Cricket

Khaleel Ahmed: MS Dhoni, My 'Guru' and the Architect of My DreamsIndian pacer Khaleel Ahmed has expressed his profound admiration for legendary cricketer MS Dhoni, describing him as his "guru" and sharing anecdotes that illuminate their exceptional bond.In a candid conversation with Aakash Chopra on his YouTube channel, Khaleel, who made his ODI debut in the 2018 Asia Cup, recalled a cherished moment when Dhoni, captaining the team in Rohit Sharma's absence, entrusted him with bowling the first over against Afghanistan."Mahi bhai is not my friend, not my elder brother, he is my guru," Khaleel emphasized, revealing a deep respect that transcends typical teammate dynamics. He explained how this gesture fulfilled a childhood dream, inspired by watching his idol Zaheer Khan open the bowling for India."Since my childhood, I wanted to become the bowler who took the first over from India since I had watched Zaheer Khan growing up. In the Asia Cup, Mahi bhai asked me to bowl the first over. I ran so hard, away from the huddle thinking that if I give it time he might change his mind," Khaleel confessed, stressing the significance of the moment and the immense trust Dhoni placed in him.Khaleel also shared the story behind a viral photo of him receiving flowers from Dhoni. The incident took place during India's tour of New Zealand, where Dhoni gifted him flowers he had received from fans."We were in New Zealand, Mahi bhai's fans had given him flowers, he passed it onto me and some fans took a photo, it was quite memorable for me," the pacer added.Dhoni, who last played in IPL 2024 for Chennai Super Kings, continues to be revered for his leadership qualities and his ability to nurture talent. While his future in IPL remains uncertain, his legacy as a captain and mentor continues to inspire a generation of cricketers.

Virat Kohli, the legendary Indian batsman, celebrated 16 years of his illustrious international cricket career on August 18, 2024. His journey has been marked by remarkable achievements, inspiring performances, and an unwavering dedication to the sport.Kohli's international debut came in an ODI against Sri Lanka in 2008, where he scored a modest 12 runs. However, he quickly established himself as a consistent performer, finishing the series with an average of 31.80. Over the years, he has evolved into one of the most dominant batsmen in cricket history.In ODIs, Kohli holds the record for the most centuries (50) by a male batter. His unparalleled 27 centuries in successful run chases solidify his status as a modern-day great. His contributions extend beyond ODIs, with significant runs amassed in Test matches (8,848) and T20 Internationals (4,188).Kohli has been a key figure in India's triumphs in major ICC tournaments, including the 2011 World Cup, the 2013 Champions Trophy, and the 2024 T20 World Cup. His leadership qualities were evident during his tenure as Test captain, during which India secured a record 40 victories out of 68 matches.Beyond statistics, Kohli's impact on cricket is profound. He is credited with revolutionizing the approach to batting in limited-overs cricket, emphasizing fitness, aggressive running between the wickets, and a relentless pursuit of victory. His unwavering passion and dedication have inspired a generation of aspiring cricketers.As Kohli enters the latter stages of his career, his legacy as one of the most influential figures in cricket history is undeniable. His impact on Indian cricket, and the sport globally, is immeasurable, leaving an indelible mark on the game's evolution.

Sanju Samson, India's wicketkeeper-batter, is currently enjoying a break from cricket after the team's tour of Sri Lanka. In a viral video, Samson was seen playing football on a basketball court, showcasing his versatility and love for sports.Despite being a part of India's triumphant T20 World Cup 2024 squad, Samson did not get an opportunity to play in the tournament. The team management preferred Rishabh Pant as their primary wicketkeeper-batter, leaving Samson on the sidelines.Samson recently expressed his disappointment at being left out of the Indian ODI squad. "I will just go and play whenever they select me. That's it! At the end of the day, our team is doing well. I am the kind of person who believes in higher purpose. I just try to take things positively under controllable circumstances and put up the efforts," Samson said at the launch of Kerala Cricket League.Samson's struggles in the recently concluded T20I series against Sri Lanka, where he recorded back-to-back ducks, may have contributed to his omission from the ODI squad. However, Samson remains a talented player with a proven track record in domestic cricket.Despite the setbacks, Samson remains positive and focused on improving his game. He is expected to return to action in the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) season, where he will represent the Rajasthan Royals.Samson's versatility and love for sports are evident in his recent football outing. It is a reminder that even elite athletes can find joy and fulfillment in activities outside their primary sport.

Mayank Yadav, India's promising right-arm pacer, is diligently undergoing rehabilitation at the National Cricket Academy (NCA) in Bengaluru. His exceptional pace has garnered attention since his impressive performance in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024, despite playing only four matches.During his brief IPL stint, Yadav showcased his raw talent, claiming seven wickets at an economical rate of 6.99. His blistering pace consistently exceeded 150 kmph, with his fastest delivery clocking in at an astonishing 156.7 kmph.However, Yadav's promising run was cut short by an injury, prompting questions about his potential inclusion in the Indian squad. Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) secretary Jay Shah acknowledged Yadav's talent but remained non-committal about his immediate selection."I cannot give you any answer on Mayank Yadav as there is no guarantee whether he will be in the team or not. But he is potentially a good fast bowler, and we are looking after him. He is currently in the NCA," Shah told Times of India.Yadav's IPL debut for Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) in 2023 was equally impressive, but an injury forced him to withdraw after just four games. Despite being acquired by LSG for a base price of Rs 20 lakh in the 2022 auction, he was replaced by Arpit Guleria due to an injury.Throughout his T20 career, Yadav has amassed 19 wickets in 14 matches, while in List A cricket, he has claimed 34 wickets in 17 matches. He represents Delhi in the domestic circuit.In April 2024, Yadav etched his name in the IPL record books by delivering the fastest ball of the tournament. His blistering delivery propelled Lucknow Super Giants to a resounding victory over Royal Challengers Bengaluru.Yadav's rehabilitation at the NCA is a testament to his determination to overcome injuries and fulfill his potential. With his raw pace and impressive track record, he remains a promising prospect for the Indian cricket team.

Sarfaraz Khan, the prolific Indian domestic run-scorer, has been enduring a five-month competitive match hiatus since his Test debut against England in February. Despite his impressive performance in that match, where he scored 56 off 60 balls, Sarfaraz's place in India's middle order is uncertain with the return of Virat Kohli and KL Rahul.Undeterred, Sarfaraz has maintained a rigorous practice regimen, aiming to regain his form in the ongoing Buchi Babu cricket tournament. "There is nothing called off-season for me," he told The Indian Express. "I wake up by 4.15 am and start the day with long-distance running. I can now run 5 km in half an hour."Sarfaraz's fitness regime also includes gym sessions and fielding drills in the morning, followed by batting practice in the evening. His dedication has paid off, as he has shed the bulky figure that drew criticism before his Test debut.Despite his impressive first-class average of nearly 70, Sarfaraz had to wait until February 2024 to make his Test debut. He remains unfazed by the competition, stating, "I have zero expectations... But I'll be ready if the opportunity arises."Sarfaraz's participation in the Buchi Babu tournament and the rebranded Duleep Trophy as part of India B will provide him with much-needed match practice. "I've not had this level of practice in Mumbai because of the rains," he explained. "But I don't like batting indoors because the ball comes nicely onto the bat. It is not the case on turf because it will challenge you a lot."With India's World Test Championship (WTC) 2023-25 cycle resuming with two Tests against Bangladesh in September, Sarfaraz is determined to prove his worth. His unwavering work ethic and commitment to improvement make him a strong contender for a spot in the XI.

Jasprit Bumrah: An Advocate for Bowlers in India's Batting-Obsessed CultureIn the realm of cricket, the adage "bowlers win you matches" holds true, especially in the grueling format of Test cricket. India's fast bowling sensation, Jasprit Bumrah, has shattered the narrative that Indian bowlers are merely supporting cast to the team's batting prowess.Despite the country's unwavering adoration for its batsmen and their spectacular strokeplay, Bumrah remains an ardent advocate for the bowlers' role in driving the game. "I understand that our country loves big batsmen, but for me, bowlers drive the game," he asserted in an interview with The Indian Express.Bumrah's unwavering belief in the supremacy of Test cricket stems from his conviction that success in the red-ball format translates into excellence in all other formats. "If I do well in that [Test cricket], all other formats will take care of themselves," said the 30-year-old bowling spearhead, who has amassed 159 wickets in 36 Tests at an astonishing average of 20.69.Bumrah's advocacy for bowlers extends beyond mere words. He firmly believes that the no-ball free hit rule should be abolished. "That no-ball free hit should go away," he stated.Bumrah's unwavering support for bowlers and his exceptional performances on the field have earned him immense respect and admiration. His ability to consistently deliver match-winning spells has transformed the perception of Indian fast bowlers, proving that they can be just as lethal as their batting counterparts.

Jasprit Bumrah, India's premier fast bowler, has had the privilege of playing under three legendary captains: MS Dhoni, Virat Kohli, and Rohit Sharma. Each captain has left an indelible mark on Bumrah's career, shaping his development and instilling in him a unique set of values.Under Dhoni's astute leadership, Bumrah gained confidence and security. Dhoni's unwavering belief in his instincts and ability to create a supportive environment allowed Bumrah to flourish in the international arena. Kohli, on the other hand, ignited a passion within Bumrah, emphasizing the importance of fitness and pushing the team to new heights. Kohli's energy and determination inspired Bumrah to become a more complete player.Rohit Sharma, the current captain, has brought a different dimension to Bumrah's game. Rohit's empathy towards bowlers and willingness to listen to feedback have created a collaborative atmosphere where Bumrah feels valued and respected. Rohit's open-mindedness has allowed Bumrah to experiment with different strategies and develop his skills further.Despite the differences in their leadership styles, all three captains have shared a common goal: to bring success to the Indian cricket team. Bumrah credits each captain for their unique contributions and acknowledges that their guidance has played a pivotal role in his growth as a player.Bumrah's ability to adapt and learn from each captain is a testament to his exceptional talent and dedication. He has embraced the strengths of each leader, incorporating their teachings into his own game. As a result, Bumrah has become one of the most feared and respected bowlers in the world, capable of delivering match-winning performances in all formats of the game.

Umran Malik, the Jammu and Kashmir-based pacer, burst onto the scene in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2022 with his blistering speed. His impressive performances earned him a Team India debut against Ireland in June 2022. However, the 24-year-old's form has since taken a dip, leading to limited appearances in the IPL and domestic cricket.Malik's struggles in the IPL 2023 and 2024 seasons were attributed to his expensive bowling, as batters found ways to score runs against him. The pacer recently revealed that he missed the ongoing Buchi Babu tournament in Tamil Nadu due to dengue.Malik believes that his lack of domestic appearances has contributed to his poor form. He worked with former India all-rounder Irfan Pathan during the Ranji Trophy but faced challenges due to weather and injuries.Despite the setbacks, Malik remains optimistic and is working on improving his bowling. He is focusing on swing bowling with the new ball and developing a plan to execute his deliveries effectively.Malik acknowledges the importance of fitting into the bowling group and complementing their plans. He believes that by doing so, he can better handle the challenges he faces on the field.

Ishan Kishan, the wicket-keeper batter, is making a strong comeback to red-ball cricket with impressive performances in the Buchi Babu Invitation Cricket Tournament. Having been included in the India C squad for the Duleep Trophy, Kishan is determined to regain his place in the Indian team.In the match against Madhya Pradesh, Kishan showcased his exceptional wicket-keeping skills, taking three well-timed catches. His final catch, a stunning diving effort to dismiss Ramveer Gurjar, was the highlight of the day. Kishan's other two catches, off the bowling of Chanchal Rathore and Aditya Singh, demonstrated his presence of mind and quick reflexes.Kishan's return to form is a welcome sign for the Indian selectors, who have been monitoring his progress closely. After a disappointing IPL season with Mumbai Indians, Kishan was left out of the BCCI's central contract list. However, his inclusion in the Duleep Trophy squad indicates that he is still in contention for a national call-up.The Duleep Trophy, a prestigious domestic tournament, will provide Kishan with an ideal platform to showcase his skills and prove his worth to the selectors. If he continues to perform at a high level, he could earn a recall to the Indian team for the upcoming series against Australia.Kishan's journey back to the Indian setup has been a challenging one. However, his determination and resilience have been evident throughout. With his impressive performances in the Buchi Babu Invitation Cricket Tournament, Kishan has taken a significant step towards achieving his goal of representing India once again.