Cricket

Ravichandran Ashwin, the veteran Indian spinner, has etched his name in the annals of Test cricket history by becoming the Indian bowler with the most Test wickets in Asia. During the second Test against Bangladesh in Kanpur, Ashwin claimed the wicket of Najmul Hossain Shanto, taking his tally to 420 wickets in Asia. This achievement saw him surpass the previous record held by Anil Kumble, who had 419 wickets in the continent.Ashwin's journey to this milestone has been marked by consistency and excellence. In 102 Test matches, he has amassed a staggering 523 wickets, with his performances in Asia standing out. By reaching 420 wickets, he joins an elite club of bowlers who have taken over 400 wickets in Asia.The legendary Sri Lankan spinner Muttiah Muralitharan holds the record for the most Test wickets in Asia, with an impressive 612 wickets out of his overall 800 wicket haul in the continent. Ashwin and Anil Kumble are the only other bowlers to have taken more than 400 wickets in Asia.Next on the list after Muralitharan, Ashwin, and Kumble is another Sri Lankan, Ranganath Herath, with 354 Test wickets in Asia. Following him is India's Harbhajan Singh, with 300 wickets in Asia to his name.Ashwin's milestone is a testament to his skill, longevity, and resilience in the sport. His ability to spin the ball prodigiously and extract turn from even the flattest of pitches has made him a formidable force in Test cricket. His success in Asia, where pitches often favor spinners, highlights his adaptability and mastery of the craft.This achievement is not only a personal triumph for Ashwin but also a proud moment for Indian cricket. It showcases the depth and talent of Indian spin bowling and reinforces India's dominance in the Test format, especially in Asian conditions.

Virat Kohli, the Indian cricket legend, holds an unparalleled status in the hearts of his countrymen. His influence extends far beyond the boundaries of the sport, making him a global icon. Kanpur's Green Park Stadium, one of India's oldest cricket venues, has witnessed some of Kohli's most memorable performances.Despite the limited number of international matches played in Kanpur due to the rotation of venues, Kohli has left an indelible mark on the city. As the second Test between India and Bangladesh commenced, the Green Park ground staff worked tirelessly to prepare the field for play.Amidst the hustle and bustle, a video emerged that captured the essence of Kohli's stardom. As the ground staff covered the field, Kohli emerged with a bat in hand, ready to practice. The sight of the Indian superstar sent the ground staff into a frenzy.One of the staff members, overcome with awe, approached Kohli and attempted to touch his feet. Kohli, taken aback but composed, politely declined the gesture. This incident highlights the immense respect and admiration that Kohli commands.Kohli's fame and popularity symbolize the evolution of Indian cricket. He embodies a blend of traditional cricket values with a modern, global approach to the sport. His fitness regimen, branding, and social media presence have made him an icon not only in India but worldwide.Kohli's impact on Indian cricket is undeniable. He has inspired a generation of young players and has played a pivotal role in the team's success. His legacy will continue to inspire and motivate aspiring cricketers for years to come.

Virat Kohli's journey with Delhi cricket has been a remarkable one, marked by both triumphs and challenges. His association with the Ranji Trophy, India's premier domestic cricket tournament, began in the 2006-07 season.Kohli's performances in the Ranji Trophy were instrumental in his rise to prominence. His consistent batting and leadership skills caught the attention of selectors, leading to his debut for the Indian national team in 2008.However, Kohli's path to success was not without its obstacles. In a recent interview, he revealed that he was once dropped from the Delhi Under-14 team at 1 AM due to "compensations" being offered to others. Despite this setback, Kohli's determination remained unwavering.One of Kohli's most memorable moments in the Ranji Trophy came in December 2006, when he scored 90 runs against Karnataka just a day after his father's death. This innings showcased his mental strength and dedication to the game.Kohli's last Ranji Trophy appearance for Delhi was in 2012. Since then, his international commitments have limited his participation in the domestic tournament. Nevertheless, his early success in the Ranji Trophy played a crucial role in his development as a world-class cricketer.Kohli's contributions to Delhi cricket extend beyond his on-field performances. He has been a mentor to young players and has played a significant role in promoting the sport in the region. His legacy as a Delhi cricketer will continue to inspire generations to come.

Green Park Stadium's Future in Jeopardy as BCCI Questions Hosting CapabilitiesKanpur's Green Park Stadium, a historic Test venue in India, faces an uncertain future as the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) expresses concerns about its hosting capabilities. Sources within the BCCI have revealed that senior Indian players have expressed reluctance to play at the venue due to its outdated facilities.With the state-of-the-art Ekana Stadium in Lucknow and a new international stadium planned for Varanasi, Green Park faces stiff competition for hosting international matches. The BCCI has been made aware of the concerns raised by the Indian team management, who prefer to play in Lucknow with its superior facilities.The Green Park Stadium, built in 1949, has a charming old-world charm but lacks modern amenities. For the ongoing Test match between India and Bangladesh, one of the stands has been deemed unsafe for full capacity seating. Structural issues with a floodlight tower and questionable hygiene and maintenance standards have also raised concerns."The stadium in Varanasi should be ready well before the T20 World Cup in India in 2026," said a BCCI source. "Green Park needs an overhaul and better management. The BCCI can't really say when the next international match will be played here."Despite the challenges, the Uttar Pradesh Cricket Association (UPCA) is making efforts to attract spectators to the Test match. They have invited families of martyred soldiers to attend the match and plant saplings in their honor as part of a go-green initiative.The future of Green Park Stadium remains uncertain as the BCCI weighs its hosting capabilities against the availability of more modern venues. The stadium's rich history and nostalgic charm may not be enough to secure its place in the international cricket calendar.

The Indian Premier League (IPL) has decided to maintain the number of matches at 74 for the 2025 season, despite initially planning for 84 matches. This decision is primarily driven by the need to manage the workload of Indian international players, who are expected to participate in the World Test Championship final in June 2025.The IPL has been a major success since its inception in 2008, attracting a massive fan base and becoming one of the richest sporting leagues in the world. In 2022, the media rights for the 2023-27 cycle were sold for a staggering INR 48,390.5 crore (USD 6.2 billion approx.).The number of matches in the IPL has varied over the years, with 74 matches being played in the last three seasons. However, the IPL had initially planned to increase the number of matches to 84 in 2025 and 2026, and 94 in 2027.The decision to reduce the number of matches in 2025 is a significant departure from the original plan. It reflects the BCCI's commitment to player welfare and the recognition that the increased number of matches could put undue strain on the players.The IPL dates for the 2025 season have not yet been finalized, but the window is likely to stretch between mid-March and the last week of May. The IPL will determine the number of matches in the special package (package C) based on the total number of games in a season.The special package includes the tournament opener, weekend evening matches, and the four playoffs, including the final. The opening match and the playoffs will be mandatory, while the IPL will decide which evening matches from the double-headers will be included in this package.With 74 matches in a season, the special package will have 18 matches. If there are more than 74 matches in a season, the special package matches will rise by two for every ten additional matches.

Shafali Verma Draws Inspiration from Rohit Sharma's Powerplay Dominance for ICC Women's T20 World Cup 2024As the Indian women's cricket team prepares for the ICC Women's T20 World Cup 2024, star opener Shafali Verma has revealed her admiration for Indian men's team captain Rohit Sharma's explosive batting in the powerplay.Verma, known for her aggressive batting style, believes that Sharma's ability to maximize scoring opportunities during the first six overs is a key learning point for her. "I would choose India's Rohit Sharma because the way he utilizes the Powerplay is memorable to watch," she told Star Sports. "Even in the World Cup, there are 2-3 innings I can recall. I always feel good watching how he makes the most of the Powerplay."Sharma's impressive T20I career, with 4231 runs at a strike rate exceeding 140, serves as a testament to his dominance in the shortest format. His ability to dominate the powerplay overs has been instrumental in India's success in T20 cricket.Verma herself has emerged as a vital cog in the Indian batting lineup. Her career statistics across formats reflect her aggressive approach and ability to score quickly. In T20Is, she averages 25.63 with a strike rate of over 130, showcasing her potential to be a game-changer in the powerplay.The Indian women's team will be hoping to leverage Verma's aggressive batting to their advantage as they aim for their maiden T20 World Cup title. However, consistency remains a key area of improvement, as evidenced by their series losses against Australia and England earlier in the year and their recent Asia Cup final defeat to Sri Lanka.Verma's admiration for Sharma's batting is a reflection of the growing influence of the men's game on the women's game. As the women's game continues to evolve, players like Verma are looking to the best in the men's game for inspiration and guidance.

Australian all-rounder Mitchell Marsh has expressed his admiration for Indian wicket-keeper batter Rishabh Pant, stating that he wishes Pant was an Australian player. In an interview ahead of the Border-Gavaskar Test series, Marsh praised Pant's character and competitive spirit."He's a ripping bloke. I wish he was Australian. He's obviously been through a lot over the last few years, and it's been a hell of a comeback. He's a positive guy, still really young, and he loves winning. He's highly competitive for someone who has the persona of being relaxed and always laughing and smiling. He's got that big smile," Marsh said.Marsh's teammate Travis Head echoed similar sentiments, describing Pant as "the Indian cricketer I believe is most Australian." Head highlighted Pant's aggressive nature and work ethic as qualities that would make him a valuable asset to any team.Pant responded to the video of the interview on Instagram with a series of emojis, indicating his appreciation for the compliments.Meanwhile, Australian pacer Josh Hazlewood emphasized that his team would prioritize devising strategies to counter young Indian batters like Yashasvi Jaiswal and Shubman Gill during the Border-Gavaskar series. Hazlewood acknowledged that Australia has limited experience playing against these players and would need to execute their basics effectively to win the series.The five-Test Border-Gavaskar series will commence in Perth on November 22, with India aiming to extend their dominance on the prestigious trophy. Australia, on the other hand, will be determined to showcase their bowling might and win it back after successive losses at home in 2018-19 and 2020-21.

Virat Kohli's journey from an unknown figure to a global icon is a testament to his unwavering determination and exceptional talent. His rise to stardom began with his triumph as captain of the Indian U-19 team at the 2008 World Cup. Just months later, he made his senior India debut in an ODI against Sri Lanka, marking the start of an illustrious career that has spanned over a decade.Kohli's early days as a cricketer were filled with camaraderie and support from his teammates. A recently surfaced video on social media captures a lighthearted moment where his friends tease him about his newfound fame after a media interview. The video showcases the close bond between Kohli and his fellow cricketers, who have witnessed his transformation from a promising youngster to one of the greatest players of all time.Kohli's achievements on the field are nothing short of remarkable. In Test cricket, he has amassed 8871 runs at an impressive average of 48.74, including 29 centuries and 30 fifties. In ODIs, he holds the world record for the most centuries (50) and has scored 13,906 runs at an average of 58.18. Kohli's dominance in T20Is is equally impressive, with 4188 runs in 125 matches, including one century and 38 fifties.Beyond his statistical accomplishments, Kohli's leadership and influence on the Indian cricket team have been profound. He captained India to victory in the 2011 Cricket World Cup and the 2013 ICC Champions Trophy. His aggressive and passionate approach to the game has inspired a generation of young cricketers and cemented his status as a true legend of the sport.

Harmanpreet Kaur, the torchbearer of Indian women's cricket, is set to make history as she joins an elite group of players to have featured in all nine ICC Women's T20 World Cup editions. The upcoming tournament in the United Arab Emirates will mark her ninth appearance, a testament to her longevity and unwavering commitment to the sport.Kaur's journey to the pinnacle of women's cricket has been marked by both brilliance and resilience. She has been a key figure in India's rise as a global force, combining textbook batting with explosive power-hitting. Her ability to adapt to different roles and situations has made her an invaluable asset to the team.While Kaur's experience is a major asset, her recent form has raised some concerns. She has managed only two half-centuries since the last T20 World Cup, and her strike rate has dipped slightly. However, the Indian captain remains unfazed, confident in her ability to handle the pressure and deliver when it matters most.Kaur's team is a blend of experience and youth, with only three players yet to feature in a T20 World Cup. The squad boasts a wealth of talent, including Smriti Mandhana, Deepti Sharma, and Shafali Verma.India's hopes of lifting their maiden ICC trophy rest heavily on Kaur's shoulders. She has been a source of inspiration for countless young girls and has played a pivotal role in popularizing women's cricket in India. As she embarks on her ninth World Cup campaign, Kaur is determined to leave a lasting legacy and bring glory to her country.