Cricket

On August 15, 2020, former Indian cricket captain MS Dhoni announced his retirement from international cricket in a characteristically unexpected manner. A post on his Instagram account, accompanied by images from his illustrious career, simply stated, "Thanks - Thanks a lot for ur love and support throughout.from 1929 hrs consider me as Retired."Dhoni's retirement marked the end of an era for Indian cricket. Having already retired from Test cricket in 2014, he chose to step away from international cricket altogether while continuing to play for Chennai Super Kings in the Indian Premier League (IPL).Dhoni's legacy as a captain is unparalleled. He led India to victory in all three major ICC tournaments: the 2007 T20 World Cup, the 2011 ODI World Cup, and the 2013 Champions Trophy. He also held the Test mace for a period of time.Throughout his career, Dhoni played 90 Tests, 350 ODIs, and 98 T20Is, amassing 4876, 10773, and 1617 runs respectively. His tally of runs in international cricket included 16 centuries, and he made significant contributions as a wicketkeeper.Just minutes after Dhoni's announcement, his close friend and India teammate Suresh Raina followed suit, retiring from international cricket as well. Raina had been a key member of Dhoni-led teams that won the ODI World Cup and the Champions Trophy.Dhoni's retirement leaves a void in Indian cricket, but his legacy will continue to inspire future generations of players. His calm demeanor, strategic brilliance, and unwavering determination have made him one of the most respected and successful captains in the history of the game.

Left-Handed Legends: Unforgettable Innings that Captivated CricketInternational Left Handers Day provides an opportune moment to celebrate the remarkable contributions of left-handed batsmen to the sport of cricket. These southpaws have etched their names into cricket's annals with their exceptional performances, leaving an indelible mark on the game.Sourav Ganguly's Majestic 183In the 1999 Cricket World Cup, Sourav Ganguly's scintillating 183 against Sri Lanka remains a cherished memory. Batting with characteristic flair and timing, Ganguly's innings propelled India to a memorable victory. His knock showcased his pivotal role in Indian cricket, inspiring a generation of players.Gautam Gambhir's Resilient 97Gautam Gambhir's composed 97 in the 2011 ICC World Cup final epitomized his resilience and determination. Opening the batting against Sri Lanka, Gambhir anchored India's chase with a gritty innings. His knock played a crucial role in India's historic World Cup triumph after 28 years.Brian Lara's Immortal 400 Not OutBrian Lara's record-breaking 400 not out against England in 2004 stands as a testament to his exceptional skill and endurance. Over the course of his marathon innings, Lara displayed an array of exquisite strokes, setting the benchmark for individual brilliance in Test cricket.Saeed Anwar's Elegant 194Saeed Anwar's breathtaking 194 against India in 1997 showcased his elegance and grace. Batting with effortless timing, Anwar's innings was a symphony of fluent strokes. His cover drives and effortless pulls were a sight to behold, setting a record for the highest individual score in ODIs at the time.Matthew Hayden's Brutal 380Matthew Hayden's colossal 380 against Zimbabwe in 2003 displayed his raw power and dominance. This innings stood as the highest individual score in Test cricket before Brian Lara's 375 against England. Hayden's brutal hitting and relentless aggression left an unforgettable mark on the game.These unforgettable innings by left-handed batsmen serve as a testament to their immense talent and the indelible impact they have made on cricket. Their performances have captivated fans worldwide, inspiring generations of players and leaving a lasting legacy in the annals of the sport.

MS Dhoni and Virat Kohli: A Bond Beyond CricketFormer Indian cricket captain MS Dhoni has shed light on his enduring bond with Virat Kohli, one of India's most celebrated batsmen. Dhoni, who led India to victory in the 2011 World Cup, recently spoke about his close relationship with Kohli during an event in Hyderabad.Dhoni revealed that he and Kohli make a conscious effort to connect whenever they have the opportunity. "We have been colleagues who played for India for a very long time," Dhoni said. "He has been amongst the best when it comes to world cricket."The former skipper recalled their memorable partnerships during his playing days, particularly in the middle overs. "We used to take a lot of twos and threes in the game, so it was always fun," Dhoni said. "It is not like we meet very often, but whenever we get a chance, we make sure that we go on the side and chat for sometime."Dhoni's comments underscore the deep respect and camaraderie between these two cricketing icons. Kohli, who recently played a pivotal role in India's victory in the ICC T20 World Cup, is currently engaged in the ongoing ODI series against Sri Lanka.Meanwhile, Dhoni made a triumphant return to the IPL in 2024 after undergoing a successful knee surgery. Despite occasional physical challenges, he showcased his enduring brilliance, scoring 161 runs in 11 innings with an impressive average of 53.66 and a remarkable strike rate of 220.54.Dhoni's return to the IPL was a testament to his unwavering passion for the game and his desire to entertain the audience. His presence on the field continues to inspire and captivate cricket fans around the world.

Former India coach and Australian legend Greg Chappell has joined the chorus of cricketing greats sending messages of support to Anshuman Gaekwad, the former India batsman and coach who is battling blood cancer. In a heartfelt video message, Chappell expressed his admiration for Gaekwad's fighting spirit, both on and off the field."Hi Anshuman, it's Greg Chappell here from Australia. Very sorry to hear about your health problems at the moment. But no doubt, all your family are giving you great support, and all your friends will be sending you lots of love as well," Chappell said."But more than that, the cricket community from around the world and particularly those that played against you and those who saw you play will be sending lots of positive energy your way as well. So no doubt, you got lots of fighting spirit. You showed that plenty of times on the cricket field. That fighting spirit is going to coming in handy now. But all of the positive energy that's coming your away from all around the world will no doubt help. I look forward to hearing some good news, so cheers!"Gaekwad, 71, is currently hospitalized in Baroda after undergoing treatment for blood cancer at the King's College Hospital in London. He has received an outpouring of support from the cricketing fraternity, including Sunil Gavaskar, Kapil Dev, Ravi Shastri, Clive Lloyd, Andy Roberts, Farokh Engineer, Dilip Vengsarkar, Roger Binny, Mohinder Amarnath, Sandeep Patil, Karsan Ghavri, Balwinder Singh Sandhu, and actor Nana Patekar."The messages dad received from these greats were not just emotional, but assuring that he'll be fine soon. Dad is feeling much better now, and asked me to call and thank each one of these greats for this gesture. His vital organs are stable, and he wants to go home," Gaekwad's son Shatrunjay told TOI.The BCCI has provided Rs 1 crore for Gaekwad's treatment, while the India's 1983 World Cup-winning team has also collected funds for him. "We all made an effort, did whatever we could do, because help begins at home. We've a whatsaap group of the 1983 team, where we spoke about it, and we contributed our pensions. We did it because we are all enamoured by 'Charlie' Anshuman Gaekwad. He was a gutsy player. People like him and Jimmy (Mohinder) Amarnath are role models for many of us. The way he conducted himself on a cricket field, facing the fiercest of fast bowlers, getting hit on the head and the body," said Kirti Azad, a member of that side.Gaekwad played 40 Test matches for India, scoring 1985 runs at an average of 30.07, and 269 runs in 15 ODIs. He is known for his fearless batting and his ability to play spin bowling with ease.

Sachin Tendulkar, the legendary Indian batsman, was a formidable force on the cricket field. His presence alone instilled fear in opposing teams, particularly Pakistan. During the 1990s, Pakistan's strategy revolved around dismissing Tendulkar as the key to victory.Former Pakistan batsman Basit Ali recalled the aura surrounding Tendulkar in the Pakistan dressing room. "Our captain, Wasim Akram, would emphasize everywhere that dismissing Sachin was paramount to winning the match," Ali said. "As soon as Sachin got out, Pakistan would often emerge victorious."Tendulkar's dominance against Pakistan was evident in both Test and ODI formats. In 18 Test matches, he amassed 1057 runs at an average of 42.28, including two centuries and a highest score of 194 not out. In 69 ODIs, he accumulated 2526 runs at an average of 40.09 and a strike rate of 87.49, with five centuries and a highest score of 141.Tendulkar's match-winning knock against Pakistan in the 2003 ODI World Cup clash at Centurion remains etched in the minds of cricket fans. His 98-run innings played a pivotal role in India's victory.The Indian batting team heavily relied on Tendulkar's brilliance during the 1990s. His wicket often determined the outcome of matches. Pakistan's fear of Tendulkar was a testament to his exceptional talent and the impact he had on the game.

Indian cricket legends Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli have bid farewell to their illustrious T20I careers after guiding India to a historic T20 World Cup victory in June. The triumph marked a fitting end to their remarkable journeys in the shortest format, where they have been instrumental in shaping India's cricketing destiny.Rohit, now 37, was part of the inaugural T20 World Cup-winning squad in 2007, while Kohli, 35, played a pivotal role in India's 2011 ODI World Cup triumph. Together, they have amassed a staggering 45,961 runs across all three international formats.Despite Kohli's struggles with form in the T20 World Cup, his match-winning 76 in the final against Pakistan earned him the Player of the Match award. Rohit, on the other hand, led the team from the front with three half-centuries, guiding India to an unbeaten run throughout the tournament.Former Indian spinner Amit Mishra has shed light on the contrasting personalities of Rohit and Kohli. According to Mishra, Rohit's open and approachable nature sets him apart from Kohli, who has undergone a noticeable change in demeanor since gaining fame and power."Rohit is very open with his players. He's the same person he was when I first met him," Mishra said. "On the other hand, Virat has changed a lot. There was hardly any talk between us."Mishra attributed this change to the pressures of captaincy and the accompanying fame and power. "When you get power, you feel everybody is talking to you for a reason," he explained.Despite their contrasting personalities, both Rohit and Kohli have left an indelible mark on Indian cricket. They will continue to play in Test and ODI formats, where they remain key figures in the team's success.The T20 World Cup triumph has been a moment of redemption for Rohit, who was stripped of his IPL captaincy from Mumbai Indians this year. Kohli, too, has proven his big-match credentials with his match-winning performance in the final.As they move on from T20I cricket, Rohit and Kohli leave behind a legacy of excellence and inspiration. Their contributions to Indian cricket will be remembered for generations to come.

Indian cricket has witnessed an unprecedented fortnight of triumph, with the Rohit Sharma-led team breaking an 11-year ICC trophy drought by winning the T20 World Cup. This historic victory was followed by another momentous achievement, as India Champions emerged victorious in the inaugural edition of the World Championship of Legends in Birmingham.The World Championship of Legends, a tournament featuring retired cricket legends, culminated in a thrilling finale between India Champions and arch-rivals Pakistan Champions. Led by Yuvraj Singh, India Champions defeated Pakistan Champions by five wickets at Edgbaston on Saturday.Pakistan Champions posted a competitive total of 156 for 6 in their 20 overs, with Shoaib Malik anchoring the innings with a crucial 41 off 23 balls. India Champions, in response, started their run chase with intent, losing Robin Uthappa early but relying on Ambati Rayudu's explosive 50 off 30 balls to set the foundation for the chase.With captain Yuvraj Singh and Irfan Pathan at the crease, India Champions sealed the win, finishing at 159 for 5 in 19.1 overs. The victory sparked jubilation among the Indian fans, who witnessed their team triumph in a tournament that celebrated the legacy of cricket legends.The World Championship of Legends provided a platform for retired cricketers to showcase their skills once again, and the tournament's success has raised hopes for future editions. The victory of India Champions has further cemented India's dominance in the world of cricket, adding another chapter to the rich history of the sport in the country.

Yuvraj Singh's All-Time XI: A Legendary LineupIn the wake of India Champions' triumph at the World Championship of Legends, skipper Yuvraj Singh unveiled his all-time XI, a star-studded ensemble that reflects his illustrious career.Yuvraj's XI boasts an opening duo of batting maestros Sachin Tendulkar and Ricky Ponting. The middle order is anchored by Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and AB de Villiers, three of the most prolific run-scorers in modern cricket.Behind the stumps, Adam Gilchrist brings his explosive batting and exceptional wicket-keeping skills. At No. 7, Shane Warne's legendary spin bowling prowess adds depth to the lineup. Muttiah Muralitharan, the highest wicket-taker in Test cricket, slots in at No. 8.The pace attack is spearheaded by Glenn McGrath and Wasim Akram, two of the greatest bowlers of all time. Andrew Flintoff, the former England all-rounder, provides balance with his batting and bowling abilities.Yuvraj himself reserves the No. 12 spot, a testament to his own remarkable contributions to the game.

India Champions vs Pakistan Champions: A Clash of Legends in the WCL 2024 FinalThe stage is set for an epic showdown as India Champions and Pakistan Champions prepare to face off in the grand finale of the World Championship of Legends (WCL) 2024. The match, scheduled for Saturday, July 13, at Edgbaston Cricket Stadium, promises to be a thrilling encounter between two cricketing powerhouses.India Champions, led by the experienced Yuvraj Singh, will be eager to avenge their loss to Pakistan in the group stage. The Indian team boasts a formidable lineup, including Suresh Raina, the Pathan brothers, and other seasoned veterans. Their aggressive style of play and wealth of experience make them a formidable opponent.Pakistan Champions, on the other hand, will be looking to prove their dominance once again. Led by the legendary Younus Khan, the team also features match-winners like Shahid Afridi and Shoaib Malik. Their ability to adapt to different conditions and their unwavering determination make them a force to be reckoned with.The road to the final has been challenging for both teams. India finished fourth in the group stage after defeats to Pakistan and South Africa, while Pakistan secured second place behind Australia. However, both teams showed their resilience and skill in the semi-finals, with India defeating Australia and Pakistan overcoming West Indies.The final promises to be a battle of wits and skill. India will be looking to exploit Pakistan's weakness in the middle order, while Pakistan will aim to neutralize India's explosive batting lineup. The match is expected to be a close contest, with both teams having a chance to lift the coveted WCL trophy.