Cricket

Shikhar Dhawan, the enigmatic southpaw batter, has bid farewell to international and domestic cricket, leaving an indelible mark on the cricketing world. His journey, spanning over a decade, has been a testament to his resilience, determination, and unwavering passion for the game.Dhawan's international debut in 2010 was a humble affair, dismissed for a duck against Australia. However, it was a mere blip in his illustrious career. In 2013, he announced his arrival on the global stage with a blistering 187 against the same opposition, earning him the moniker "Gabbar" and his signature "thigh celebration."Dhawan's true calling lay in limited-overs cricket. In 167 ODIs, he amassed 6,793 runs at an impressive average of 44.1, including 17 centuries and 39 fifties. His swashbuckling style and ability to score runs at a rapid pace made him a formidable force in the middle order.In the T20I format, Dhawan made 68 appearances, scoring 1,759 runs at an average of 27.9, including 11 fifties. His aggressive batting and quick reflexes made him a valuable asset in the shortest format of the game.Dhawan's leadership qualities were also evident, as he occasionally captained the Indian team in white-ball cricket. He led the team to victory in the 2018 Asia Cup, further cementing his legacy as a successful skipper.Despite facing setbacks and being dropped from the team in 2014, Dhawan's determination never wavered. He fought his way back into the side and became the fastest to reach 6000 runs in ODIs, achieving the feat in just 141 matches.Dhawan's contributions to Indian cricket extend beyond his batting prowess. He was crowned Player of the Tournament in the U-19 World Cup 2004, Champions Trophy 2013, and Asia Cup 2018, showcasing his all-round abilities.As Dhawan hangs up his boots, he leaves behind a legacy of excellence, resilience, and unwavering passion for the game. His impact on Indian cricket will be felt for years to come, inspiring generations of young cricketers to strive for greatness.

Shikhar Dhawan, the swashbuckling Indian opener, has announced his retirement from international cricket, bringing an end to a glittering career that spanned over a decade. Former Indian cricket team head coach and director Ravi Shastri paid a heartfelt tribute to Dhawan, expressing his gratitude and admiration for the cricketer's impactful career.Dhawan, fondly known as "Shiki Boy," made his international debut in 2010 and quickly established himself as a formidable force in the Indian batting lineup. Known for his aggressive style of play and ability to score runs at a rapid pace, Dhawan played a pivotal role in India's success in various ICC tournaments and Asia Cups.One of Dhawan's most memorable performances came in the 2013 ICC Champions Trophy, where he was the leading run-scorer and played a crucial role in India's triumph. He also played a key role in India's victory in the 2016 Asia Cup, scoring a match-winning century in the final against Bangladesh.In addition to his international exploits, Dhawan was also a prolific run-scorer in the Indian Premier League (IPL). He is the second-highest run-getter of all time in the IPL, with over 6,700 runs to his name. He won the IPL title with Sunrisers Hyderabad in 2016 and was a key member of the Delhi Capitals team that reached the final in 2020.Dhawan's retirement marks the end of an era in Indian cricket. He was a beloved figure among fans and teammates alike, known for his infectious enthusiasm and positive attitude. His contributions to Indian cricket will be remembered for years to come.

Virat Kohli's decision to step down as India's Test captain in January 2022 raised eyebrows, with many believing he should have continued in the role. Former batting coach Sanjay Bangar echoed this sentiment, stating that Kohli could have led India in red-ball cricket for a longer period.Kohli's tenure as Test captain was marked by unprecedented success. He took over from MS Dhoni in 2014 and led the team in 68 matches, securing 40 victories with a win percentage of 58.82. Under his leadership, India achieved historic milestones, including their maiden Test series triumph in Australia in 2018, victories in the West Indies, and reaching the inaugural ICC World Test Championship Final in 2021.Kohli's home record as captain was particularly impressive, with 24 wins out of 31 Tests played in India, and only two losses. His aggressive and fearless approach inspired the team to numerous memorable victories.However, Kohli's decision to step down from the captaincy came as a surprise to many. Bangar believes that Kohli could have continued in the role for longer, given his exceptional leadership qualities and the team's success under his guidance.After Kohli's departure, Rohit Sharma was named India's skipper in all formats. Both Kohli and Rohit have since retired from T20Is, with Suryakumar Yadav taking over the leadership in the shortest format. Rohit continues to lead the team in ODIs and Test cricket.

Virat Kohli Lauds Shikhar Dhawan's Legacy as India's Dependable OpenerFormer Indian skipper Virat Kohli has paid a heartfelt tribute to Shikhar Dhawan, who recently announced his retirement from all forms of cricket. Kohli hailed Dhawan as one of India's most dependable openers, whose passion, sportsmanship, and signature smile will be dearly missed.Dhawan, fondly known as 'Gabbar,' has had an illustrious career, amassing 10,867 runs in 34 Tests, 167 ODIs, and 68 T20Is. He is the 12th highest run-scorer for India in international cricket, with 24 centuries and 79 fifty-plus scores.Kohli highlighted Dhawan's fearless debut and his rise to becoming one of India's most reliable openers. He credited Dhawan for giving countless memories to cherish, both on and off the field."Your passion for the game, your sportsmanship, and your trademark smile will be missed, but your legacy lives on," Kohli wrote on social media.Dhawan's most notable achievement came in the 2013 Champions Trophy, where he was named the player of the tournament for scoring the most runs (363). Along with Kohli and Rohit Sharma, he formed an unmatched triumvirate in the international white-ball formats from 2013 to 2019.Kohli and Dhawan shared a deep bond, both on and off the field. They hail from the same region in West Delhi and came through the system at almost the same time. They were teammates for the Indian team for almost a decade.Kohli expressed his gratitude to Dhawan for all the memories and wished him luck in his future endeavors. "Thank you for the memories, unforgettable performances, and always leading with your heart. Wishing you the best in your next innings, off the field Gabbar!" he added.Shikhar Dhawan's retirement marks the end of an era for Indian cricket. His contributions to the team have been immense, and his legacy as a dependable opener will forever be etched in the annals of Indian cricket history.

The CEAT Cricket Rating Awards 2024 celebrated the exceptional achievements of Indian cricketers, both men and women. Amidst the accolades bestowed upon stalwarts like Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and Rahul Dravid, a heartwarming moment between two India stalwarts captured the hearts of fans.During the event, Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) captain and India's ODI middle-order pillar Shreyas Iyer displayed a remarkable gesture of respect towards India's Test and ODI captain Rohit Sharma. As the venue filled with stars, Rohit Sharma found himself without a seat. Without hesitation, Shreyas Iyer rose from his seat and offered it to Rohit, who gratefully accepted.The heartwarming moment was captured on camera and quickly went viral on social media, eliciting praise from fans and commentators alike. Whether Shreyas Iyer proactively offered the seat or Rohit Sharma requested it remains unclear, but the exchange of smiles between the two players spoke volumes about their mutual respect and camaraderie.Rohit Sharma was honored with the prestigious 'International Cricketer of the Year' award at the ceremony. As CEAT's brand ambassador, Rohit played a pivotal role in India's historic triumph at the 2024 T20 World Cup, emerging as the nation's leading run-scorer.Meanwhile, Shreyas Iyer, who led KKR to a dominant IPL 2024 title victory, received the 'T20 Leadership' award. His astute captaincy and exceptional batting performances throughout the tournament earned him widespread recognition.The CEAT Cricket Rating Awards 2024 also recognized the outstanding contributions of other Indian cricketers. Yashasvi Jaiswal was named 'Test Batter of the Year,' while R Ashwin claimed the 'Test Bowler of the Year' award. Virat Kohli and Mohammed Shami were honored as 'ODI Batter of the Year' and 'ODI Bowler of the Year,' respectively.In the T20I category, Phil Salt and Tim Southee were recognized as 'T20I Batter of the Year' and 'T20I Bowler of the Year,' respectively. Rahul Dravid, the former India captain and current head coach, received the 'Lifetime Achievement' award for his immense contributions to Indian cricket.The awards ceremony also celebrated the achievements of women cricketers. Harmanpreet Kaur was recognized for her record-breaking feat as the player with the most matches as captain in women's T20I history. Deepti Sharma was named 'Women's Indian Bowler of the Year,' while Shafali Verma received the award for the 'Fastest Double-Century in Women's Test.'

Rohit Sharma's Expressive Leadership Style: A Reflection of High ExpectationsIndia's ODI and Test captain, Rohit Sharma, is renowned for his expressive demeanor on the field. His emotions, ranging from anger to laughter and frustration, are often captured on camera and become the subject of memes and discussions.According to teammate Mohammed Shami, Rohit's emotional outbursts stem from his high expectations for his players. "If you don't meet his expectations, his reactions start to show," Shami said. "He'll tell you what you should have done or what was needed. If you still don't live up to it, then you'll see the reactions we see on the screen."Rohit himself acknowledges his expressive nature, stating, "I keep asking them to be themselves on the field. For that, first, I have to be myself... and that's how I am!"Shami's comments highlight the importance of clear communication and accountability in leadership. By expressing his emotions, Rohit conveys his expectations and holds his players responsible for meeting them. This approach fosters a culture of high performance and accountability within the team.However, it's important to note that Rohit's emotional outbursts are not always negative. He also uses them to motivate and inspire his players. By showing his passion and determination, he sets an example for his teammates and creates a positive and competitive environment.While Rohit continues to lead the Indian team in the ODI and Test formats, Shami is currently sidelined due to an ankle surgery. He is expected to make a comeback to competitive cricket for his domestic side Bengal in the Ranji Trophy, with a potential international appearance later in one of the Test matches against New Zealand.

Shikhar Dhawan, India's prolific opening batsman, has bid farewell to international and domestic cricket, marking the end of an illustrious career spanning over a decade. In a heartfelt video message, Dhawan expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to represent his country and the unwavering support he received throughout his journey.Dhawan's international debut came in 2010 against Australia in Visakhapatnam, and he quickly established himself as a formidable force in the Indian batting lineup. Over the course of his career, he amassed an impressive 10,000 runs across all formats, including 24 centuries—17 in ODIs and 7 in Tests.One of Dhawan's most memorable performances came during the 2013 ICC Champions Trophy, where he emerged as the tournament's leading run-scorer. His exceptional batting, which included two centuries and one fifty, played a pivotal role in India's triumph.Dhawan's retirement marks the end of an era for Indian cricket. He was a key member of the team that won the 2013 Champions Trophy and the 2011 Cricket World Cup. His aggressive batting style and ability to score runs at a rapid pace made him a fan favorite.In his retirement message, Dhawan expressed his gratitude to his family, coaches, teammates, and fans for their unwavering support. He acknowledged the sacrifices he had made along the way but emphasized that he was at peace with his decision.Dhawan's retirement leaves a void in the Indian cricket team, but his legacy will continue to inspire future generations of players. His exceptional talent, unwavering determination, and infectious enthusiasm have made him one of the most beloved cricketers in India.

Mahendra Singh Dhoni, the legendary Indian cricketer renowned for his calm demeanor on the field, is equally admired for his deep passion for motorcycles. His fascination with bikes began long before he became a cricket icon. Growing up in Ranchi, he developed a love for motorcycles that evolved into a lifelong passion.Over the years, Dhoni has added iconic models like the Confederate X132 Hellcat, Kawasaki Ninja H2, and Harley-Davidson Fat Boy to his collection. Beyond collecting, Dhoni often enjoys taking his bikes for rides, frequently spotted cruising through his hometown.Recently, Dhoni, who led India to three ICC titles, made a fan's day by signing an autograph on his bike. The video of this heartwarming gesture went viral on social media, showcasing Dhoni's humility and love for his fans.Dhoni's passion for motorcycles extends beyond personal enjoyment. He is also an avid supporter of motorsports in India. In 2019, he became the co-owner of the Chennai Super Kings MotoGP team, further cementing his connection to the world of two-wheeled machines.Dhoni's love for motorcycles is a testament to his multifaceted personality. While he is known for his calm and composed demeanor on the cricket field, his passion for bikes reveals a more adventurous and spirited side to his character.

India's T20 World Cup-winning captain Rohit Sharma has expressed his unwavering determination to continue winning major trophies for his country. Speaking at the CEAT Cricket Awards, Rohit emphasized the team's commitment to pushing themselves and striving for excellence."There is a reason I won five IPL trophies. I am not going to stop, because once you get the taste of winning games, and winning Cups, you do not want to stop and we will keep pushing as a team. We will keep striving for better things in the future," Rohit declared.Rohit acknowledged the team's upcoming challenges, including the tour to Australia, the ICC Champions Trophy, and the ICC World Test Championship final. He expressed confidence in the team's ability to overcome these obstacles."We have got a couple of solid tours coming up, very challenging ones as well. For us, it never stops. Once you achieve something you always look forward to achieving more. That is what I will be doing. I am pretty sure my teammates will be thinking on the same line," he said.Rohit attributed his success as captain to the support of his "three pillars": former head coach Rahul Dravid, BCCI secretary Jay Shah, and chief selector Ajit Agarkar. He emphasized the importance of creating an environment where players can play freely without excessive focus on statistics and milestones."It was my dream to transform this team and not worry too much about the stats, the results, to make sure that we create that environment where people can go out there and play freely without thinking too much. That is what was required. I got a lot of help from my three pillars, who are Mr Jay Shah, Mr Rahul Dravid (and the) chairman of selectors Ajit Agarkar," Rohit said.The Indian skipper also praised the contributions of his players, particularly Virat Kohli, Hardik Pandya, and Jasprit Bumrah, who played pivotal roles in the T20 World Cup victory. He thanked the nation for celebrating the team's triumph.