smile as he waved to the crowd. Despite his recent struggles on the field, the unwavering support of his fans serves as a testament to his enduring legacy as one of India's most beloved cricketers.With three consecutive wins, India has advanced to the Super Eight stage of the T20 World Cup, which will be held entirely in the West Indies. While Kohli's form remains a concern, the team will undoubtedly draw inspiration from the unwavering support of their fans as they aim to reclaim the title.

MS Dhoni, the legendary Indian cricketer, is currently enjoying a well-deserved vacation in Paris with his family while the Indian cricket team competes in the T20 World Cup 2024 in the United States. Dhoni has been spotted posing in front of the iconic Eiffel Tower with his wife Sakshi and daughter Ziva, and has also been seen taking selfies with fans while exploring the city.Dhoni's wife, Sakshi, has shared several pictures from their vacation on her Instagram account, showcasing their family's happiness and joy. The couple has been seen enjoying the sights and sounds of Paris, taking in the city's rich culture and history.While Dhoni enjoys his time off, questions remain about his future in the Indian Premier League (IPL). It is unclear whether the former Chennai Super Kings (CSK) captain will continue playing for the franchise or retire from the sport altogether.According to CSK sources, Dhoni is planning a trip to London for treatment of a muscle tear injury. The sources indicate that Dhoni will make a decision about his future after recovering from the injury, which is expected to take five to six months.CSK was eliminated from the IPL 2024 Playoffs after a heartbreaking defeat to Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in a do-or-die match. Dhoni's injury played a role in CSK's disappointing performance, as he was not fully fit during the tournament.Sources close to Dhoni have revealed that he will only make a decision about his retirement after undergoing surgery in London. "Dhoni might head to London for his muscle tear surgery which saw him struggling during the IPL. He is not fully fit but wants to continue to play cricket and he will only decide about his future after treatment which will take him five to six months to recover," the sources said.Dhoni's future in cricket remains uncertain, but his fans will be eagerly awaiting his decision. The legendary cricketer has had a remarkable career, leading India to victory in the 2011 Cricket World Cup and the 2013 ICC Champions Trophy. He is also one of the most successful captains in IPL history, having led CSK to four titles.

Dale Steyn, the Legendary South African Pacer, Receives Amusing Bowling Advice from Unaware Staff MemberDale Steyn, the former South African fast bowler renowned for his exceptional skills, recently found himself in an amusing situation during the T20 World Cup. A staff member, unaware of Steyn's illustrious career, offered him some bowling advice, unaware of his legendary status.In a video that went viral on social media, the staff member instructed Steyn to refrain from bending his arm while bowling, emphasizing that such an action is prohibited in cricket. He also provided guidance to the renowned former South African player, explaining that the ball must make contact with the ground once before reaching the batter.Steyn, known for his humility and sense of humor, seemed to have enjoyed the bowling tips and didn't reveal his identity in the video. The incident highlights the global reach of cricket and the fact that even the most legendary players can sometimes be unrecognized in certain regions.Steyn's career has been marked by numerous achievements. He represented South Africa in 93 Test matches, 125 ODIs, and 47 T20Is, taking 439, 196, and 64 wickets respectively. He is also South Africa's highest wicket-taker in Test cricket.South Africa began their campaign in the World Cup with a tricky six-wicket victory over Sri Lanka on Monday. Tearaway pacer Anrich Nortje picked career-best figures of 4-7 to lead a dominant bowling performance from South Africa as they bowled out a listless Sri Lanka for just 77.Despite Sri Lanka taking four wickets, South Africa managed to complete the chase with 22 balls to spare and kick off their campaign in emphatic fashion.

Sachin Tendulkar's Emotional Tribute to His Father on His 25th Death AnniversarySachin Tendulkar, the legendary Indian cricketer, has penned a heartfelt note to his father, Ramesh Tendulkar, on the 25th anniversary of his passing. Ramesh Tendulkar, a renowned literary figure and poet, passed away on May 19, 1999, leaving a profound impact on his son's life.In a poignant post on social media, Sachin shared a photograph of himself standing by his father's chair at the Mumbai Marathi Granth Sangrahalaya, where Ramesh Tendulkar was fondly remembered on Saturday. "It has been 25 years since Baba left us, but standing by his old chair today, it feels like he is still here," Sachin wrote.Recalling his father's influence, Sachin expressed, "I was only 26 at the time, and now, at 51, I see even more clearly how much he impacted my life and the lives of many others." He continued, "Visiting this place after 43 years on his 25th death anniversary was incredibly emotional. His wisdom and kindness continue to inspire me."Sachin's father played a pivotal role in shaping his son's character and values. "I miss you every single day, Baba, and I hope I am living up to the values you instilled in me," Sachin wrote.The news of his father's death reached Sachin while he was playing in the 1999 World Cup in England. He immediately returned home to be with his family, but rejoined the squad and scored a century against Kenya, dedicating it to his father.Sachin's career as a cricketer was marked by extraordinary achievements. He retired as the first and still the only batter to have scored hundred international centuries (51 in Tests and 49 in ODIs). His father's legacy continues to inspire him both on and off the field.