Cricket

Yograj Singh, the father of World Cup-winning cricketer Yuvraj Singh, has repeatedly made accusations against former India captains Kapil Dev and MS Dhoni, alleging that they played a role in his son's exclusion from the Indian team.Yograj's Allegations Against Kapil DevYograj's animosity towards Kapil Dev stems from their days as aspiring cricketers in the late 1970s and early 1980s. Yograj believes that Kapil's influence was a key factor in his exclusion from the Indian team despite his impressive performances.In his latest tirade, Yograj attempted to downplay Kapil's achievements by comparing them to his son's career. "Kapil Dev, the greatest captain of our time...I told him, I'll leave you in a position where the world would curse you. Today, Yuvraj Singh has 13 trophies, and you have only one, the World Cup. End of discussion," Yograj said.Yograj's Allegations Against MS DhoniYograj has also held a grudge against MS Dhoni, claiming that his decisions as captain impacted Yuvraj's career. He believes that Dhoni's exclusion of Yuvraj from the 2015 ODI World Cup squad and his alleged role in India's defeat in the semifinal were detrimental to his son's career."I won't forgive MS Dhoni," Yograj said. "He should look at his face in the mirror. He is a very big cricketer, but what he has done against my son, everything is coming out now; it can never be forgiven in life."Yuvraj's CareerYuvraj Singh played a key role in India's 2007 T20 World Cup and 2011 ODI World Cup victories under Dhoni's captaincy. However, his career was plagued by injuries and a decline in form, leading to his retirement from all forms of cricket in June 2019.ConclusionYograj Singh's allegations against Kapil Dev and MS Dhoni have sparked controversy and debate. While some have questioned the validity of his claims, others have expressed sympathy for his frustration over his son's exclusion from the Indian team. The allegations have also raised questions about the role of personal relationships and politics in Indian cricket.

Rohit Sharma, the enigmatic Indian skipper, has established himself as a formidable force in contemporary cricket across all formats. While he has bid farewell to the shortest format following India's triumph at the T20 World Cup, Rohit continues to dominate in One-Day Internationals (ODIs) and Test cricket.In ODIs, Rohit has amassed an astonishing 10,866 runs in 265 matches, showcasing his exceptional batting prowess. However, it was on November 13, 2014, at the iconic Eden Gardens in Kolkata, that Rohit etched his name into cricketing history with an unforgettable knock.Facing Sri Lanka, Rohit unleashed a scintillating innings of 264 runs, shattering the previous record for the highest individual score in ODIs. His monumental innings, played off just 173 deliveries, was a testament to his indomitable spirit and impeccable timing.Rohit's innings was a symphony of boundaries and towering sixes, leaving the Sri Lankan bowlers bewildered. He struck 33 fours and 9 sixes, propelling India to an imposing total of 404/5. His herculean effort not only secured a comprehensive victory for India but also cemented his status as one of the most destructive batsmen in modern-day cricket.Rohit's magnum opus of an innings remains a defining moment in his illustrious career and a crowning achievement in the realm of limited-overs cricket. It is a testament to his exceptional talent and the indelible mark he has left on the game.

Former India wicketkeeper Vijay Dahiya has heaped praise on Musheer Khan, hailing his "strong mindset" and predicting a bright future for the young batter in the Indian team. Khan's impressive 181 for India B against India A in the ongoing Duleep Trophy has caught the attention of Dahiya, who believes the youngster has the potential to become a valuable asset for the national side.Dahiya highlighted Khan's consistency as a key factor in his success. "He started off from where he left the last season. He scored runs in the Ranji Trophy semifinal and final and then a hundred on the opening day of domestic cricket in 2024," Dahiya said.The former wicketkeeper also praised Khan's transformation from a left-arm spinner to a batsman, attributing it to his hard work and dedication. "Agar aap mehnat se kisi cheez ke peeche pad jaaye, shiddat se kisi cheez ke peeche pad jaaye to wo zarur milti hai (if you work hard for something, you will get it eventually)," Dahiya said.Dahiya also spoke about the positive impact of senior players like Rishabh Pant and Ishant Sharma on budding talents in the Delhi Premier League (DPL). "Rishabh Pant played just a match but the time he spent with boys in the hotel and in the practice motivated them," Dahiya said. "Ishant attended all the practice sessions and spent time with each of the boys. Unfortunately, he couldn't play due to an injury."Dahiya believes that the guidance and support from experienced players like Pant and Sharma can help young players develop their skills and confidence. "All the boys praised Rishabh and Ishant because they never let them feel inferior to them. Instead, they felt a sense of belongingness and it calmed their nerves," he added.

The Duleep Trophy, the season-opening domestic cricket tournament in India, has witnessed a surge in participation from top players this year, thanks to pressure from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). Former India cricketer Vijay Dahiya has praised the players for prioritizing the tournament."Domestic tournaments are crucial for the game," Dahiya told IANS. "When youngsters enter the side, the value of their runs is higher if they're scored against strong bowlers. I'm delighted to see the talent on display in this year's Duleep Trophy."Dahiya, who is currently the head coach of Purani Dilli-6 in the Adani Delhi Premier League (DPL), believes that confidence is paramount in knockout games. "Confidence is essential, especially when you're making a comeback," he said. "We lost our first game in the DPL, but we've bounced back. The support staff has created an environment where players can perform to their best."The DPL has been a resounding success, providing a platform for young players to showcase their skills. "The DPL is a brilliant concept," Dahiya said. "It gives opportunities to around 200 players. Credit must go to Rohan Jaitley for organizing it so well. The tournament will only grow from here."Dahiya emphasized the importance of countering South Delhi Superstarz's key batters, Ayush Badoni and Priyansh Arya, in the upcoming semifinal. "They're the main pillars of their team," he said. "We need to get them out early."The Duleep Trophy and the DPL have played a vital role in developing Indian cricket. They provide opportunities for players to hone their skills and compete against the best in the country. The BCCI's emphasis on domestic tournaments is a testament to their commitment to fostering the growth of the game at all levels.

Former Pakistan cricketer Saeed Ajmal has shared his experience of dismissing legendary Indian batter Sachin Tendulkar, describing it as a moment of immense joy. Ajmal, known for his exceptional off-spin bowling, spoke about Tendulkar's greatness and the respect he holds for him."Sachin is a great cricketer, the most honest and kind in the world," Ajmal said. "He is a legend, and I call him Sir. It is an honor to have played with him. Getting him out was a moment of happiness for me, and I will always cherish it."Ajmal recalled an incident where Tendulkar advised him to bowl a "dusra" to dismiss former England batter Kevin Pietersen. "I never got angry," Ajmal said. "I played with him in a league in 2010, and he told me to get Pietersen out by bowling a 'dusra.' I did, and he was very happy. He also told me not to finish the match too early after I took four wickets in four overs. He has always respected us and is a very good man."Tendulkar, with 34,357 runs in 664 international appearances, is the highest run-scorer in international cricket. He holds the record for most centuries (100) and half-centuries (164) in international cricket. In Test cricket, he has scored 15,921 runs at an average of 53.78, with 51 centuries and 68 fifties. In ODIs, he has amassed 18,426 runs at an average of 44.83, with 49 centuries and 96 half-centuries.Tendulkar was part of the Indian team that won the ICC Cricket World Cup in 2011. He also played for the Mumbai Indians franchise in the Indian Premier League (IPL) from 2008 to 2013, winning the title in 2013.

Ravichandran Ashwin, India's legendary spinner, is gearing up for an intense schedule of 10 Test matches against Bangladesh, New Zealand, and Australia over the next five months. As he approaches the twilight of his illustrious career, Ashwin, who has played 100 Tests and claimed 516 wickets, shared his experiences and insights gained under the leadership of three iconic Indian captains: MS Dhoni, Virat Kohli, and Rohit Sharma.MS Dhoni: Stability and TrustAshwin praised Dhoni's ability to provide stability and long-term opportunities to players. He cited the example of Ravindra Jadeja, whom Dhoni groomed into a successful finisher. "Dhoni backed someone after identifying their potential and provided stability," Ashwin said. "I really like that about MS."Virat Kohli: Inspiration and LeadershipAshwin described Kohli as an inspiring leader who sets an example through his own actions. "About Virat, he inspires," Ashwin said. "He leads from the front. What he expects from the team, he shows it by doing it himself."Rohit Sharma: Tactical Acumen and Player SupportAshwin highlighted Rohit Sharma's focus on tactics and his unwavering support for his players. "He keeps the team environment very light and makes an effort to do that," Ashwin said. "He is very balanced and tactically strong. He puts more focus on tactics. He backs his players 100 percent."Ashwin's insights provide valuable lessons for aspiring cricketers and shed light on the leadership styles of three of India's most successful captains. As he prepares for the upcoming Test matches, Ashwin's experience and wisdom will be invaluable to the Indian team.

Mohammed Shami, India's pace spearhead, has revealed his admiration for two legendary bowlers: Waqar Younis and Dale Steyn. In a recent interview with Star Sports, Shami named these two greats as his "favourite bowlers of all-time."Shami's admiration for Younis and Steyn stems from their exceptional skills and achievements. Younis, a Pakistani fast bowler, was renowned for his devastating swing bowling and ability to generate reverse swing. He is widely regarded as one of the greatest fast bowlers of all time, having taken 373 Test wickets and 416 ODI wickets.Steyn, a South African fast bowler, is another legend of the game. Known for his express pace, pinpoint accuracy, and lethal inswingers, Steyn has taken 439 Test wickets and 196 ODI wickets. He is considered one of the most successful fast bowlers in the history of cricket.Shami's own bowling prowess has earned him a place among India's top bowlers. Since his debut in 2013, he has established himself as a match-winner across all three formats. With 448 international wickets in 188 games, Shami is one of the most prolific pacers of the modern era.His ability to deliver match-winning performances in big games has made him a fan favorite. In the 2015 and 2019 ODI World Cups, Shami played a crucial role in India's campaigns, taking key wickets and helping his team reach the semi-finals.Shami's partnership with Jasprit Bumrah has formed a formidable pace duo for India. Together, they have led India's bowling attack to numerous victories. Shami's experience and skill, combined with Bumrah's pace and variations, make them one of the most dangerous bowling pairs in world cricket.

Musheer Khan, a rising star in Indian cricket, has announced his arrival on the big stage with a remarkable 181-run knock in his Duleep Trophy debut for India B against India A. The 19-year-old left-handed batter displayed exceptional composure and dominance, facing 373 deliveries and guiding his team to a competitive first-innings score of 321.Musheer's innings stood out amidst a batting collapse, as wickets fell around him. He found a reliable partner in Navdeep Saini, and together they orchestrated a record-breaking 205-run partnership for the eighth wicket, setting the highest such stand in the tournament's history.With this incredible debut, Musheer has surpassed some of cricket's elite, including Sachin Tendulkar, on the list of highest scores by a teenager in Duleep Trophy history. His 181 now sits third on the list, behind Baba Aparajith's 212 and Yash Dhull's 193.Musheer's journey to this moment has been remarkable. Growing up in Mumbai's cricket-rich ecosystem, the younger brother of Sarfaraz Khan has consistently shown potential. His early rise through the ranks included setting records in age-group cricket and eventually breaking into Mumbai's senior setup. However, his Duleep Trophy debut innings may be his crowning achievement thus far, marking him as a future star for Indian cricket.India B were in deep trouble at 94/7 when Musheer and Saini combined to salvage the innings. Musheer's resilience and composure under pressure were reminiscent of seasoned pros, which bodes well for his prospects at the highest level. While his immediate selection for India remains uncertain, this innings has certainly made selectors take notice.With Musheer's meteoric rise, it seems only a matter of time before he joins his brother Sarfaraz in representing India on the international stage. His exceptional talent, coupled with his ability to perform under pressure, suggests that he has the potential to become a mainstay in the Indian cricket team for years to come.

India's Transformation from "Tigers at Home, Lambs Abroad" to Global ConquerorsIn the late 1990s, the Indian cricket team was known for its formidable home record but struggled to perform overseas. However, the appointment of Sourav Ganguly as captain in 2000 marked a turning point.Under Ganguly's leadership, India's batting unit, known as the "Fab Five," emerged as a dominant force. Rahul Dravid, Sachin Tendulkar, VVS Laxman, Ganguly, and Virender Sehwag formed a formidable lineup that could challenge any bowling attack.By 2002, when India toured England for a four-match Test series, the team had undergone a significant transformation. Dravid had become a rock-solid anchor, Tendulkar's batting had matured, Laxman had established himself as a match-winner, Ganguly was a fearless leader, and Sehwag had proven his explosive potential.In the second Test at Nottingham, India faced a daunting task after losing the first Test at Lord's. However, the Dravid-Tendulkar-Ganguly trio came to the rescue. Dravid scored a gritty 115, while Tendulkar and Ganguly fell just short of centuries with scores of 92 and 99, respectively.The third Test at Headingley, Leeds, witnessed a historic moment. Batting first, India piled up a mammoth 628/8, their highest team total at the venue. Dravid laid the foundation with a patient 148, adding 170 runs with Sanjay Bangar and 150 with Tendulkar.Tendulkar and Ganguly then unleashed a batting masterclass, smashing three sixes each and hitting 19 and 14 fours, respectively. Their partnership of 335 runs for the fourth wicket was a testament to their dominance. Tendulkar fell for 193, while Ganguly was dismissed for 128, but their contributions had set the stage for an emphatic victory.India's spinners, led by Harbhajan Singh and Anil Kumble, then took over, bowling England out for 234 and 204 to secure a memorable innings and 46-run victory.This triumph at Headingley was a watershed moment for Indian cricket. It marked the team's emergence as a global force, capable of winning anywhere in the world. The "Tigers at home, lambs abroad" tag was a thing of the past, as India had transformed into a formidable opponent on any stage.