Cricket

Asha Sobhana, a 33-year-old allrounder, made history on May 6, 2024, when she became the oldest Indian woman cricketer to make her international debut. Her impressive performance against Bangladesh, where she claimed two wickets in three overs while conceding only 18 runs, earned her a place in the Indian team for the ICC Women's T20 World Cup 2024.Sobhana's journey to the international stage began in 2004 when she met Aaron George Thomas, her childhood coach, at a camp for women cricketers in Kochi. Thomas, a renowned coach with over two decades of experience, recognized Sobhana's talent and played a pivotal role in her development.Under Thomas's guidance, Sobhana honed her skills and went on to represent the Kerala Women's Senior Cricket team. She also had stints with the South Central Railway (SCR) and Puducherry teams before joining the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in the inaugural edition of the Women's Premier League (WPL) in 2023.Sobhana's performance in the WPL was exceptional. She emerged as the second-highest wicket-taker of the tournament with 12 scalps in 10 matches, including a five-wicket haul against UP Warriorz. Her impressive bowling earned her a call-up to the Indian team for the World Cup.In the World Cup, Sobhana made her mark in India's match against New Zealand. She dismissed the dangerous Georgia Plimmer, who had scored a blistering 34 runs in 23 balls. Despite India's defeat, Sobhana's performance showcased her potential and earned her praise from fans and experts alike.Thomas, who watched Sobhana's international debut from his home in Thiruvananthapuram, expressed his pride in his former pupil. He highlighted her dedication and hard work, which had culminated in this historic moment.Sobhana's success has also been a boost for women's cricket in Kerala. With two players from the state (Sobhana and Sajana Sajeevan) in the current World Cup squad, Kerala has gained recognition for its contributions to the sport.Thomas believes that Kerala women's cricket has made significant progress in recent years, thanks to initiatives such as the Kerala Cricket Association's Pink tournament and the Comrade Kodiyeri Balakrishnan Women's Cricket T20 Tournament. He also credits the emergence of cricket academies specifically for women for the growing interest in the sport.Sobhana's journey is an inspiration to aspiring cricketers, especially young girls. Her determination and perseverance have paved the way for her to achieve her dreams. As she continues to represent India on the international stage, she serves as a role model for future generations of women cricketers.

In a remarkable display of sportsmanship, former Indian cricket captain Virat Kohli silenced the jeering crowd and earned widespread respect during the 2019 ICC Cricket World Cup. The incident occurred during a high-stakes clash between India and Australia at The Oval in London on June 9, 2019.The backdrop of this moment lies in the infamous ball-tampering scandal of 2018, which involved Australian batsman Steve Smith and his teammate David Warner. The scandal rocked the cricketing world and resulted in a 12-month suspension for both players. By the time the 2019 World Cup arrived, Smith and Warner had returned to international cricket, but their reputation had been tarnished.During the India-Australia match, the crowd's hostility towards Smith was palpable. Every time he approached the boundary or appeared on the screen, sections of Indian supporters booed him relentlessly, reminding him of the ball-tampering incident. This negativity caught the attention of Kohli, who was batting at the time.Despite the intense rivalry between India and Australia, Kohli's sense of fairness and respect for the game prevailed. In a moment of pure sportsmanship, he gestured to the crowd, urging them to cease their booing and instead show Smith some respect. He waved his hands towards the fans, encouraging them to applaud Smith rather than ridicule him.Kohli later explained in a post-match interview that he felt uncomfortable seeing Smith being treated in such a manner. He emphasized that everyone makes mistakes in life and that it was important to let bygones be bygones. According to Kohli, Smith had served his punishment and deserved respect for his return to the sport.Kohli's unexpected act won him praise from fans, players, and commentators alike. Steve Smith later expressed his appreciation for Kohli's gesture, calling it a "kind and respectful" act. Kohli's intervention became one of the highlights of the tournament, showcasing that even in the heat of intense competition, the spirit of sportsmanship and mutual respect can shine through.

Sachin Tendulkar's Unforgettable Innings with Tissue Paper in UnderwearIn his autobiography, "Playing It My Way," cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar revealed a remarkable incident during the 2003 ICC World Cup match against Sri Lanka in Johannesburg. Despite battling an upset stomach, Tendulkar played a pivotal innings, scoring 97 runs off 120 balls.However, the most surprising aspect of his performance was that he batted for 160 minutes with tissue paper inside his underwear. Tendulkar's stomach discomfort was so intense that he had to make frequent trips to the dressing room during drink breaks."I added a teaspoon of salt to my energy drinks, thinking it would aid recovery, but it upset my stomach. The discomfort was so intense that I had to bat with tissues in my underwear. I even returned to the dressing room during one of the breaks, feeling very uncomfortable out in the middle," Tendulkar recalled.Despite the physical discomfort, Tendulkar played a crucial role in India's 183-run victory. His innings was a testament to his determination and resilience. However, the Man of the Match award went to Javagal Srinath for his remarkable bowling figures of 9-1-35-4.Tendulkar's performance in that match was just one highlight of his exceptional tournament. He emerged as the highest run-scorer, amassing 673 runs in 11 matches at an average of 61.18. His tally included 1 century and 6 half-centuries.Tendulkar's heroics helped India reach the ICC 2003 World Cup final, where they faced Australia. However, Australia proved too strong, posting a massive total of 359/2. India's chase faltered, and they were bowled out for 234 in 39.2 overs.Despite the disappointing result in the final, Tendulkar's performance in the tournament cemented his status as one of the greatest cricketers of all time. His ability to overcome adversity and deliver under pressure is a testament to his unwavering spirit and exceptional talent.

Luck Plays a Pivotal Role in Major Cricket Matches, Says Rahul DravidLegendary cricketer and former India head coach Rahul Dravid has emphasized the significant role that luck plays in determining the outcomes of major cricket matches. Reflecting on India's recent ICC campaigns, Dravid highlighted the team's defeat in the ODI World Cup final against Australia and their subsequent victory in the T20 World Cup final against South Africa as examples of how fortune can influence even the most well-prepared teams.India entered the ODI World Cup final with an unblemished record, having won 10 consecutive matches. However, in the final against Australia, things did not go according to plan, and Australia emerged victorious, leaving Indian fans disappointed. Six months later, Dravid and captain Rohit Sharma had another opportunity for glory in the T20 World Cup final against a formidable South African team. On this occasion, luck favored India.Speaking at the Ceat Cricket Rating Awards, where Dravid received the Lifetime Achievement Award, he discussed the fine margins that often separate victory from defeat in high-stakes matches. "I've had time to reflect on it. I've had time to reflect on a lot of things we've done. You do realize, sometimes, you have to do a lot of these things, you have to do the process, you have to do everything right. Sometimes at the end of the day, you need a little bit of luck," Dravid said.Dravid recounted the intense moments in the T20 World Cup final, where India defended 30 runs from the last 30 balls. He credited the team's execution and Rohit's calmness under pressure but also highlighted a pivotal moment when Suryakumar Yadav's stunning catch at the boundary dismissed David Miller, changing the course of the game in India's favor."Sometimes, it's the skill, but you also need someone who can keep their foot within one inch of a line," Dravid said, referring to Yadav's game-changing catch.In contrast, Dravid recalled how Australia's Travis Head rode his luck to score a match-winning century in the ODI World Cup final, despite India's bowlers frequently beating his bat. "I remember whatever it was, we beat Travis Head's bat 15 times — he didn't touch a single ball. You know, things can go your way sometimes," Dravid noted, underscoring the unpredictable nature of sports.As he steps down from his coaching role, Dravid expressed optimism about the future of Indian cricket. He believes that under the leadership of players like Rohit Sharma and Suryakumar Yadav, the team will continue to achieve great success on the global stage.

Indian Cricket Legends Retire from T20Is with Limited White-Ball SuccessFormer England captain Michael Vaughan has expressed his disappointment over the limited success of Indian cricket legends Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, and Ravindra Jadeja in winning white-ball trophies. Despite their immense contributions to the team, the trio has only secured one ICC trophy, the 2024 T20 World Cup, in the last decade.Kohli, Rohit, and Jadeja announced their retirement from T20 Internationals following India's victory in the World Cup final. Vaughan believes that their underwhelming record in recent ICC tournaments is a cause for concern."They'll all agree that it is a perfect way to go, but they should have won more white-ball trophies amongst them," Vaughan said. "To think that he (Rohit) has taken another seventeen years to get another one in his hand, I think he will be the first one to admit that they should have won one or two more."Kohli, Rohit, and Jadeja have been integral to Indian cricket for many years. Kohli is the former captain of the team and one of the greatest batsmen of all time. Rohit is the current captain and a prolific run-scorer. Jadeja is a versatile all-rounder who has made significant contributions with both bat and ball.Despite their individual brilliance, the trio has failed to replicate their success in the white-ball format at the international level. India has not won an ICC trophy since the 2013 Champions Trophy.Vaughan acknowledged that the trio retired at an opportune time, allowing them to focus on other formats and the Indian Premier League. However, he believes that their legacy will be tarnished by their lack of white-ball success."What a way to go out with a win in Barbados and a trophy in your hand. Now they can sit back and play Test cricket, a bit of one-day cricket, and in the IPL like MS Dhoni, play on forever. In Indian cricket, they will be replaced as there's plenty of talent in that team," Vaughan added.Kohli, Rohit, and Jadeja's departure from T20Is marks the end of an era for Indian cricket. Their contributions, both individually and collectively, have left an indelible mark on the sport. As they transition to focus on Test and ODI formats, as well as the IPL, their legacy will inspire the next generation of Indian cricketers.

Suryakumar Yadav, India's star batter, has revealed the thought process behind his match-winning catch of David Miller in the ICC T20 World Cup final against South Africa. Yadav initially aimed to save a boundary but credits fielding coach T Dilip for the crucial catch that helped India secure the title.Yadav, who played a pivotal role in India's World Cup campaign with 199 runs in eight games, made several stunning catches throughout the tournament. In the final over of the match, with South Africa needing 16 runs from six balls, Miller attempted a big shot. Yadav, positioned near the boundary, plucked a remarkable catch, first catching the ball and putting it in the air, crossing the boundary and returning inside quickly to complete the catch.Speaking to Revsportz, Yadav said, "When I started running, I was not thinking of the catch. I was running with every iota of strength in my legs to make sure I somehow saved the boundary. I wanted to throw the ball back in and save two or three runs at least for the team. And honestly, I was not thinking of the catch."Yadav admitted to being under pressure to complete the catch but emphasized the team's hard work on fielding under Dilip's guidance. "He has worked very hard with us, and each one of us has taken out 15 minutes during practice to train with him. As batters, we can contribute only in one department, and often fielding goes unnoticed. But here, each one of us has trained separately, and the results are showing. The catch, I will say, is a product of the work we have put in."In the final match, India opted to bat first and posted 176/7 in their 20 overs, thanks to a counter-attacking partnership between Virat Kohli (76) and Axar Patel (47). South Africa's chase was hampered by early wickets, but a half-century by Heinrich Klaasen (52) threatened to take the game away from India. However, Arshdeep Singh, Jasprit Bumrah, and Hardik Pandya made a fine comeback in the death overs, restricting South Africa to 169/8.Kohli was named 'Player of the Match' for his performance, and India ended their ICC title drought of nearly 11 years.

Virat Kohli's decision to retire from Twenty20 Internationals (T20Is) after India's triumph at the ICC T20 World Cup has been hailed as a wise move by his childhood coach, Rajkumar Sharma.Sharma believes that Kohli's decision will allow him to focus more on Test cricket, a format he excels in. "He likes Test cricket and he desires to perform more in the Test format," Sharma said. "He has a very good mindset for Test cricket. I believe that he will be able to concentrate more on it and will do well for the country."Kohli's retirement from T20Is comes after a successful career in the shortest format. He has amassed 4,188 runs in 125 matches, including one century and 38 half-tons. In T20 World Cups, he has scored 1,292 runs at an average of 58.72 and a strike rate of 128.81, including 15 half-centuries.Sharma believes that Kohli's decision to retire from T20Is is a sign of his maturity and understanding of his own game. "The decision Virat Kohli has taken is a big decision, and he has taken it on a very big occasion when India won the World Cup, and Virat Kohli won the Man of the Match award in the final," Sharma said. "That is the highest point for any player when he says goodbye to a format from such a big stage. So it is a very big decision. I appreciate his decision as he said that he wants to give a chance to the youngsters."Kohli's retirement from T20Is will open up opportunities for younger players to break into the Indian team. It will also allow Kohli to focus on his other commitments, including his role as captain of the Indian Test team.

Former Pakistan captain Mohammad Hafeez has reiterated his criticism of Virat Kohli's performance in the ICC ODI World Cup last year, calling him "selfish."In the World Cup match against South Africa, Kohli scored 101 runs off 121 balls, maintaining a strike rate of 83.47. Despite hitting 10 fours and no sixes, his performance drew criticism from Hafeez.Speaking on the Club Prairie Fire podcast, Hafeez explained his reasoning: "Your intention and way of playing should always aim toward winning the game. But if someone is hesitating to play big shots in his 90s, I won't accept it. After 95, if someone takes five balls to get to his 100 and his intention changes after scoring 100, why can't he play the same shots he did at 95 or 92 runs? For me, the intent should always remain the same—to add the best possible value to your team's victory."Hafeez believes that Kohli's focus on personal milestones hindered the team's success: "I felt Virat took too many balls to get to his hundred, and he wasn't playing big shots. Personal milestones should be secondary to the team's success. As a fan of cricket, I don't appreciate 50s and 100s that aren't for a winning cause. In cricket, even one run can make the biggest difference."Kohli's recent performances in the ICC Men's T20 World Cup have been disappointing, with scores of 1, 4, and 0 in consecutive matches. As the tournament shifts to the Caribbean, Kohli will be hoping to regain his form and contribute to India's success.

Afghanistan's Fazalhaq Farooqi unleashed a devastating spell to dismantle Uganda's batting lineup, leading his team to a resounding 125-run victory in their T20 World Cup 2024 Group C match at the Providence Stadium.Farooqi's fiery pace proved too much for Uganda's openers, Ronak Patel and Roger Mukasa, who were dismissed on consecutive deliveries in the first over. Patel was castled by an inswinger, while Mukasa was bamboozled by a googly.Mujeeb Ur Rahman joined the wicket-taking party in the next over, deceiving Simon Ssesazi with a googly. Naveen-ul-Haq then scalped two in the fifth over, reducing Uganda to a precarious 18/5.Uganda's batters struggled to find their rhythm, while Farooqi continued to be economical and rattle wickets. In the 13th over, Farooqi was on a hat-trick for the second time after picking up two consecutive wickets. With the second consecutive scalp, he completed his maiden five-wicket haul for Afghanistan in international cricket.Uganda eventually bundled out for a meager 58 runs in the 16th over, succumbing to a 125-run defeat.Earlier in the innings, Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Ibrahim Zadran's fierce opening partnership propelled Afghanistan to a formidable 183/5 against Uganda. The duo registered a 154-run stand, the second-highest opening stand in the men's T20 World Cup.Gurbaz top-scored with 76 off 45, while Zadran smashed 70 runs in 46 balls, powering Afghanistan to a fighting total.