Cricket

India's star pacer Jasprit Bumrah has quashed rumors of his impending retirement from T20I cricket, declaring that he has no plans to step away from the shortest format anytime soon.Bumrah's announcement comes after a triumphant T20 World Cup campaign for India, where he played a pivotal role in their victory over South Africa in the final. His exceptional bowling throughout the tournament, with an impressive economy rate of just 4.17, earned him the well-deserved accolade of Player of the Tournament.Despite the recent retirements of senior players Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and Ravindra Jadeja from T20I cricket, Bumrah remains committed to representing India in the format. "It's (my retirement) is a long way away. I have just started. Hopefully, it is far away now," he said during a felicitation ceremony at Wankhede Stadium.Bumrah's decision to continue playing T20Is is a testament to his passion for the game and his belief in India's potential to dominate the format. His exceptional skills and experience will be invaluable to the team as they look to build on their World Cup success.The pacer's emotional reaction to India's victory, sharing the moment with his son Angad, highlighted the significance of the achievement for him. "It was unreal. Usually, I am not the one who is at a loss of words, but seeing my son, the emotions that came in. I never cry after the game, but I started crying, and I cried two, three times," he said.Bumrah's commitment to T20I cricket is a positive sign for Indian cricket, as the team looks to maintain its dominance in the shortest format. His experience and leadership will be crucial in guiding the next generation of players and ensuring India's continued success on the international stage.

India's women's cricket team is gearing up for the upcoming Women's T20I series against South Africa, which will serve as their final preparation before the Asia Cup (T20) and the T20 World Cup. The team is placing a strong emphasis on improving its fielding, recognizing it as a crucial aspect of their success."Fielding is a game-changer," said batter Jemimah Rodrigues. "We have clarity in our plans across the three departments, and we're working hard to keep getting better in fielding."Rodrigues praised head coach Amol Muzumdar's focus on fitness and fielding. "Since Amol sir has come, we've been hearing the same thing in every team meeting: fitness and fielding are non-negotiable," she said. "We've been working specifically on these areas."The Indian women's cricket team has set high standards in fielding, and they are determined to maintain them. "We will continue to do everything to maintain it," said Rodrigues. "We will work hard, and the results will come."The experience gained during the Women's Premier League (WPL) will also be beneficial for the team in the World Cup. "The best part about our team is that it has been a consistent team for a very long time," said Rodrigues. "Also, having the WPL experience is a plus."The wicket at Chepauk, where the T20I series will be played, is expected to be a high-scoring one. "We got to score 500 runs in the opening day of the Test, which speaks a lot about the wicket here," said Rodrigues. "We will assess the conditions and then go about it."South African skipper Laura Wolvaardt indicated that her team would field their strongest possible XI during the T20 series. "We will be looking to play the strongest XI we can," she said. "We have plans leading up to the World Cup, and we want to nail down different combinations."South Africa experimented with spin options during the one-off Test against India, and Wolvaardt said this would continue in the T20 series. "It's a good time to see if we could perhaps use more spin in the powerplay and the death," she said. "India will probably bowl spin throughout the innings, but it all depends on the conditions."

Virat Kohli's heart sank as he witnessed South Africa's relentless assault on India's bowlers in the T20 World Cup final. With just 30 runs needed off 30 balls, the Proteas seemed poised to snatch victory from India's grasp. However, Jasprit Bumrah's "phenomenal" performance in the final five overs turned the tide, leading India to an improbable triumph."We felt like it was slipping away," Kohli admitted at the team's felicitation in Mumbai. "But what Bumrah did in those last five overs was truly special."Bumrah's miserly 16th over, conceding just four runs, and his dismissal of Marco Jansen in the 18th over, proved pivotal. India's bowlers had been under immense pressure, but Bumrah's composure and skill brought them back into the game.The victory, India's first World Cup title in 13 years, was celebrated with fervor in Mumbai. Thousands of fans lined Marine Drive as the team's bus made its way to the Wankhede Stadium, which was packed to capacity.Kohli expressed his gratitude for the overwhelming reception. "We'll never forget this," he said. "What we saw on the streets tonight is something I'll never forget."The team's journey to victory had been a rollercoaster of emotions. After winning the World Cup, they were stranded in Barbados due to a hurricane, but the celebrations upon their return to India have been unforgettable.Kohli praised Rohit Sharma's emotional display after the victory. "I've never seen Rohit show so much emotion on the field," he said. "When we were walking up the steps, we were both crying and hugged. That's a special memory."Sharma expressed his relief at ending India's long wait for a global title. "Bringing the World Cup to this country means the world to us," he said. "This is for the people who have supported us for the last 11 years."

Hardik Pandya's journey from being jeered to being cheered by the Wankhede crowd is a testament to his resilience and determination. After facing criticism for his performance as Mumbai Indians' captain in the IPL 2024, Pandya silenced his critics with a match-winning performance in the T20 World Cup final against South Africa.Pandya's all-round performance in the tournament was crucial for India's success. His batting contributions in the lower order were brief but effective, accumulating 144 runs at an impressive strike-rate exceeding 150. His bowling prowess was equally significant, as he consistently provided breakthroughs at critical junctures when his team required them the most. His bowling efforts yielded 11 wickets over the course of the tournament.His best performance came in the final when he triggered a dramatic South African collapse after the Proteas needed 30 runs from 30 balls with Heinrich Klaasen in full flow. Pandya gave the decisive blow by dismissing Klaasen in the first ball of the 17th over.He went on to bowl the tense final over and defended 16 runs to help India pip South Africa by seven runs and win their second T20 World Cup title. On the back of his good performance in the World Cup, Pandya rose two places to become the first Indian to occupy the number one spot in the ICC's T20I all-rounders' rankings on Wednesday.Pandya's turnaround in fortunes is a reminder that even in the face of adversity, perseverance and hard work can lead to success. His performance in the T20 World Cup has not only redeemed him in the eyes of the fans but has also established him as one of the most valuable players in the Indian cricket team.

South Africa's tour of India has been a tale of dominance for the hosts, who have swept the ODIs and Test match. As the series shifts to the T20I format, South Africa will look to salvage some pride and pose a challenge to the formidable Indian team.The Unstoppable MandhanaSmriti Mandhana has been in scintillating form throughout the series, amassing a staggering 492 runs across formats. Her ability to convert starts into big scores has been a key factor in India's success. South Africa will need to find a way to contain her if they want to have any chance of winning.The Wolvaardt-Kapp ThreatLaura Wolvaardt and Marizanne Kapp are South Africa's most dangerous players. Wolvaardt has been in excellent form with the bat, while Kapp is a threat with both bat and ball. India will need to keep a close eye on these two if they want to maintain their dominance.Tryon's ReturnChloe Tryon is back in the South African team after missing the ODI and Test legs of the tour. The all-rounder is a valuable asset to her side, providing both batting and bowling options. Her experience in Indian conditions could also prove to be an advantage.Radha's Road to RedemptionRadha Yadav has been a key performer for India in the shortest format. She has learnt to harness her aggression and has showcased better control and accuracy of late. With South Africa's batting line-up stacked with right-handers, Radha could be a threat on the spin-friendly Chepauk surface.Recent FormIndia come into the series on the back of a 5-0 sweep of Bangladesh, while South Africa have struggled to get more wins in this format. However, the T20I format is unpredictable, and South Africa will be hoping to upset the odds.Pitch and ConditionsThe MA Chidambaram Stadium has traditionally been a high-scoring ground, but the recent Test match saw the Indian spinners dominate. The pitch is expected to be spin-friendly, which could favor India's bowling attack.

Virat Kohli, the celebrated Indian batsman, arrived in Delhi on Thursday morning to a warm welcome from his family and fans after leading India to a thrilling victory in the T20 World Cup. India secured the title for the second time by defeating South Africa by seven runs in the final held in Barbados on Saturday.Kohli, who announced his retirement from the shortest format of cricket after the tournament, played a crucial role in India's triumph. Despite a challenging start with only 75 runs across the first seven innings, he peaked in the crucial moments, scoring 76 runs off 59 deliveries in the final. His innings, which included six fours and two sixes, helped India post a competitive total of 169/8.Throughout the tournament, Kohli accumulated 151 runs over eight innings, averaging 18.87 and maintaining a strike rate of 112.68. His half-century in the final was a testament to his resilience and determination.Kohli's sister, Bhawna Kohli Dhingra, shared celebratory moments on her Instagram account, writing, "Celebrating the win SUPERPROUD." These images also received acknowledgment from Anushka Sharma, Kohli's wife and a well-known actress, who liked the posts on Instagram.The Indian team's return to Delhi was met with enthusiasm from fans eager to welcome the champions and catch a glimpse of the trophy. The team's departure from Barbados was delayed due to Hurricane Beryl, a category four hurricane, which led to the closure of Grantley Adams International Airport in Bridgetown for three days. The flight back to Delhi, organized by BCCI secretary Jay Shah, took off on July 2 and arrived early Thursday morning, carrying team members, support staff, their families, and members of the media.India's triumph in the final ended a 13-year wait for an ICC trophy. Key performances included Kohli's 76 runs, Hardik Pandya's 3/20, and Jasprit Bumrah's 2/18, which collectively restricted South Africa to 169/8. Bumrah, with 15 wickets at an economy rate of 4.17, was named the 'Player of the Tournament.'To celebrate the victory, the team, led by Rohit Sharma, will partake in an open-top bus parade in Mumbai, passing through Marine Drive and the iconic Wankhede Stadium, starting at 5:00 pm. This event allows fans to join in the celebrations and honor the team's achievement in winning the prestigious T20 World Cup.

The Indian cricket team, fresh from their triumph at the T20 World Cup 2024, finally returned home to a hero's welcome after being stranded in Bridgetown, Barbados for three days due to a category 4 hurricane. The team departed on a chartered Air India flight from the Grantley Adams International Airport on July 3, arriving in Delhi on Thursday morning.The Indian squad, along with its support staff, players' families, and board officials, boarded the flight, which was arranged by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). The team had been scheduled to leave on July 2 but was delayed due to the late arrival of the plane.The Boeing 777, which had flown in from New Jersey, USA, landed in Barbados around 2 a.m. local time. Airport staff stated that it was the largest aircraft they had ever seen at the Grantley Adams International Airport, which had resumed operations on Tuesday.The Indian team's victory in the T20 World Cup was a thrilling affair, with the team pulling off a seven-run win over South Africa in the final. The triumph ended an 11-year trophy drought for India.Upon their return, the players were greeted by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and other dignitaries. Plans are also underway for a road show in Mumbai to honor the triumphant team.The Indian team's journey home was not without its challenges. Hurricane Beryl, which had caused the team's initial delay, was now headed towards Jamaica. However, the BCCI managed to secure a charter flight to bring the players home safely.The team's return marks a significant moment in Indian cricket history. The T20 World Cup victory is a testament to the team's hard work, dedication, and resilience. The players' triumph has brought joy and pride to the nation and has inspired a new generation of cricketers.

Hardik Pandya's stellar performance in the recently concluded T20 World Cup has propelled him to the pinnacle of the ICC Men's T20I All-Rounder Rankings. The Indian star has ascended two places to join Sri Lanka's Wanindu Hasaranga at the top of the standings, becoming the first Indian male cricketer to achieve this prestigious distinction.Pandya's rise to the summit is a testament to his exceptional contributions throughout the tournament. With both bat and ball, he played a pivotal role in India's triumph. In the batting department, he amassed 144 runs at a blistering strike rate of over 150, while with the ball, he claimed 11 wickets.His defining moment came in the final against South Africa. With the Proteas needing 16 runs to win in the final over, Pandya stepped up to the challenge and successfully defended the score, securing India's victory. His crucial wickets of Heinrich Klaasen and David Miller swung the momentum in India's favor.Pandya's ascent to the top of the rankings is a reflection of his all-round abilities. He is a dynamic batsman who can accelerate the scoring rate at will, and a skillful bowler who can trouble batters with his pace and variations. His versatility makes him an invaluable asset to any team.The T20I All-Rounder Rankings have also witnessed other notable movements. Marcus Stoinis, Sikandar Raza, Shakib Al Hasan, and Liam Livingstone have all moved up one position, while Mohammad Nabi has dropped four places to fall out of the top five.Pandya's achievement is a testament to his hard work and dedication. He has consistently performed at the highest level and has now established himself as one of the most formidable all-rounders in the world. His rise to the top is an inspiration to young cricketers everywhere.

Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli's T20I Retirement Shocks Mohammed ShamiAfter India's triumphant victory in the T20 World Cup, the retirement announcements from Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli sent shockwaves through the cricketing world. Fast bowler Mohammed Shami expressed his surprise and acknowledged the immense challenge of replacing these legendary players.Kohli, who was named Player-of-the-Match for his match-winning 76 in the final, announced his retirement from T20Is after the game. He ended his T20I career as India's second-highest run-scorer with 4188 runs in 125 matches.Shortly after, Rohit, in the post-match press conference, revealed his decision to join Kohli in retiring from T20Is. He finished his T20I career as the highest scorer with 4231 runs in 159 matches, holding the record for the most centuries in men's T20Is.Shami expressed his shock at the retirements, saying, "It's a shock. They have been stalwarts for India, delivering outstanding performances for 15-16 years and earning their titles as kings of white-ball cricket. Both retiring simultaneously is shocking, but it's part of the natural cycle."He added, "Replacing such stars in the team will be a significant challenge. However, I would like to thank both Rohit and Virat for winning matches for the team, playing amazing innings for India, and breaking records along the way."Reflecting on India's title win, Shami congratulated the team and support staff for their hard work and dedication. He also thanked the fans for their unwavering support throughout the campaign."It's a huge achievement. Credit goes to the entire Indian team, the support staff, and the fans who boost our confidence. I would like to congratulate all the players who worked hard to remain unbeaten in the tournament," said Shami.He concluded by acknowledging the significance of being part of a World Cup-winning team, saying, "Players who become a part of the World Cup are fortunate to have that opportunity, as only around 10 percent of players get a chance in their lifetime to be part of a World Cup-winning team."Shami also expressed his appreciation for Prime Minister Narendra Modi's personal congratulations to the team after their triumph. "I truly appreciate that our Prime Minister has a passion for the sport and personally congratulates our champions after their victories. It really boosts the team's confidence," he said.