Cricket

Indian cricket captain Rohit Sharma has been crowned the 'Men's International Cricketer of the Year' at the prestigious Ceat Cricket Rating Awards 2023-24. This accolade recognizes his exceptional leadership and outstanding performances on the international stage.Former head coach Rahul Dravid, a legendary figure in Indian cricket, received the 'Lifetime Achievement Award' for his remarkable contributions to the sport. His guidance and mentorship have played a pivotal role in shaping the careers of numerous cricketers.Virat Kohli, India's batting mainstay, was named the 'Men's ODI Batter of the Year' for his consistent and prolific performances in the 50-over format. His ability to score runs consistently and anchor the innings has been instrumental in India's success.Mohammed Shami, the highest wicket-taker during the 2023 ODI World Cup with 24 scalps, was deservedly named the 'ODI Bowler of the Year'. His ability to swing the ball and maintain an impeccable line and length has made him a formidable force in the Indian bowling attack.Yashasvi Jaiswal, the young batting sensation, was named the 'Men's Test Batter of the Year' for his remarkable performance against England earlier this year, where he amassed 712 runs in the five-Test series. His talent and composure at such a young age have earned him widespread acclaim.Veteran off-spinner R. Ashwin was honored as the 'Men's Test Bowler of the Year' for his consistent wicket-taking abilities and his ability to outfox batters with his guile and variations.BCCI secretary Jay Shah, who received an award for excellence in sports administration, expressed his confidence in the Indian teams' ability to clinch more trophies in the future. He emphasized the support of 1.4 billion people and the determination to succeed in major tournaments like the Champions Trophy, World Test Championship final, and the Women's T20 World Cup.Tamil Nadu captain R Sai Kishore, who led his team to the Ranji Trophy final last season, was named the 'Domestic Cricketer of the Year' for his outstanding leadership and performances in domestic cricket.New Zealand's Tim Southee was awarded the 'Men's T20I Bowler of the Year' for his impressive performances in the shortest format, while England's Phil Salt was adjudged the 'Best Batter of the Year' in T20Is.India women's team skipper Harmanpreet Kaur was presented with a memento for leading the country in the most T20I matches, while her deputy and opening batter Smriti Mandhana was adjudged the 'Women's Indian Batter of the Year'.Deepti Sharma, known for her all-round abilities, was named the 'Indian Bowler of the Year' for her consistent performances with the ball.Opening batter Shafali Verma was honored with a memento for scoring the fastest double century in women's Test cricket, a remarkable feat achieved off 194 balls against South Africa in the Chennai Test earlier this year.Shreyas Iyer, who captained Kolkata Knight Riders to their third IPL title, was presented with a memento for 'outstanding leadership' in guiding his team to success in the prestigious tournament.

Piyush Chawla Reflects on Enduring Friendship with Virat KohliVeteran Indian leg-spinner Piyush Chawla has shared his insights into his long-standing friendship with Virat Kohli, revealing that their bond remains as strong as ever despite Kohli's rise to fame.Chawla, who has known Kohli since their days in the under-19 cricket circuit, described their relationship as "great camaraderie." He recalled a recent encounter with Kohli during the Asia Cup, where the former Indian captain approached him for a casual chat and food order."Virat Kohli is still the same as me as he was 10-15 years before," Chawla said. "My experience with him is always good."Chawla's comments contrast with those of another veteran Indian leg-spinner, Amit Mishra, who recently expressed that Kohli's rise to fame had impacted their interactions. Mishra claimed that Kohli had become more distant and less approachable.However, Chawla maintained that Kohli's personality has remained unchanged. "He has the same conversations with us that we used to have 10-15 years ago," he said.Despite Kohli's recent struggles in white-ball cricket, Chawla remains confident in his abilities. He believes that Kohli will return to form and continue to be a force in international cricket."He's a great player, and he's going to come back stronger," Chawla said. "He's a fighter, and he's going to prove himself again."Kohli is currently taking a brief break from cricket to spend time with his family in London. He is expected to return to action during the upcoming Bangladesh series in September.

Sachin Tendulkar's Historic Moment: Equaling Sunil Gavaskar's Test Century RecordIn the annals of Indian cricket, the names Sachin Tendulkar and Sunil Gavaskar stand tall as legendary figures. Both have left an indelible mark on the sport, inspiring generations of cricketers with their exceptional batting prowess.In 2004, during the first Test against Bangladesh at the Bangabandhu National Stadium in Dhaka, Tendulkar etched his name into history by equaling Gavaskar's record of 34 Test centuries. This momentous achievement marked a significant milestone in Tendulkar's illustrious career.Gavaskar, known as the "Little Master," was the first Indian cricketer to score 10,000 runs in Test cricket. His 34 Test centuries stood as a testament to his consistency and ability to perform under pressure. Tendulkar, the "Master Blaster," carried forward this legacy, becoming a global icon with his aggressive batting style and remarkable longevity.The first Test of the two-match series against Bangladesh witnessed several historic moments. Anil Kumble surpassed Kapil Dev's record of 434 wickets to become India's leading Test wicket-taker. Irfan Pathan registered his first ten-wicket haul in Tests, showcasing his all-round abilities.However, it was Tendulkar's performance that stole the show. Despite being dropped twice, he went on to score a magnificent 248*, his career-best Test score. His innings was a masterclass in batting, featuring 35 boundaries and crucial partnerships with Sourav Ganguly and Zaheer Khan.Tendulkar's century not only equaled Gavaskar's record but also highlighted his unwavering determination and ability to rise to the occasion. He played a pivotal role in India's comprehensive victory by an innings and 140 runs.Tendulkar's legacy extends far beyond his record-breaking achievements. He is widely regarded as one of the greatest batsmen in cricket history, holding the record for the most runs in both Test and ODI cricket. His 100 international centuries (51 in Tests and 49 in ODIs) stand as a testament to his exceptional skill and longevity.

Jasprit Bumrah: The Unstoppable Multi-Format Bowling ForceFormer Australian captain Ricky Ponting has hailed Indian pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah as the best multi-format bowler in world cricket over the past five to six years. Despite concerns about his longevity, Bumrah has returned from injuries stronger than ever, impressing Ponting and the cricketing fraternity."He's probably been the best multi-format bowler there's been in world cricket for the last five or six years," Ponting said on the ICC review. "There might have been some fears a couple of years ago when the injuries came in and 'would he come back the same?', but I think he's actually come back better."Ponting emphasized the impact Bumrah has on opposition batsmen, who often describe him as a "nightmare" due to his unpredictable bowling style. "You never know what's going to happen. One's going to swing, one's going to seam, he's going to bowl an in-swinger, he's going to bowl an out-swinger," Ponting explained.Bumrah played a pivotal role in India's triumph in the T20 World Cup, taking 15 wickets. Ponting acknowledged Bumrah's exceptional performance during the tournament, noting that his pace and accuracy remain unchanged. "The skillset is all the same. He's getting better year on year. He would rank right up there," Ponting said.Ponting compared Bumrah to legendary bowlers like Glenn McGrath and James Anderson, highlighting their longevity and exceptional skills. "When you've got that skillset and the consistency that he has, then you're going to be a great player. Look at (Glenn) McGrath, look at (James) Anderson, these guys, their longevity and their skills being able to hold up for such a long period of time is what separates them from the rest," Ponting added.Bumrah's ability to adapt to different formats and conditions sets him apart from other bowlers. He has consistently performed at the highest level in Tests, ODIs, and T20Is, showcasing his versatility and adaptability.

Sai Kishore, the promising all-rounder from Tamil Nadu, is poised for a comeback after overcoming a debilitating neck injury. The Gujarat Titans player made waves in IPL 2024 with his match-winning spell against Punjab Kings, earning him the Player of the Match award. However, his success was cut short when he sustained a neck injury while playing golf.Undeterred, Kishore sought rehabilitation at the National Cricket Academy (NCA) in Bengaluru. In July, he returned to competitive action in the Tamil Nadu Premier League for Tiruppur Tamizhans. Reflecting on his recovery journey, Kishore expressed gratitude for the support he received from various individuals, including his wife."The neck is essential for everything we do," Kishore said. "I couldn't move or sit without excruciating pain. I had to set alarms every two hours to wake up and walk."Despite the challenges, Kishore remained determined to return to the field. "Getting back to normal life was an achievement in itself," he said. "Cricket was a bonus."Kishore exudes confidence in his abilities, declaring himself "one of the best spinners" in India. He aspires to play alongside Ravindra Jadeja in Test cricket, believing it would be an invaluable learning experience."I've never played alongside Jadeja in red-ball format," Kishore said. "It would be a great opportunity to learn from him. I'm confident and ready more than ever."Kishore's comeback has been bolstered by his selection in the Duleep Trophy. He has also represented India in three T20Is at the Asian Games.

Virat Kohli, the star Indian batter, has etched his name among the greatest cricketers of all time. Since his international debut in 2008, Kohli has propelled Indian cricket to unprecedented heights with his exceptional batting prowess and record-breaking achievements.Despite stepping down as T20I captain, Kohli remains on track to surpass Sachin Tendulkar's legendary feat of scoring 100 centuries in international cricket. Beyond his contributions to Team India, Kohli has been an integral part of the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) in the Indian Premier League (IPL) since its inception in 2008.Despite RCB's consistent performances, they have yet to claim an IPL trophy. However, the franchise boasts a massive fan base, making it one of the most popular in the league. Recently, Kohli expressed his preference for Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) as his favorite rivals in the IPL, over five-time champions Mumbai Indians.On Sunday, Kohli celebrated 16 years of international cricket. His debut came in an ODI against Sri Lanka in Dambulla in 2008, shortly after leading India to victory in the Under-19 World Cup.BCCI secretary Jay Shah took to social media to congratulate Kohli on his milestone, stating, "16 years ago today, a 19-year-old @imVkohli stepped onto the international stage for the first time, marking the beginning of what has become a truly legendary career. Congratulations to the King on completing 16 years in international cricket!"In his debut match, Kohli opened the batting with current India head coach Gautam Gambhir and scored 12 runs. He concluded his maiden international series with 159 runs in five matches, averaging 31.80.Since then, Kohli has evolved into a formidable batting force for India. In 295 ODIs, he has amassed 13,906 runs, including a record 50 centuries, 27 of which have come in run-chases. In 113 Test matches, he has accumulated 8,848 runs, while in 125 T20Is, he has scored 4,188 runs.

Morne Morkel, the former South African fast bowler, has taken on the significant role of India's bowling coach, succeeding renowned predecessors Bharat Arun and Paras Mhambrey. At 39, Morkel brings a wealth of experience to the role, having served as Pakistan's bowling coach and worked with New Zealand and Namibia in the T20 World Cups.One of the key challenges Morkel faces is gaining the trust of the Indian bowlers, which is essential for effective communication and success in his new position. Ex-South Africa all-rounder Albie Morkel, Morne's brother, emphasizes that earning the trust of established team members will be his main task."It goes without saying that being on the Indian team's coaching staff is probably the biggest responsibility or coaching job out there," Albie Morkel told Mid-day. "The passion for the sport and the success that the team had in the past makes it a job with no room for error."Morkel will collaborate with some of the world's best bowlers, including Jasprit Bumrah, widely considered the best fast bowler across all formats. Albie Morkel believes that Morne admires Bumrah's versatility and ability to perform in various conditions."Not sure but Zaheer Khan and Jasprit Bumrah," Albie said when asked about the Indian bowlers Morne admires. "Once again, I don't know what his exact thoughts would be, but Jasprit is the best all-format bowler in the world. He is very special, and I'm sure Morne would love to work with him."Despite not having an extensive coaching resume like some of his predecessors, Morkel's experience is noteworthy. He has worked with bowlers from different countries and cultures, which will be valuable in his new role. Albie Morkel highlights the importance of his brother's experience, particularly in addressing the mental aspects of the game, which can be crucial for bowlers dealing with challenges such as injuries."It's a fine line between being too technical and what's right," Albie said. "I think the game has changed so much over the last decade. Younger bowlers or bowlers who struggle with injuries probably need more technical work, and after that, it's about fine-tuning what you have. The mental aspect becomes very important then to sustain longevity."Morkel's appointment has the potential to bring a fresh perspective to India's bowling attack, possibly unlocking new achievements for the team. His combination of experience, technical expertise, and understanding of the game's mental demands sets the stage for an intriguing chapter in Indian cricket.

In the realm of cricket, comparing players across generations is a contentious topic. Factors such as playing conditions, rule changes, opposition strength, and opportunities must be considered. However, it remains a captivating subject for discussion.Former Indian wicketkeeper-batter Dinesh Karthik recently unveiled his all-time XI of Indian cricketers on Cricbuzz. Notably, the video caption clarified that it was a list of his "top XI teammates." Karthik acknowledged the difficulty in accommodating all deserving players.Among the notable omissions from the XI were Sourav Ganguly, VVS Laxman, and MS Dhoni, all of whom Karthik has played alongside for India.Karthik, who made his international debut in 2004, explained his selections:* Openers: Virender Sehwag and Rohit Sharma* No. 3: Rahul Dravid* No. 4: Sachin Tendulkar* No. 5: Virat Kohli* No. 6: Yuvraj Singh* No. 7: Ravindra Jadeja* No. 8: R Ashwin* No. 9: Anil Kumble* No. 10: Jasprit Bumrah* No. 11: Zaheer KhanKarthik also named Harbhajan Singh as the 12th man, acknowledging the many other deserving players who missed out, including Gautam Gambhir.

The Duleep Trophy, the premier domestic cricket tournament in India, is set to kick off the 2024/25 season with a star-studded lineup. The tournament, scheduled from September 5 to 24 in Anantapur, will feature top Indian players, excluding Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, Jasprit Bumrah, and Ravichandran Ashwin.Shubhman Gill, Abhimanyu Easwaran, Ruturaj Gaikwad, and Shreyas Iyer will lead the four squads in the tournament. BCCI Secretary Jay Shah has emphasized that the absence of Rohit and Virat is due to workload concerns, as they will be preparing for the upcoming home Test series against Bangladesh.Shah stressed that injured players aiming to return to the national team must prove their fitness through domestic cricket. He cited the example of Ravindra Jadeja, who returned to the team after playing for Saurashtra. However, Shah believes it is unnecessary to burden Rohit and Virat with domestic cricket, as they are already facing a heavy workload."We have been little strict. When Ravindra Jadeja had got injured, I was the one who called him and asked him to play a domestic game. It's certain now, whoever gets injured and goes out, can only come into the Indian team after proving his fitness in domestic cricket. But it doesn't make sense to add to Virat and Rohit's load by asking them to play domestic cricket. They run the risk of getting injured. You also need to look at England and Australia. None of their top players play domestic cricket. We must treat our players respectfully and not treat them like servants," Shah said.The Duleep Trophy will provide an opportunity for young and emerging players to showcase their talent and stake a claim for a spot in the national team. The tournament will also serve as a platform for players returning from injury to regain match fitness and form.