Cricket

Former British Prime Minister David Cameron has hailed Indian cricket star Virat Kohli as an "extraordinary leader" at the NDTV World Summit. Cameron, a self-proclaimed cricket enthusiast, was asked to name his favorite Indian cricketer and heaped praise on both Rahul Dravid and Kohli.Cameron recalled watching legendary spinner Bishan Singh Bedi and witnessing Dravid's brilliant century in England. He then highlighted Kohli's exceptional leadership qualities, stating that he had witnessed "incredible captaincy and inspiration" from the Indian batter on the field."I think in Virat Kohli, you had an extraordinary leader. Sometimes, you can see, as we have done with Ben Stokes as our captain, just incredible captaincy on the field and inspiration. I think you had that with Virat Kohli," Cameron said.Cameron also expressed his admiration for the upcoming generation of British-Indian cricketers, predicting that they would soon challenge India and potentially emerge victorious.Kohli recently joined an elite group of cricketers by scoring his 9,000th run in Test matches during the first Test against New Zealand in Bengaluru. Batting at No. 3, Kohli turned the tables after being dismissed for a duck in the first innings.Alongside Sarfaraz Khan, Kohli forged a crucial partnership of 136 runs that revived India's innings. He reached his half-century off 70 balls and carefully accumulated the additional three runs needed to reach the milestone.Kohli became the 18th player to score 9,000 runs in Test cricket and joined Joe Root and Steve Smith as the only active players in this exclusive club. He also became the fourth Indian to achieve this feat, following in the footsteps of Sachin Tendulkar, Rahul Dravid, and Sunil Gavaskar.

In the realm of cricket, Sarfaraz Khan has emerged as a maverick, defying conventional norms with his unique style and unwavering determination. Like the legendary Imran Tahir, whose exuberant celebrations became synonymous with his wicket-taking prowess, Sarfaraz's sprint around the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium after reaching his maiden Test century was a testament to his unbridled joy and the fulfillment of a childhood dream.Despite his unconventional appearance, Sarfaraz possesses an exceptional batting ability that has earned him a place in the Indian Test team. His journey to the top has been marked by perseverance and a refusal to be defined by his physical attributes. In the recently concluded Test match against New Zealand, Sarfaraz showcased his resilience and adaptability, overcoming a shaky start to produce a match-winning century.Initially, Sarfaraz's inclusion in the team was seen as a backdoor entry, but he proved his worth with a series of impressive performances in domestic and India-A matches. His debut in Rajkot was a testament to his talent, as he scored twin half-centuries and displayed a fearless approach against the English bowlers.However, fate had other plans for Sarfaraz. With the return of Virat Kohli and K.L. Rahul, he found himself on the sidelines for the Chennai and Kanpur Tests. Undeterred, he continued to work hard, knowing that his opportunity would come again.That opportunity arrived in Bengaluru, where he was thrust into the middle order after Shubman Gill suffered an injury. Despite being unfamiliar with the No. 4 position, Sarfaraz embraced the challenge with characteristic enthusiasm.The conditions were far from ideal, with a damp track and a formidable Kiwi bowling attack. Sarfaraz's first innings ended prematurely, but he returned with a vengeance in the second innings. His response to the game situation was a powerful sweep off left-arm spinner Ajaz Patel, a stroke he repeated to signal his intent.For the next five hours, Sarfaraz was an immovable object, showcasing his Mumbai-honed street smarts and the guidance of his father. The New Zealand bowlers tried to exploit his perceived weakness against the short ball, but Sarfaraz countered with a variety of shots, including late-cuts, dabs, upper-cuts, and ramps.His partnership with Rishabh Pant was a masterclass in attacking cricket. The duo complemented each other perfectly, dismantling the Kiwi bowlers with a combination of power and finesse. Sarfaraz's ability to play the ball late and his penchant for scoring behind square on the off-side proved to be a constant thorn in the opposition's side.With his century, Sarfaraz has cemented his place in the Indian Test team. He has shown that he is not just a one-dimensional player but a versatile batsman capable of adapting to different situations. His journey is a reminder that talent and determination can overcome any obstacle, and that the path to success is often paved with unexpected twists and turns.

Former Indian batsman Pravin Amre is set to part ways with the Delhi Capitals (DC) after a nine-year stint as assistant coach. The franchise has recently revamped its coaching staff, appointing Hemang Badani as head coach and Venugopal Rao as director of cricket.Amre's departure is said to be mutual, with the franchise owners appreciating his contributions to the team's development. His four-year contract has come to an end, and while GMR, the company running the team for the next two years, may offer him a new role, it is unlikely to be directly with the Delhi Capitals.Amre joined DC in 2015 as an assistant coach and domestic talent scout. He played a key role in identifying and nurturing several Indian players, including Shreyas Iyer, Rishabh Pant, Khaleel Ahmed, and Prithvi Shaw. He served as a bridge between domestic players and former head coach Ricky Ponting, helping them adapt to the IPL environment.Since July 2023, Amre has been the head coach of the Seattle Orcas in Major League Cricket in the USA. He has also coached Mumbai to three Ranji Trophy titles, served as India A coach, and was the chief selector for India Under-19s.Amre's departure marks the end of an era for the Delhi Capitals. His contributions to the team's success and the development of young Indian players will be remembered.

Virender Sehwag, the Indian Batting Legend, Celebrates 46th BirthdayIndian cricket legend Virender Sehwag turned 46 on Sunday, prompting an outpouring of birthday wishes from the cricket fraternity on social media.Sachin Tendulkar, Sehwag's former teammate and fellow batting icon, humorously noted that Sehwag's age of 46 is a "perfect mix of four and six," mirroring his explosive batting style.The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) extended its birthday greetings, highlighting Sehwag's remarkable achievements, including his 8,586 Test runs and 8,273 ODI runs.Yuvraj Singh, Sehwag's long-time teammate and World Cup-winning all-rounder, playfully remarked that Sehwag is the reason bowlers' economy rates are ruined.Former Indian skipper Sourav Ganguly, who played a pivotal role in Sehwag's development as a batter, wished his "younger brother" a happy birthday.Harbhajan Singh, the former Indian spinner, expressed his admiration for Sehwag's "blazing centuries," which will forever be etched in the memories of cricket fans.Suresh Raina, the former middle-order batter, thanked Sehwag for inspiring generations with his "fearless cricket."Sehwag's illustrious career spanned 104 Test matches, 251 ODIs, and 19 T20Is. He holds the record for the fastest Test triple century, reaching 300 off just 278 balls. He is also the only Indian to have scored two Test triple hundreds.Sehwag's aggressive batting style and ability to dominate bowlers made him one of the most feared batsmen of his era. He retired from all forms of international cricket in October 2015, leaving behind a legacy of unforgettable performances.

Indian cricket star Virat Kohli's passionate appeal to the Bengaluru crowd on Day 5 of the first Test against New Zealand has ignited social media. With India needing 10 wickets to secure victory, Kohli's animated gestures urging the fans to cheer louder have gone viral.Kohli's leadership and influence were evident as he joined an elite group of cricketers by scoring his 9,000th Test run during the match. His fluent 70 on Day 3 showcased his class and determination, especially after being dismissed for a duck in the first innings.Kohli's partnership with Sarfaraz Khan (136 runs) revived India's innings, highlighting his ability to adapt and contribute in different batting positions. His half-century off 70 balls included five boundaries and a majestic six, reaching the 9,000-run milestone in 197 innings.Kohli's achievement places him among the greats of the game, becoming the 18th player to reach 9,000 Test runs. He joins Joe Root and Steve Smith as the only active players in this exclusive club, and is the fourth Indian to achieve the feat after Sachin Tendulkar, Rahul Dravid, and Sunil Gavaskar.Kohli's next target is to surpass Graeme Smith on the all-time run-scoring list, while within the Indian context, he needs 1,100 more runs to overtake Gavaskar for third place. With two more Tests against New Zealand and a five-Test series in Australia on the horizon, Kohli is poised to continue his ascent in the rankings.Kohli's passionate appeal to the crowd and his remarkable achievement on the field have once again demonstrated his unwavering commitment to the sport and his ability to inspire both his teammates and the fans.

Indian cricket sensation Sarfaraz Khan has been on a remarkable run of form, captivating fans and experts alike. However, concerns have been raised about his fitness, with some suggesting it could jeopardize his place in the playing XI.To address these concerns, Sarfaraz has embarked on a rigorous fitness regimen, guided by the Indian team's strength and conditioning coach. Additionally, Rishabh Pant has recommended a chef to assist Sarfaraz in improving his nutrition."Sarfaraz is working on his fitness with the Indian team strength and conditioning coach, and Rishabh has provided him with a chef who is taking care of his food," revealed Suryakumar Yadav in an interview with Indian Express. "The intent is that by the time he reaches the Border Gavaskar Trophy in Australia, his body is in a better shape."Despite his perceived fitness issues, Sarfaraz's batting prowess remains undeniable. "His body type might make him look fat, but if you ask him to bat 450 balls, score double hundred, triple hundred, daddy hundred, he has that skill," Yadav emphasized.Sarfaraz's dedication to his craft is evident in his unwavering practice routine. "I have never seen him skipping practice even on match day," Yadav added. "If there is a game, he will get up at 5 am, bat for one hour near his home, and then join the team bus. After the game, he will go to the nearby ground and bat again."After scoring his maiden century for India against New Zealand in the Bengaluru Test, Sarfaraz expressed his elation. "It felt amazing to get my first century for India," he said. "But tomorrow will be tough for them. The pitch is breaking down, the ball is moving, and if we strike early, they could find themselves in a similar situation as we did."Sarfaraz's fitness journey is a testament to his determination to overcome any obstacles that may hinder his cricketing aspirations. With the support of his teammates and a renewed focus on his physical well-being, he aims to silence his critics and cement his place as a vital cog in the Indian cricket team.

Sarfaraz Khan's Historic Feat: Duck and 150-Plus in Same TestRising Indian star Sarfaraz Khan has etched his name into the annals of cricket history with a remarkable achievement during the first Test against New Zealand in Bengaluru. Khan became only the third Indian cricketer to score a duck and a 150-plus score in the same Test match.In the first innings, Khan was dismissed for a duck, failing to trouble the scorers. However, he made a resounding comeback in the second innings, smashing 150 off 195 balls studded with 18 fours and three sixes. His knock solidified his position as one of India's rising stars in the longer format.Khan's achievement mirrors similar performances by two Indian batters. In 1953, Madhav Apte made 0 and 163* against the West Indies at Port of Spain, while Nayan Mongia followed with 152 and 0 against Australia in Delhi during the 1996 Test series.Khan's innings was pivotal, sparking a remarkable recovery for India after they were bowled out for a mere 46 in the first innings. New Zealand responded with a commanding 402, securing a massive 356-run first-innings lead.Resuming from 70 on the fourth day of the match, Khan went on to slam his maiden Test hundred. His innings showcased his resilience and ability to bounce back after failure, highlighting his potential to handle pressure in crucial moments.Khan's achievement is a testament to his talent and determination. It is a reminder that even after a setback, it is possible to come back stronger and make a significant contribution to the team.

Rishabh Pant's blistering knock on Day 4 of the first Test against New Zealand has etched his name into the annals of Indian cricket history. The swashbuckling wicketkeeper-batter became the fastest Indian wicketkeeper to reach the milestone of 2500 Test runs, surpassing the previous record held by MS Dhoni.Pant achieved the feat in just 62 innings, eclipsing Dhoni's mark of 69 innings. Farokh Engineer, another legendary Indian wicketkeeper, had previously held the record with 82 innings. Pant's achievement is a testament to his exceptional talent and aggressive batting style.Pant's milestone came as India fought back valiantly, reaching 344/3 before rain forced an early lunch. His aggressive innings of 53 off 56 balls played a pivotal role in India's resurgence, alongside Sarfaraz Khan, who scored his maiden Test century.Despite suffering a knee injury while keeping on Day 3, Pant showed no signs of discomfort as he took charge with his trademark attacking approach. After a cautious start, he launched a counter-attack, smashing two sixes off left-arm spinner Ajaz Patel in quick succession and following up with a series of elegant drives and sweeps.Pant brought up his 12th Test fifty in 55 balls, with a stunning cover drive off Glenn Phillips that showcased his controlled aggression. His partnership with Sarfaraz, worth 113 runs in 22 overs, was instrumental in guiding India out of an early wobble and putting them on course for a potential lead.Sarfaraz, in only his fifth Test, stole the spotlight with a sublime century, but Pant's contribution was equally vital in stabilizing the innings. The 26-year-old wicketkeeper-batter has become a cornerstone of India's Test lineup since his debut in 2018, with several match-winning knocks in overseas conditions, including memorable performances in Australia and England.Pant's record-breaking achievement is a testament to his exceptional talent and unwavering determination. He has emerged as one of the most exciting and dynamic wicketkeeper-batters in world cricket, and his contributions will be crucial as India aims to secure a series victory against New Zealand.

Ram Babu, an ardent fan of former Indian cricket captain MS Dhoni, has revealed the enduring bond between the two. Despite Dhoni's retirement from international cricket, he continues to support Babu, providing him with match passes to various matches across India.Babu, known for his iconic T-shirt adorned with the Indian tricolour and Dhoni's jersey number 7, shared how Dhoni personally ensures he receives match passes. "I take Dhoni's name to the stadium, and the passes I've been receiving so far are all arranged by Dhoni sir," Babu disclosed in a viral video.This heartwarming gesture highlights Dhoni's humility and appreciation for his fans. Babu expressed his unwavering support for the Indian team and his intention to continue chanting Dhoni's name at matches, even if he no longer plays for the country.Meanwhile, Dhoni's future with Chennai Super Kings (CSK) remains uncertain ahead of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 mega auction. With five IPL titles under his belt, Dhoni's IPL future will significantly impact CSK's strategy for the upcoming season.Interestingly, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has introduced a new rule allowing players who have not represented India for over five years to be classified as 'uncapped'. This enables CSK to retain Dhoni for a base price of ₹4 crore, giving hope to fans who wish to see him play for the franchise once more.Whether Dhoni plays the IPL or not, his legacy extends far beyond the cricket field. His unwavering support for his fans and his humility have made him an icon not only in India but worldwide.