Cricket

Former Indian cricketer and National Cricket Academy (NCA) head VVS Laxman has lauded Rohit Sharma's leadership qualities, particularly his ability to take ownership of mistakes. Laxman praised Rohit's decision to bat first in the opening Test against New Zealand, despite it backfiring spectacularly.Laxman emphasized the importance of leaders acknowledging their errors and taking responsibility for their decisions. He cited Rohit's post-match press conference, where he admitted to misreading the pitch, as an example of exemplary leadership.Laxman also highlighted the significance of preparation and having a clear roadmap for success. He believes that great leaders are the best performers in their teams, and Rohit has exemplified this with the Indian team. Rohit has instilled a selfless style of play, encouraging his teammates to play with freedom and aggression.Despite India's poor start in the Bengaluru Test, Laxman remains optimistic about a turnaround. He believes that the Indian batters, including Sarfaraz Khan and Virat Kohli, have the ability to contribute significantly. He also expressed confidence in the Indian spinners to make an impact in the fourth innings.Laxman emphasized the importance of trusting one's strengths in pressure situations, as demonstrated by Sarfaraz Khan's unbeaten 70. He believes that the Indian team will approach the remaining innings with a positive mindset and a determination to win.

Virat Kohli, the legendary Indian batsman, has etched his name into the annals of Test cricket history by becoming the fourth Indian to surpass the 9000-run mark. This remarkable achievement was reached on the third day of the opening Test match against New Zealand in Bengaluru on October 18, 2024.Kohli joined an elite group of Indian cricketers who have scaled this milestone, including Sachin Tendulkar (15921), Rahul Dravid (13265), and Sunil Gavaskar (10122). However, Kohli's journey to this landmark was the slowest among them, taking 197 innings.The 35-year-old Kohli reached the milestone after crossing his half-century in India's second innings. Batting at No. 3, Kohli had fallen for a nine-ball duck in the first innings as India were dismissed for a paltry 46.Kohli's achievement is a testament to his unwavering determination and exceptional batting skills. He has consistently been a pillar of strength for the Indian team, anchoring the batting lineup and guiding them to numerous victories.In the recent Test series against Bangladesh, Kohli became the quickest batter to complete 27,000 international runs in only 594 innings. This remarkable feat further solidifies his status as one of the greatest batsmen of all time.Kohli's achievement has been met with widespread praise and admiration from the cricketing fraternity. Former Indian captain Sunil Gavaskar hailed Kohli as "a true legend of the game," while current Indian skipper Rohit Sharma called him "an inspiration to all young cricketers."As Kohli continues to grace the cricket field, he is poised to break even more records and cement his legacy as one of the most prolific batsmen in the history of the sport.

MS Dhoni, the legendary Indian cricketer and former captain, recently displayed his humility and warmth during a flight, winning the hearts of fans once more. A video shared on social media captured Dhoni boarding a plane with his wife, Sakshi, and daughter, Ziva.As Dhoni made his way down the aisle, he greeted passengers with handshakes and smiles, embodying the humility that has endeared him to millions. This simple yet heartfelt gesture thrilled everyone on board, with fans on social media commending him for staying grounded despite his massive fame.Dhoni's humility is a testament to his character and the values he holds. Despite his illustrious career and numerous accolades, he remains approachable and genuine. This quality has made him a role model for aspiring cricketers and fans alike.After announcing his retirement from international cricket in 2020, Dhoni wrapped up an illustrious career spanning nearly 16 years. He remains India's most successful limited-overs captain, leading the team to monumental victories in the 2007 T20 World Cup, the 2011 ODI World Cup, and the 2013 ICC Champions Trophy.Dhoni's leadership and composure in high-pressure situations have set a standard for future generations of cricketers. His ability to inspire and motivate his team, along with his strategic brilliance, has made him one of the greatest captains in the history of the game.Off the field, Dhoni is known for his philanthropy and social work. He has been involved in various initiatives to support underprivileged communities and promote education. His humility and compassion extend beyond the cricket field, making him a true ambassador for the sport and a role model for society.

Wicketkeeper Richa Ghosh, a rising star in Indian cricket, will miss the upcoming ODI series against New Zealand to prioritize her academic commitments. The 21-year-old, who has been a regular member of India's international teams since her debut in 2020, will sit for her class 12 board exams during the series.Ghosh's absence will be a significant blow to India, who are looking to bounce back from their disappointing group-stage exit at the ongoing T20 World Cup in the UAE. The team's captain, Harmanpreet Kaur, has come under scrutiny following the tournament, and the ODI series against New Zealand will be a crucial test for her leadership.The 16-member squad for the three ODIs in Ahmedabad on October 24, 27, and 29 will be led by Kaur. The team includes several experienced players, such as Smriti Mandhana, Shafali Verma, and Deepti Sharma, as well as some exciting newcomers.Seam-bowling allrounders Sayali Satghare and Saima Thakor, legspinner Priya Mishra, and middle-order batter Tejal Hasabnis have all received their maiden ODI call-ups. The BCCI has confirmed that legspinner Asha Sobhana is unavailable due to injury, while allrounder Pooja Vastrakar has been rested.India will be eager to put their T20 World Cup disappointment behind them and perform well in the ODI series against New Zealand. The team will be looking to build momentum ahead of the 2023 Women's Cricket World Cup, which will be held in South Africa.

Anil Kumble's Broken Jaw: A Testament to Cricket's ResilienceCricket, a sport that demands both physical and mental fortitude, has witnessed countless instances of players exhibiting extraordinary resilience in the face of adversity. One such iconic moment occurred during the 2002 India tour of the West Indies, when legendary spinner Anil Kumble played through a broken jaw.On October 17, 2002, during the second Test match at Antigua, Kumble was struck by a bouncer from Mervyn Dillon while batting. The impact fractured his jaw, causing immense pain and discomfort. Despite the excruciating injury, Kumble's determination to contribute to his team remained unwavering.With his face heavily bandaged, Kumble returned to bowl in the second innings. His grit and determination were evident as he bowled 14 consecutive overs, showcasing his unwavering spirit. The highlight of his heroic effort came when he dismissed West Indies legend Brian Lara, a testament to his skill and resilience.Kumble's courageous act was widely praised by the cricketing fraternity and beyond. It exemplified the toughness and fighting spirit that cricketers bring to the game, often putting their bodies on the line for their teams. Despite the match ending in a draw, Kumble's actions left a lasting impression as a symbol of resilience and dedication.After this heroic effort, Kumble was flown back to India for surgery. The incident solidified his legacy as one of cricket's fiercest competitors, a player who never shied away from adversity. His broken jaw became a symbol of the indomitable spirit that drives cricketers to push their limits and perform at their best.

The Hundred, England's new 100-ball cricket competition, has attracted a wider range of potential investors than anticipated ahead of Friday's first-round deadline for bids. The ECB's senior leadership team expressed confidence in the Hundred's projected valuations, particularly the overseas broadcast rights, which are expected to jump from £2 million per year to £33 million by 2030.The ECB sent investment prospectuses to around 100 interested parties last month, who were given until October 18 to register their initial interest in buying a stake in one of the eight Hundred teams. The teams are currently owned by the ECB but will become franchises run as joint-ventures with host counties once the sale process is complete.ECB chief executive Richard Gould and chair Richard Thompson defended the projected increase in revenue from Indian broadcast rights, despite concerns raised by some prospective investors. Gould emphasized that the ECB is not assuming that Indian men's players will be released to participate in the Hundred, but remains confident in the product's appeal."We are confident in our product, in terms of the window we occupy and the players we've got available," Gould said. "There are loads of T20 and short-format franchise competitions out there at the moment, and I don't think they are all going to last, in truth."Gould revealed that "about 100 or so" interested parties had requested access to the ECB's "data room," including significant interest from India, America, and other sports and investment houses. He added that the ECB is aiming to maximize the value of the franchises while ensuring that the game's interests are protected."We're getting towards the end of stage one this week… at the moment, they can express an interest in all eight clubs," Gould said. "We'll have a better indication over the next week or two. Thereafter, we'll spend a month or so going through those. At the end of that process, they will be able to go and meet the county clubs and see where their relationships work best."Thompson emphasized that the investment base for the Hundred is "way broader and bigger" than expected, with Raine Group initially estimating three to four bidders per team. However, the ECB is not rushing the sale process and may consider a "hybrid" model in 2025, with some teams still owned by the ECB and others by private investors.

Virat Kohli, the prolific Indian batter, has etched his name in the annals of cricket history by becoming the second-most-capped international cricketer for India across all formats. During the first Test against New Zealand at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium, Kohli marked his 536th international appearance, surpassing former captain MS Dhoni's tally of 535 matches.Kohli's illustrious international career began in 2008 with an ODI debut in Sri Lanka. Since then, he has amassed an astonishing 27,041 runs across 115 Tests, 295 ODIs, and 125 T20Is. His exceptional leadership skills have also been evident, as he has captained India in 213 matches, including 68 Tests, 95 ODIs, and 50 T20Is.Kohli's remarkable achievement places him behind only the legendary Sachin Tendulkar, who holds the record for the most international caps (664) for India. Among active cricketers, Kohli is followed by India captain Rohit Sharma (486 caps) and Ravindra Jadeja (346 caps).In terms of Test appearances for India, Kohli is tied for eighth with 116 caps. He has accumulated 8947 runs in the longer format, just 53 runs shy of becoming the fourth Indian to complete 9000 Test runs after Tendulkar, Rahul Dravid, and Sunil Gavaskar.Kohli's consistency and longevity have been remarkable. He became the fastest player to reach 27,000 international runs during the second Test against Bangladesh last month, surpassing Tendulkar's record of 623 innings. Kohli achieved this feat in just 594 innings, making him the only cricketer to reach 27,000 international runs in under 600 outings.Kohli's achievements are a testament to his unwavering dedication, exceptional talent, and unwavering determination. He continues to inspire generations of cricketers and fans alike, and his legacy as one of the greatest batsmen of all time is secure.

Yashasvi Jaiswal, the rising star of Indian cricket, has quickly ascended the ranks with his exceptional adaptability and versatility. His impressive performances have earned him high praise from his captain, Rohit Sharma, who believes he possesses the potential to succeed at the highest level.Jaiswal's ability to switch gears seamlessly between attacking and defensive play has been a key factor in his success. Despite his aggressive approach, he maintains a cool head and executes his shots with finesse. This adaptability has allowed him to excel in both home and away conditions.In his debut Test against the West Indies, Jaiswal showcased his patience and resilience by spending over 500 minutes at the crease to score a 387-ball 171. However, in the following match, he displayed his versatility by scoring a quick-fire 74 off just 57 balls.Jaiswal's consistency has been remarkable, with at least a half-century in each of his seven home Tests. He has also notched up two double centuries, including a staggering 901 runs in seven matches.Rohit Sharma has been a staunch supporter of Jaiswal, recognizing his talent and potential. "He has the game to suit any conditions," Rohit said. "He is new to international cricket, but he has all the ingredients for success."Jaiswal's adaptability and versatility make him a valuable asset to the Indian team. As he continues to learn and develop, he is poised to become a key player in India's quest for success in the upcoming Test series in Australia.

Indian cricket captain Rohit Sharma's popularity extends beyond the boundaries of the field, as evidenced by a recent heartwarming incident. A video circulating on social media captures a fan's unwavering admiration for the skipper.The fan, adorned with tricolour paint and "Rohit" emblazoned on his back, was spotted running behind Sharma's car. His enthusiastic cries of "Rohit sir!" reached the captain's ears.In a display of genuine humility, Sharma instructed his driver to halt the vehicle and rolled down the window. The fan's joy was palpable as Sharma graciously signed an autograph for him.The exact date and location of the incident remain unknown, but Sharma is currently leading India in the first Test of the three-match series against New Zealand in Bengaluru. The opening day of the Test was marred by torrential rain, forcing a washout.The remaining two Tests of the series will be played in Pune and Mumbai, respectively. Following the conclusion of the New Zealand series, India will embark on a highly anticipated tour of Australia for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. This edition of the prestigious series will feature five Tests for the first time.Sharma's gesture not only highlights his immense popularity but also underscores his genuine connection with his fans. His willingness to pause his journey and acknowledge the fan's admiration is a testament to his humility and approachability.