Cricket

The Indian Premier League (IPL) is gearing up for its 2025 mega auction, and all eyes are on Mumbai Indians (MI) as they finalize their retentions. Former MI captain Rohit Sharma's future with the franchise is uncertain, and his potential availability in the auction pool has sparked speculation.Harbhajan Singh, Rohit's former India and MI teammate, believes that the veteran opener would command a hefty price if he enters the auction. "Rohit Sharma is a top-quality player and leader. He's a proven match-winner, and even at 37, he still has a lot of cricket left in him," said Harbhajan. "If he goes into the auction, he will fetch big bucks."Harbhajan also praised Rohit's off-field qualities, describing him as a "yaaro ka yaar" (friend of friends). "Rohit respects his elders, and that's one of his best qualities," he added.Meanwhile, Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Mohsin Naqvi has expressed confidence that the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy will be held in Pakistan, with all teams, including India, participating. However, Harbhajan has raised safety concerns, stating that Indian players should not travel to Pakistan."There are significant safety concerns in Pakistan," said Harbhajan. "I've always said, and I still believe, that if there's no guarantee of safety, our players shouldn't travel to Pakistan."Harbhajan also commended Jay Shah for his contributions to Indian cricket. "Having an Indian representative at the ICC level, especially as the chairman, is a huge achievement," he said. "Under Jay Shah's leadership, there have been many changes in Team India. Women's cricket, in particular, has received a financial boost thanks to his efforts."

Former Indian cricket team spinner Harbhajan Singh has sparked confusion and speculation with a cryptic post on social media. On October 8, 2024, Singh took to Twitter to write, "Nowadays, some ants are teaching bees how to make honey."The enigmatic message has left the internet baffled, with many trying to decipher its meaning. Some have suggested that it is a reference to another cricketer, while others have speculated about a political connection, as the post coincided with the Haryana and Jammu & Kashmir election results.Singh's post comes after he shared his thoughts on the thrilling IPL 2024 match between Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) and Chennai Super Kings (CSK). RCB emerged victorious, securing a spot in the playoffs.In a recent interview with Sports Yaari, Singh revealed an incident that occurred after the match. He claimed that CSK legend MS Dhoni lost his composure and punched a screen while walking back to the dressing room."RCB was celebrating and they deserved to celebrate because of the way they won. I was watching the whole scene from above because I was present there. RCB was celebrating and CSK had lined up to shake hands, RCB were a little late to reach CSK. By the time Team RCB finished their celebration, (Dhoni) went inside and he punched a screen outside the dressing room. I was watching from above but it is okay that every player has his own emotions, it happens," Singh said.Singh's cryptic post and the revelation about Dhoni's reaction have further fueled speculation and discussion among cricket fans. The true meaning behind the message remains unknown, but it has certainly sparked a buzz on social media.

Team India's emphatic victory over Bangladesh in the second Test has sparked widespread praise for skipper Rohit Sharma's leadership. Under his guidance, the Indian team displayed an aggressive approach and unwavering determination to secure a positive outcome.Rohit's leadership has been lauded for its attacking mindset, which has instilled a sense of confidence and purpose within the team. India's dominant performance in Kanpur not only resulted in a resounding victory but also sent a clear message to the cricketing world.While Rohit's leadership has garnered significant attention, former India spinner Harbhajan Singh has emphasized the legacy of Virat Kohli's captaincy. Harbhajan believes that Kohli's leadership style brought about a transformative shift in Indian cricket."Kohli's captaincy may not have yielded a World Cup victory, but that doesn't diminish his stature as a captain or player," Harbhajan stated. He highlighted Kohli's bold approach, exemplified by India's willingness to chase down a daunting target of 400 in the fourth innings of a Test in Australia.Harbhajan praised Kohli's ability to ignite a fire within the team, instilling a belief that they could overcome any challenge. He credited Kohli for fostering a mindset that has been evident in the performances of young players like Shubman Gill and Rishabh Pant."The determination to fight till the end, which Shubman and Rishabh displayed to win the Test in Gabba, was a testament to the change in the team's thinking," Harbhajan concluded.Despite India's lack of ICC titles under Kohli's captaincy, Harbhajan remains positive about his leadership style. He believes that Kohli's legacy lies in the transformation he brought to the Indian team, which has been carried forward by Rohit Sharma and the current generation of players.

Rohit Sharma, the enigmatic Indian captain, bid farewell to the T20I format after India's triumphant 2024 T20 World Cup campaign. The historic victory marked the end of an era for the Indian cricket team, as three senior players, Virat Kohli, Rohit, and Ravindra Jadeja, retired from the shortest format.Rohit's decision to step down from T20Is signaled the beginning of a transition phase for Indian cricket. However, the veteran batsman remains a formidable force in Tests and ODIs, with his sights set on next year's ICC Champions Trophy and the World Test Championship final.Despite his absence from T20Is, Rohit continues to be missed by fans. A recent video went viral on social media, capturing a fan expressing their longing for Rohit's presence in the format. Rohit's response, "Bas ho gaya yaar," hinted at his contentment with his decision to retire from T20Is.Former India spinner Harbhajan Singh recently weighed in on the debate between MS Dhoni and Rohit Sharma's captaincy styles. Harbhajan preferred Rohit's approach, citing his ability to connect with his teammates and empower them, particularly the bowlers."Rohit is people's captain. He goes up to the people and asks them what they want. His teammates connect with him very well," Harbhajan said.While Dhoni is widely regarded as one of the greatest leaders in cricket history, Rohit has earned a reputation as a players' captain, known for his freedom and support for his team."The better captain is the one who makes you fight for victory. For me, what Dhoni has done as captain, Rohit has also done it. He is no lesser than anyone," Harbhajan added.Rohit's T20I career culminated with India's World Cup triumph in 2024. Suryakumar Yadav was subsequently appointed as the captain of the T20I side, while Rohit continues to lead India in ODIs and Tests.Recently, Rohit-led India registered a 2-0 clean sweep over Bangladesh in a two-match ODI series. The victories extended India's dominance in the format and further cemented Rohit's status as a successful captain.

Former Indian spinner Harbhajan Singh has expressed his surprise and disappointment over the BCCI's decision to overlook Hardik Pandya as captain of the T20I team. Pandya was widely expected to take over the captaincy from Rohit Sharma, who recently retired from the format. However, the BCCI opted to appoint Suryakumar Yadav as the new skipper.Harbhajan believes that Pandya's experience and leadership qualities made him the ideal candidate for the captaincy. "He was your vice-captain...when Rohit Sharma is not the captain, your vice-captain becomes the captain," Harbhajan told Sports Yaari. "But if you tell him on fitness ground that you will not be the captain - there's no T20I cricket round the year."Harbhajan added that losing the captaincy must have been a significant setback for Pandya. "He came after winning the T20 World Cup and suddenly, it's a big setback for him. It's not right," he said. "I have great respect for Suryakumar Yadav. Phenomenal player, great guy...very selfless. Even he wouldn't have thought that this would happen."The BCCI's decision has also raised questions about Pandya's fitness. The all-rounder has been struggling with injuries in recent months, and there are concerns that he may not be able to handle the rigors of captaincy.However, Harbhajan believes that Pandya's fitness is not a major issue. "He's a young guy, he's fit," Harbhajan said. "He's been playing for India for a long time now. He knows how to manage his body."The BCCI has named a 15-man squad for the upcoming three-match T20I series against Bangladesh, with Yadav leading the team. The matches will be played on October 6 (Gwalior), October 9 (New Delhi), and October 12 (Hyderabad).

MS Dhoni vs Rohit Sharma: Harbhajan Singh Reveals MI's Strategy to Dominate CSKIn the annals of the Indian Premier League (IPL), two legendary captains stand tall: MS Dhoni and Rohit Sharma. While Dhoni led Chennai Super Kings (CSK) to multiple titles, Rohit's Mumbai Indians (MI) have also enjoyed immense success. However, when it came to head-to-head battles, MI seemed to hold a distinct advantage.Former India spinner Harbhajan Singh, who played for both franchises, recently shed light on MI's dominance over CSK. Speaking on a podcast, Harbhajan revealed that MI meticulously studied Dhoni's tactics and devised counter-strategies."We were aware of the tricks Dhoni used as captain," Harbhajan said. "We worked on finding solutions to undo his tactics."Harbhajan emphasized that MI's success against CSK was not solely due to Dhoni's absence. "Even when I left MI to join CSK, I got a lot of love," he said. "I bowled well and won a championship, and got a runners-up medal as well."However, Harbhajan acknowledged that MI's superior planning and execution played a crucial role in their victories over CSK. "To overcome Dhoni, you have to think better, play your cards better," he said. "MI had better players and the planning was also good."Harbhajan also addressed the ongoing debate over who is the better captain between Dhoni and Rohit. "Why do you compare the two?" he asked. "Dhoni led the team and took it forward, Rohit is also doing the same.""The better captain is the one who inspires you to win," Harbhajan continued. "If we talk about achievements, Rohit is not lesser than Dhoni. Every cup you win, you put hope in others. That is important."Harbhajan's insights provide a fascinating glimpse into the strategies and dynamics that have shaped the rivalry between two of the most successful teams in IPL history.

Mahendra Singh Dhoni and Rohit Sharma, two legendary Indian cricketers, have both left an indelible mark on the game as captains. Dhoni, known for his astute leadership and tactical brilliance, led India to unprecedented success, winning the T20 World Cup (2007), ODI World Cup (2011), and Champions Trophy (2013). Rohit, on the other hand, has emerged as a charismatic and progressive leader, guiding India to the 2024 T20 World Cup title.While Dhoni's captaincy was characterized by his calm demeanor and strategic decision-making, Rohit's approach is more collaborative and empowering. According to former India spinner Harbhajan Singh, Rohit's ability to connect with his teammates and seek their input sets him apart."Rohit is people's captain. He goes up to the people and asks them what they want. His teammates connect with him very well," Singh said.In contrast, Dhoni's leadership style was more introspective and authoritative. "He didn't talk to anyone. He wanted to convey his thoughts through his silence. It was his way of communicating with others," Singh added.Despite their contrasting styles, both Dhoni and Rohit have been highly successful as captains. Dhoni's legacy as one of the greatest leaders in cricket history is secure, while Rohit has proven himself to be a worthy successor, leading India to new heights."The better captain is the one who makes you fight for victory. For me, what Dhoni has done as captain, Rohit has also done it. He is no lesser than anyone," Singh said.Rohit's decision to retire from T20I cricket after India's World Cup triumph in 2024 has paved the way for Suryakumar Yadav to take over the reins in the shortest format. However, Rohit continues to lead the Indian team in ODIs and Tests, where he has enjoyed considerable success.Recently, Rohit-led India registered a 2-0 clean sweep over Bangladesh in the ODI series, showcasing the team's dominance under his leadership.

Virat Kohli's tenure as India's captain across all formats ended without an ICC trophy, but former off-spinner Harbhajan Singh believes that doesn't diminish his legacy as a leader.Speaking to 'Sports Yaari,' Harbhajan emphasized that Kohli instilled a fighting spirit and a belief in taking on challenges head-on. He cited the heroic Border-Gavaskar Trophy triumph in Australia in 2020-21 as an example.Despite Kohli's absence for the final three Tests due to the birth of his child, the team's determination to chase down daunting targets and never give up was evident. Harbhajan attributed this mindset to Kohli's influence."The fire that he ignited in the team, like it may be a target of 400 in the fourth innings of a Test, we'll go for the chase, we won't panic. If we go down, we do it while chasing," Harbhajan said.He highlighted the performances of Shubman Gill and Rishabh Pant in the fourth Test at the Gabba, where India chased down over 300 to clinch the series."That determination to fight till the end, which Shubman and Rishabh showed to win that Test in Gabba. It was because the way the team's thinking changed," Harbhajan concluded.While Kohli may not have led India to an ICC trophy, Harbhajan believes his legacy as a captain lies in the fire and belief he instilled in the team, which continues to reap benefits today.

India's World Cup-winning spinner Harbhajan Singh has expressed his concerns about the challenges that the Harmanpreet Kaur-led Indian women's cricket team will face in the upcoming ICC Women's T20 World Cup. The tournament, which begins on Thursday in the UAE, will see India placed in Group A alongside Australia, Sri Lanka, Pakistan, and New Zealand.Harbhajan believes that Australia will pose the biggest threat to India's title hopes. "Australia is a good team, even though these matches are being played in Dubai, on subcontinent pitches that might not suit them as much as their home conditions," he said. "But Australia, no matter where they play, are hard to beat."India's recent record against Australia in T20Is is not encouraging, with the Aussies winning 23 of the 32 matches played between the two teams. However, Harbhajan also warned India of the potential threat posed by Sri Lanka, who recently defeated India in the Asia Cup final."Sri Lanka, too, after their recent series win against India, will be confident when they play against India," Harbhajan said. "So, that will also be a good contest."Despite the challenges, Harbhajan believes that India has the potential to win their maiden ICC title. "Team India will be the team to beat in this tournament," he said. "They have both experience and youth. Harman is in good form, Smriti is in good form, and Deepti is an unbelievable spinner.""They are a very capable team and have been playing very good cricket," Harbhajan added. "The unit looks solid. If India plays good cricket overall, I believe they will win this tournament."Harbhajan also advised the Indian team to take it one match at a time and not succumb to the pressure of the big occasion. "You have to try to give your best and not take pressure," he said. "At this stage, the only thing that matters is to know yourself and play as a unit. Results will follow."