Cricket

India's all-rounder Krunal Pandya has penned an emotional tribute to his brother Hardik Pandya, who played a pivotal role in India's historic T20 World Cup triumph. In a heartfelt Instagram post, Krunal expressed his admiration for Hardik's resilience and unwavering commitment to the Indian team.Krunal acknowledged the criticism that Hardik faced, particularly during the IPL 2024 season. He emphasized that Hardik's priority has always been to represent India with distinction. Despite the negativity, Hardik remained focused on his goal of winning the World Cup."The last six months have been the toughest for Hardik," Krunal wrote. "He didn't deserve what he went through. He kept working hard and focusing on what he needed to do to get the World Cup."Krunal praised Hardik's ability to channel the criticism into motivation. "He passed through all of this with a smile, though I know how hard it was for him," Krunal said. "He kept working hard and focusing on what he needed to do to get the World Cup since that was his ultimate objective."Krunal also highlighted Hardik's unwavering patriotism. "For Hardik, it has always been country first, and it will always be that way," he wrote. "For a young boy coming from Baroda, there can be no bigger achievement than helping his team win the World Cup."Krunal concluded his post with a heartfelt message of love and admiration for his brother. "Hardik, I am so, so proud of you," he wrote. "I love you so much, and you deserve every bit of happiness and all the good things that are coming your way."Hardik Pandya has also acknowledged the challenges he faced in recent months. "The last 6 months have been very entertaining for me, there have been a lot of ups and downs and the public booed me," he said. "But I always felt that if I give any answer, it would be through sports."

India's T20 World Cup Triumph Celebrated at Ambani Sangeet CeremonyIndia's triumphant T20 World Cup team was honored at the sangeet ceremony of Anant and Radhika Ambani in Mumbai. Captain Rohit Sharma, Hardik Pandya, and Suryakumar Yadav were recognized for their exceptional contributions to the team's victory.Led by Rohit Sharma, India secured a thrilling seven-run victory over South Africa in the final in Barbados. The win marked India's first global tournament triumph since the 2013 Champions Trophy.Nita Ambani and Akash Ambani, the hosts of the sangeet ceremony, celebrated the achievements of the Indian cricketers. They acknowledged the team's hard work, dedication, and resilience throughout the tournament.Rohit Sharma expressed his gratitude for the recognition and praised the team's efforts. "The team and I are very proud to be able to bring the cup home and are truly touched by how much happiness it has brought everyone back home," he said.Hardik Pandya, who played a crucial role with both bat and ball, echoed Rohit's sentiments. "It was an incredible experience to be part of this team and contribute to our victory. We are grateful for the support we received from our fans and the entire nation," he said.Suryakumar Yadav, who emerged as one of the tournament's standout performers, expressed his joy at being honored. "It's a great feeling to be recognized for our achievements. We worked hard as a team and it's wonderful to see our efforts being appreciated," he said.The Indian team's victory in the T20 World Cup has brought immense joy to the nation. The players' recognition at the Ambani sangeet ceremony further highlights the significance of their achievement and the pride they have brought to India.

India's Future Stars Embark on Zimbabwe Tour, Seeking OpportunitiesAs India basks in the glory of their T20 World Cup triumph, the nation's attention turns to the future. A promising squad of 15 young players, led by Shubman Gill, has arrived in Zimbabwe to lay the groundwork for their own potential future success.With spots up for grabs in the national team, several players will be eager to make their mark. Abhishek Sharma, Ruturaj Gaikwad, and Rinku Singh are all vying for opening slots, while Riyan Parag and Washington Sundar aim to solidify their roles as all-rounders.Zimbabwe, too, sees this series as an opportunity to upset the newly crowned champions and showcase their own talent. Hosting India brings financial benefits and a global audience, providing a platform for players to attract attention from franchise tournaments worldwide.Shubman Gill and Sikandar Raza: In the SpotlightShubman Gill, despite a disappointing IPL campaign as captain, has the chance to lead by example in Zimbabwe. His aggressive batting style will be under scrutiny as India seeks to implement a more attacking approach.Sikandar Raza, Zimbabwe's captain, has endured a rollercoaster of form in recent months. After a suspension and a string of low scores, he has regained his touch with a match-winning half-century against Bangladesh. He will be determined to inspire his team to a strong performance.Team News and DebutsIndia's squad is a work in progress, with several potential debuts on the horizon. Abhishek Sharma is confirmed to open the batting alongside Gill, while Dhruv Jurel or Jitesh Sharma could make their international debuts as wicketkeepers.Zimbabwe is also searching for new talent, with Wessly Madhevere and Brandon Mavuta returning after serving suspensions. Brian Bennett and Tadiwanashe Marumani are among the other players who could make their T20I debuts.Pitch and ConditionsHarare's first T20I of the year is expected to produce a low-scoring affair. Recent matches have seen first-innings totals below 150, and spinners have been more effective than fast bowlers.Stats and Trivia* India has a 6-2 record against Zimbabwe in T20Is.* Sikandar Raza needs 53 runs to become the first Zimbabwean to score 2000 runs in T20Is.

Laura Wolvaardt, the South African captain, has faced challenges since taking over from Sune Luus. Despite her batting prowess, the team has struggled in T20Is, losing nine of their last 15 matches.Ahead of the T20I series against India, Wolvaardt emphasized that South Africa will field their strongest XI, which is likely to represent the team at the T20 World Cup in October. The series serves as a final dress rehearsal for the global event.Wolvaardt acknowledged that the team is close to finalizing their World Cup XI, with the return of all-rounder Chloe Tryon from injury. However, she remained uncertain about Marizanne Kapp's bowling availability due to a minor back injury.Under Wolvaardt's leadership, South Africa has sought to improve their batting output and consistency with the ball. They aim to score an additional 10-20 runs and be more clinical in their bowling.The conditions in Chennai, which favor spin, provide an opportunity for South Africa to experiment with their bowling strategy. Wolvaardt suggested that they may consider using spinners in the powerplay or at the death, which is uncommon for their team.India, on the other hand, enters the series with momentum after a 5-0 whitewash against Bangladesh. Wolvaardt expects India to rely heavily on spin bowling, which could provide a valuable learning experience for South Africa.

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has proposed a high-profile Champions Trophy encounter between Pakistan and India to be held in Lahore on March 1, 2023. The proposal has been submitted to the International Cricket Council (ICC), but the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has yet to approve the schedule.The Champions Trophy is scheduled to take place from February 19 to March 9, with March 10 designated as a Reserve Day. The PCB has submitted a schedule consisting of 15 matches, with all of India's games allocated to Lahore due to security and logistical considerations."The PCB has submitted the draft of the 15-match ICC Champions Trophy. Seven games in Lahore, three in Karachi, and five in Rawalpindi," an ICC Board member said. "The opening match will be held in Karachi with two semifinals in Karachi and Rawalpindi, final in Lahore. All India matches (including semifinal, if the team qualifies) in Lahore," the source added.India find themselves in Group A, alongside Pakistan, Bangladesh, and New Zealand. Group B features Australia, South Africa, England, and Afghanistan.The ICC has held a meeting with the PCB to discuss the proposed schedule and security arrangements. The ICC's security team has conducted a comprehensive inspection of the venues and other arrangements.Pakistan's most recent experience hosting a major cricketing event was the Asia Cup in 2023. The tournament was conducted using a unique 'Hybrid Model' due to the Indian government's refusal to allow its players to travel across the border into Pakistan. As a result, India's matches were played in Sri Lanka, while the rest of the tournament took place in Pakistan.The ICC finds itself in a challenging position, as it lacks the authority to compel any cricket board to act in opposition to its government's directives. The BCCI is faced with a complex decision, and the cricketing world eagerly awaits its final stance on the issue.

Rohit Sharma Retires from T20Is After Leading India to World Cup GloryIndian cricket legend Rohit Sharma has announced his retirement from Twenty20 International (T20I) cricket after guiding the Men in Blue to a historic victory in the 2024 T20 World Cup. The 37-year-old skipper, who has been at the helm of India's T20I team since 2021, bows out as the format's all-time leading run-scorer with 4231 runs in 159 matches.Sharma's retirement marks the end of an illustrious T20I career that has seen him shatter numerous records. He holds the distinction of being the only player to score five centuries in T20Is, a testament to his exceptional batting prowess. Under his leadership, India has emerged as a formidable force in the shortest format of the game, winning the 2024 T20 World Cup and reaching the semi-finals of the 2022 edition.In a heartfelt Instagram post, Sharma expressed his overwhelming emotions following India's triumph. "This picture epitomizes how I'm feeling right now. So many words but can't find the right ones to express what yesterday meant to me," he wrote. "But I will, and I will share them, but right now I'm basking in a dream come true for a billion of us."Sharma's retirement has been met with an outpouring of tributes from fans, teammates, and fellow cricketers. Former India captain Virat Kohli hailed Sharma as "a true legend of the game" and praised his leadership qualities. "He has been an inspiration to many young players and has played a pivotal role in India's success in T20 cricket," Kohli said.As Sharma steps away from the international T20I arena, he leaves behind a legacy that will inspire generations to come. His exceptional batting skills, astute captaincy, and unwavering determination have made him one of the most respected and admired cricketers of his era.

Hardik Pandya's journey to becoming an indispensable all-rounder for India has been marked by both triumphs and tribulations. Despite a disappointing IPL 2024 season, Pandya's exceptional performance at the T20 World Cup 2024 cemented his status as a player with no viable alternative.The decision to appoint Pandya as Mumbai Indians captain ahead of the IPL 2024 season raised eyebrows, but his performance on the field left much to be desired. Rumors of a rift with Rohit Sharma and poor form led to speculation about his exclusion from the T20 World Cup squad.However, the selectors stood by Pandya, appointing him vice-captain. This unwavering support proved crucial as Pandya transformed into a different player once he donned the India colors. His gritty performance in the warm-up game against Bangladesh was followed by an impressive bowling display in the group stage, including three wickets against Pakistan.Pandya's batting also came to the fore in the Super 8 matches, with important knocks against Afghanistan and Bangladesh. His quickfire innings against Australia and England proved equally valuable.In the final against South Africa, Pandya emerged as the match-winner with his bowling. His perfect slower delivery dismissed Heinrich Klaasen, and Rohit Sharma entrusted him with the responsibility of bowling the final over.Months of speculation and criticism culminated in this moment, and Pandya delivered. Suryakumar Yadav's stunning catch dismissed David Miller, and Pandya dismissed Kagiso Rabada to etch his name in Indian cricket history.Pandya's journey to becoming an indispensable all-rounder has been a testament to his resilience and determination. Despite facing adversity, he has consistently risen to the occasion, proving that there is truly no alternative to his unique combination of skills.

Former India batter Sanjay Manjrekar has sparked controversy after failing to mention star batter Virat Kohli in his post celebrating the team's T20 World Cup triumph. Manjrekar credited captain Rohit Sharma, head coach Rahul Dravid, and chief selector Ajit Agarkar for the team's success, but his omission of Kohli, who was named 'Man of the Match' in the final, has drawn criticism from fans.Kohli's exclusion from Manjrekar's post is particularly notable given his significant contributions to the team's victory. After a slow start to the tournament, Kohli stepped up when it mattered most, scoring a crucial 76 in the final against South Africa. His innings helped India post a competitive total and ultimately secure the title.Kohli's performance in the tournament was a testament to his resilience and determination. Despite facing criticism for his recent form, he remained focused and delivered when his team needed him most. His innings in the final was a reminder of his class and ability to perform under pressure.Manjrekar's omission of Kohli from his post has raised questions about his objectivity as a commentator. Fans have accused him of bias and hypocrisy, pointing out that he had previously criticized Kohli's captaincy and form.The controversy surrounding Manjrekar's post has overshadowed the team's historic victory. India ended a 13-year wait to win an ICC title, and the players deserve to be celebrated for their achievement. However, the omission of Kohli from Manjrekar's post has cast a shadow over the celebrations and raised questions about the commentator's motives.

Suryakumar Yadav's remarkable catch in the T20 World Cup final against South Africa has been hailed as a testament to his exceptional decision-making and awareness. India's fielding coach, T Dilip, praised Yadav's ability to assess the situation and execute a game-changing play.With South Africa needing 16 runs from the final over, David Miller hit a wide full toss from Hardik Pandya. Yadav, positioned near the boundary ropes, steadied himself, caught the ball, and released it just as he went over the boundary. He then quickly recovered and completed an astonishing catch."When the moment comes, it's his decision and awareness of the rope that's very important," Dilip said. "Knowing with confidence that he can throw and come back, it's a decision-making at that time, and he got on to that."Dilip, who introduced the innovative practice of awarding medals for best fielding performance at training, highlighted the strong bond between the young and experienced players in the Indian team. "They gel well together," he said. "They take responsibility and come for optional practice despite a tight schedule."Dilip's journey to the Indian team is a testament to his dedication and hard work. He has coached in various age-group programs and served as an assistant fielding coach in the IPL. His efforts have been evident in India's improved fielding performance.Dilip emphasized the challenges of tracking the white ball during daytime matches. "Especially under clear sky, it becomes really difficult," he said. "We say that track the ball so that you get that much anchor point."Dilip's familiarity with the younger players in the national set-up stems from his work at various Zonal Cricket Academy and NCA age-group camps. His good work did not go unnoticed by Rahul Dravid, who ensured that Dilip got regular India A assignments.