Cricket

Washington Sundar Wins India's 'Impact Fielder' Award for T20I Series Against BangladeshRising Indian all-rounder Washington Sundar has been recognized for his exceptional fielding skills, earning the India cricket team's 'Impact Fielder' Award for the recently concluded T20I series against Bangladesh. Sundar's outstanding performance on the field, including three catches and an impressive economy rate of just five runs per over, set him apart from his competitors.India's fielding coach, T Dilip, praised Sundar's remarkable improvement, noting that he appeared as a "different" player in terms of his fielding abilities. Dilip highlighted Sundar's "precision at the boundary line" and his ability to anticipate and cut angles effectively.Sundar's award came after a closely contested competition with Hardik Pandya and Riyan Parag. Pandya was hailed for his high energy levels on the field, while Parag was recognized for his ability to make difficult catches look effortless. However, Sundar's consistent performance and exceptional fielding skills ultimately earned him the top honor.Dilip also commended the collective spirit of the Indian team, emphasizing the importance of intent and energy in their fielding efforts. He praised the team's adaptability and anticipation, which allowed them to overcome challenges posed by different grounds and lighting conditions."When intent meets energy, the eagerness to convert every ball into an opportunity increases," said Dilip. "We were phenomenal in that aspect during this series."Sundar expressed his gratitude for the award, stating that he always strives to give his best on the field. He acknowledged the support of the coaching staff and his teammates, who created a positive and supportive environment.India's victory in the T20I series against Bangladesh marked a dominant 5-0 sweep of the Test and T20I series. The team will now turn their attention to a three-Test home series against New Zealand beginning on October 16, followed by a four-match T20I series in South Africa next month.

Suryakumar Yadav's Iconic Catch Inspires Nepal's Rohit Paudel to Emulate BrillianceIn the heart-stopping final of the T20 World Cup 2024, Suryakumar Yadav's gravity-defying catch against South Africa etched itself into the annals of cricket history. The moment, which turned the tide in India's favor, has become a benchmark for fielding excellence.Inspired by Suryakumar's brilliance, Nepal's rising star Rohit Paudel has showcased his own remarkable fielding prowess in the Global T20 Canada. Playing for the Toronto Nationals, Paudel replicated Suryakumar's breathtaking catch with astonishing precision.Facing a delivery from Junaid Siddique, Brampton Wolves' Akhil Kumar unleashed a powerful shot towards the boundary. Paudel, positioned at the ropes, sprinted to his right, caught the ball, and released it just as he crossed the boundary line. With lightning-fast reflexes, he then re-entered the field to complete the catch.The social media account of Global T20 Canada hailed Paudel's efforts, declaring, "A catch that would make even Suryakumar proud."Suryakumar's catch in the T20 World Cup final earned him the Fielder Medal of the Match. His dismissal of David Miller, who was threatening to snatch victory from India, proved pivotal in securing the crucial seven-run win.Needing 16 runs from the final over, South Africa had the dangerous Miller on strike. He connected with a wide full toss from Hardik Pandya, but Suryakumar, positioned at long-off, steadied himself on the ropes, caught the ball, and released it just as he went over the boundary line. With remarkable agility, he then came back in to complete the catch, extinguishing South Africa's hopes of victory.Paudel's emulation of Suryakumar's catch highlights the growing influence of the Indian star on the global cricketing landscape. His fielding prowess has set a new standard, inspiring young players around the world to push the boundaries of their abilities.

Former India head coach Ravi Shastri was overcome with emotion as he presented Rishabh Pant with the best fielder award following India's thrilling six-run victory over Pakistan in the Twenty20 World Cup. Shastri had been deeply affected by the news of Pant's potentially fatal car accident in December 2022.Despite being dropped four times and struggling for timing early on, Pant played a crucial role in India's victory with a vital 42 off 31 balls. He also took three excellent catches behind the stumps, showcasing his exceptional wicketkeeping skills."I had tears in my eyes when I heard about his accident," Shastri said in a video posted on bcci.tv. "When I saw him in hospital, it was even worse. Then for him to come back from there and be back in the A-zone playing one of the biggest games of all time, India vs Pakistan, is heartwarming."Shastri praised Pant's determination and hard work, noting that his recovery from the accident was an inspiration to millions. "Not just for yourself, it's an inspiration to millions around the globe that from adversity, from the jaws of death, you can snatch a win as well," he said.Fielding coach T Dilip also lauded the Indian players for their exceptional fielding performance on a sluggish outfield. "One thing which stood out was sheer commitment towards excellence in fielding, which led to greatness today," Dilip said. "In high pressure situations, being proactive is extremely important and this game was a great example."India's victory over Pakistan was their second in the tournament, following their opening win against the Netherlands. They will next face co-hosts USA on Wednesday in New York.