Cricket

Sachin Tendulkar's Unwavering Resilience: A Tale of Courage and DeterminationFormer Indian cricket captain Sourav Ganguly recently shared an inspiring anecdote about the legendary Sachin Tendulkar, highlighting his extraordinary resilience and unwavering determination.During the 2003 World Cup, India, led by Ganguly, reached the final against Australia. Tendulkar, known as the "Master Blaster," emerged as the tournament's highest run-scorer with an impressive 673 runs.In a recent event, Ganguly was asked to name a living person he most admires. Without hesitation, he named Tendulkar. Ganguly then recounted an incident that showcased Tendulkar's remarkable toughness."I have seen him close and I have seen him get hit in the rib cage by Shoaib Akhtar," Ganguly revealed. "He did not make any noise, got runs, and the next morning, he had a double fracture."Ganguly's account left fans awestruck. Tendulkar's ability to endure pain and continue playing despite a serious injury is a testament to his unwavering commitment to the game."I heard a sound and I went on to ask him, 'Are you okay?' He said, 'Yeah, fine.' Next morning, he had two fractures but he scored runs for India," Ganguly added.Tendulkar's resilience extended beyond physical injuries. In 2003, he was wrongly given out leg-before-wicket (LBW) by umpire Steve Bucknor in a crucial match against Australia. Despite the setback, Tendulkar remained focused and continued to perform at the highest level.Tendulkar's unwavering determination and ability to overcome adversity have made him an inspiration to countless cricket fans around the world. His legacy as one of the greatest cricketers of all time is not only due to his exceptional batting skills but also his indomitable spirit and unwavering resilience.

Harry Lee, a cricketer who defied death and played a Test match 15 years after his "demise," is a testament to the indomitable spirit of the human soul. Born in 1890, Lee was a promising cricketer for Middlesex when World War I broke out. Despite initial reluctance, he joined the British Army in 1914.During the Battle of Aubers Ridge in 1915, Lee was shot in the thigh and presumed dead. However, he miraculously survived, lying unconscious in no man's land for three days before being captured by German forces. After a harrowing journey to a German hospital, Lee's wounds healed, but he exaggerated his injury to secure permission to return home.Upon his discharge from the Army in 1915, Lee was told he would never play cricket again. Undeterred, he defied the odds and returned to the field in 1916. In 1917, he accepted an offer to coach cricket in India, where he made his first-class comeback in 1918.Lee's return to England in 1919 saw him continue playing for Middlesex, despite his war injury. He enjoyed a successful career, scoring over 1,000 runs in 13 of his 16 post-war seasons. In 1931, at the age of 40, Lee was called up to the England Test team for the fourth Test against South Africa.Despite playing in the match, Lee never received his Test cap due to a dispute with a school he had coached in South Africa. However, he did receive a consolation tie from Jack Hobbs. Lee's Test debut came 15 years after his presumed death, a remarkable feat that showcased his resilience and determination.After retiring from playing, Lee transitioned into umpiring and coaching. He published his autobiography in 1948, recounting his extraordinary journey from the battlefields of World War I to the cricket fields of England and India. Harry Lee passed away in 1980 at the age of 90, leaving behind a legacy of courage, perseverance, and the indomitable spirit of a true sportsman.

Yash Dayal's remarkable journey from IPL humiliation to India call-up is a testament to his resilience and determination. The left-arm pacer found himself in the spotlight during the IPL 2023 season, but not for the reasons he would have hoped. In a match against Kolkata Knight Riders, Dayal faced the wrath of Rinku Singh, who unleashed a barrage of boundaries against the young bowler.Rinku, in a display of sheer power and timing, smashed Dayal for five consecutive sixes, leaving him and his teammates stunned. The incident left a deep impact on Dayal, with reports indicating that his mother became unwell and refused to eat. However, the UP seamer did not let the setback define him. He emerged as a force to reckon with and has had a remarkable redemption with his maiden India call-up.The 26-year-old pacer has been included in the 16-man squad for the opening match of the two-Test series against Bangladesh starting on September 19. This maiden call-up serves as a testament to his resilience and skill, highlighting his ability to overcome adversity and achieve his goals.Since his first-class debut in 2018, Dayal has played a total of 24 matches, claiming 76 wickets at an average of 28.89. In the 2024 Duleep Trophy opener, representing India B against India A, he took 4 wickets across both innings. Dayal also made a strong impact in the IPL 2024 season, where he played for RCB and picked up 15 wickets in 14 matches.India's extended Test season kicks off with the first of two matches against Bangladesh in Chennai. The second Test is scheduled to take place at Green Park Stadium in Kanpur from September 27 to October 1. India and Bangladesh have faced off in 13 Test matches so far, with India winning 11 and the remaining two ending in draws.Bangladesh come into the series fresh from a historic 2-0 series win over Pakistan on their home soil, while this will mark India's first Test series since their 4-1 triumph over England earlier this year in January-March.

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.

The passing of Aunshuman Gaekwad has reignited the spotlight on a fundamental aspect of sports: the significance of courage and unwavering determination. In an era when batters faced some of the fastest bowlers in history without helmets, safety regulations, or impartial umpires, the likes of Gaekwad, Sunil Gavaskar, and Jimmy Amarnath stood tall.Gavaskar, a legend in his own right, recalls playing alongside three of the bravest cricketers in Indian history: Solkar, Amarnath, and Gaekwad. Each of these players could have said the same about Gavaskar, a testament to their mutual respect and admiration.The essence of sport lies in courage. During India's 1983 tour of the West Indies, they faced a formidable bowling attack led by Andy Roberts, Malcolm Marshall, Michael Holding, and Joel Garner. Despite not being at his best, Gavaskar managed a century, having earlier been struck on the head by Marshall. It was a rare occurrence for the opener to be hit, but it highlighted the immense skill and resilience required to survive against such pace.Amarnath, known for his aggressive batting style, scored 598 runs in that series, hooking the bowlers with abandon. For a brief period, he was considered the best batter in the world.Other Indian cricketers who have displayed exceptional bravery include C.K. Nayudu, who continued batting after being hit in the mouth by a fast bowler in a Ranji Trophy final. Leg spinner Anil Kumble, with a broken jaw, bowled 14 consecutive overs in the Antigua Test of 2002, becoming the first bowler to dismiss Brian Lara while bowling with a fractured jaw.Eknath Solkar, a fearless fielder, converted what batters thought were safe shots into brilliant catches at short leg. The spin quartet of the time – Bishan Bedi, Erapalli Prasanna, Bhagwat Chandrasekhar, and Srinivas Venkatraghavan – often credited Solkar's close-in catching for their success.Nari Contractor, who turned 90 this year, had his skull fractured by a Charlie Griffith delivery in the West Indies. Remarkably, he returned to play first-class cricket.Tiger Pataudi, a true icon of Indian cricket, lost an eye in a car accident but returned to Test cricket within five months and led the country within eight months. His courage and determination were unparalleled.The stories of these brave cricketers serve as a reminder that the essence of sport lies in the ability to overcome adversity and perform under pressure. Their legacy continues to inspire generations of athletes and fans alike.

Arshdeep Singh, the young Indian left-arm fast bowler, has emerged as a beacon of resilience and determination in the face of adversity. His stellar performance in the recent T20 World Cup, where he emerged as India's highest wicket-taker with 17 scalps, has silenced his critics and cemented his place as a vital cog in the team's future.Arshdeep's journey to success has been marked by both triumphs and setbacks. He faced significant backlash on social media after dropping a crucial catch against Pakistan in the 2022 Asia Cup. However, he refused to let the criticism derail his focus, instead using it as fuel to prove his worth.In an exclusive interview with IANS, Arshdeep reflected on his experiences, highlighting the importance of learning from each match and focusing on refining his skills for future opportunities. He also acknowledged the challenges of dealing with criticism and maintaining focus during tough times."Facing criticism and tough times is part of a cricketer's journey," he stated. "You have to learn how to be level-headed when you are playing for your country at such a level regardless of the situation."Arshdeep credited his support system, including family, coaches, and teammates, for helping him stay grounded and motivated during difficult phases. He spoke highly of Rohit Sharma's captaincy, highlighting his calm demeanor and strategic thinking."Playing under Rohit Sharma's captaincy has been an incredible experience," Arshdeep remarked. "He allows every bowler full freedom to execute what they want to do on the field. His calm demeanor on the field and his strategic thinking are truly inspiring."Arshdeep also reflected on the immense contributions of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli to T20I cricket. He praised Rohit's explosive batting and sharp captaincy, as well as Virat's consistent performances and relentless pursuit of excellence."Their passion, dedication, and ability to perform under pressure have inspired many young cricketers, including myself," he said.Arshdeep emphasized the invaluable support of his family during tough times. "Family support during tough times is invaluable," he shared. "My family has always been my pillar of strength, providing unwavering support and encouragement through all the ups and downs."When asked about his favorite match, Arshdeep chose the recent World Cup final. "Winning the trophy was an unforgettable experience," he concluded. "The atmosphere, the intensity, and the sheer joy of lifting the cup with my teammates made it incredibly special. It is a moment I'll cherish forever, knowing we made our country proud on such a grand stage."Arshdeep Singh's journey exemplifies the power of resilience and determination. It showcases how perseverance and support can lead to triumph in the face of adversity, inspiring young cricketers to embrace challenges and strive for greatness.

Hardik Pandya's remarkable journey from being booed by his own fans to leading India to a T20 World Cup triumph is a testament to his resilience and determination. After enduring a tumultuous Indian Premier League (IPL) season in 2024, where he faced relentless criticism from the crowd, Pandya emerged as a beacon of hope for Indian cricket.Despite the adversity he faced, Pandya remained steadfast in his belief that he would prove his worth through his performances on the field. His unwavering resolve paid off as he played a pivotal role in India's historic T20 World Cup victory in the USA and West Indies.In a heartfelt conversation with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Pandya expressed his gratitude for the support he received from the team and the nation. "The last six months have been a rollercoaster ride," he said. "There were ups and downs, and the public booed me. But I always believed that I would respond through my sport."Pandya's exceptional performances in the T20 World Cup silenced his critics and earned him the admiration of fans across the country. He was instrumental in India's victory, contributing with both bat and ball. His all-round brilliance was a key factor in India's triumph.After returning to India with the World Cup trophy, Pandya and his teammates were greeted with a grand victory parade in Mumbai. The parade culminated at the iconic Wankhede Stadium, where the team was felicitated by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI).In a message to his fans, Pandya expressed his gratitude for their unwavering support. "India, you mean the world to me!" he wrote on social media. "Thank you for all the love. These are moments I will never forget."Hardik Pandya's journey is an inspiration to all aspiring athletes. It demonstrates that even in the face of adversity, perseverance and self-belief can lead to extraordinary achievements.

Hardik Pandya's remarkable comeback story has been a testament to his resilience and determination. After a premature end to his ODI World Cup campaign last year due to an ankle injury, Pandya faced further setbacks with jeers from fans during the IPL and personal troubles off the field.Despite these challenges, Pandya's appointment as Mumbai Indians captain initially sparked anger among fans. The transition was not well-received, and Pandya faced the brunt of the discontent. This had a negative impact on his personal game, and MI endured one of their poorest seasons.However, Pandya's fortunes turned dramatically with India's T20 World Cup victory. He delivered the winning over in the final against South Africa, ending with three wickets to lead India's bowling charts. This triumph marked a significant turning point in his career.Upon his return to Mumbai, Pandya was greeted by deafening cheers from fans at the Wankhede Stadium. The past negativity had been replaced by overwhelming support and admiration for his resilience.Pandya's mental strength was evident throughout his journey. Despite being booed in his first home match, he remained focused and worked hard to improve his performance. His determination and unwavering belief in himself ultimately paid off.Fans praised Pandya's crucial role in India's World Cup victory, highlighting his ability to bat deep and provide an extra bowling option. They also acknowledged his mental strength in overcoming the adversity he faced.Despite MI's disappointing IPL season, fans expressed their support for Pandya as their captain. They recognized his contributions to the team and his potential to lead them to future success.

Sanju Samson's journey to stardom began on a drizzly evening in 2008, when he witnessed Brendon McCullum's blistering knock in the inaugural IPL match. Inspired by the spectacle, the 14-year-old from Kottayam, Kerala, abandoned his dream of becoming a civil servant and set his sights on cricket.Driven by unwavering determination, Sanju honed his skills at the Medical College ground in Thiruvananthapuram, rain or shine. His early mentor, Biju George, witnessed his unwavering resolve, even when he cycled 25 kilometers from his home to practice in heavy rain.Sanju's father, Viswanath, a former football player, played a pivotal role in his son's aspirations. He arranged nets with the Delhi Police team, where Sanju faced off against older and more experienced cricketers.Despite his success, Sanju has remained grounded, a trait that has endeared him to the people of Kerala. He maintains close ties with his childhood friends and frequents local shops in his hometown."Malayalees appreciate humility," said George. "Sanju has retained that 'Nammude Sanju' (our Sanju) image, which connects him with the state."On the field, Sanju is a respected figure among his teammates. "Sanju chettan (elder brother) is always approachable," said Kerala opener Rohan Kunnummel. "He's passionate about state cricket and wants Kerala to win trophies."Sanju's influence extends beyond the cricket field. He has become a role model for aspiring young cricketers in Kerala, inspiring them to pursue their dreams.