Cricket

India's Women's T20 World Cup 2024 preparations are underway with a fitness and conditioning camp in Bengaluru. The camp, which will focus on fielding and fitness, will feature a large squad of probables, excluding those currently playing in the Women's Hundred or Women's Caribbean Premier League (WCPL).The Indian team will not have any international cricket before the World Cup, which will be held from October 3 to 20. The India A team is currently in Australia for a multi-format series.Smriti Mandhana, Deepti Sharma, and Richa Ghosh will miss the first camp due to their Hundred commitments, while Jemimah Rodrigues will be playing in the WCPL for Trinbago Knight Riders.The camp will also include sessions with a sports psychologist, as requested by captain Harmanpreet Kaur. The psychologist will help players address challenges and cope with pressure and mental fatigue.The squad for the World Cup will reconvene in early September for an intense skill-based camp. India will be aiming to win the World Cup for the first time after falling short in previous tournaments, including the 2020 final and 2022 semi-finals against Australia.Shreyanka Patil, who suffered a finger injury during the Women's Asia Cup, is expected to recover in time for the tournament and will participate in the conditioning camp. Yastika Bhatia, who is recovering from a knee injury, is also expected to continue her rehabilitation at the NCA.The selectors are prioritizing a spin-based squad, but the uncertainty surrounding the host venue due to security concerns in Bangladesh may also impact the pace bowling group.Renuka Singh and Pooja Vastrakar are the regular pacers, while Arundhati Reddy is pushing for a spot after impressive performances in the domestic season and the WPL. Meghna Singh and Titas Sadhu are also in contention.The fast-bowling group will be guided by Troy Cooley, the former Australia fast bowler who is a bowling consultant at the NCA. The group will play intra-squad games in September before departing for the World Cup.

Mohammed Shami, India's premier fast bowler, is nearing a return to action after a prolonged absence due to an ankle injury. The injury, sustained shortly after the 2023 ODI World Cup, initially appeared minor, but subsequent swelling necessitated surgery.Shami's recovery has progressed steadily at the National Cricket Academy in Bengaluru. He resumed bowling last month and has gradually increased his workload. The selectors are closely monitoring his progress and will soon decide if he should participate in the Duleep Trophy matches starting September 5 to prove his fitness.The first Test against Bangladesh on September 19 in Chennai remains the target for Shami's comeback. Chief selector Ajit Agarkar has expressed optimism about his recovery, stating that "September 19 is the first Test and that was always the goal."Even if Shami misses some or all of India's home Tests, he has ample time to regain his rhythm before the tour of Australia. The Ranji Trophy begins in October, followed by two first-class games for India A in Australia from October 31.Shami's return will be a significant boost for India, who have relied heavily on Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, and Umesh Yadav in his absence. His experience and wicket-taking ability will be crucial in the upcoming Test series and the World Test Championship.

The passing of Aunshuman Gaekwad has reignited the spotlight on a fundamental aspect of sports: the significance of courage and unwavering determination. In an era when batters faced some of the fastest bowlers in history without helmets, safety regulations, or impartial umpires, the likes of Gaekwad, Sunil Gavaskar, and Jimmy Amarnath stood tall.Gavaskar, a legend in his own right, recalls playing alongside three of the bravest cricketers in Indian history: Solkar, Amarnath, and Gaekwad. Each of these players could have said the same about Gavaskar, a testament to their mutual respect and admiration.The essence of sport lies in courage. During India's 1983 tour of the West Indies, they faced a formidable bowling attack led by Andy Roberts, Malcolm Marshall, Michael Holding, and Joel Garner. Despite not being at his best, Gavaskar managed a century, having earlier been struck on the head by Marshall. It was a rare occurrence for the opener to be hit, but it highlighted the immense skill and resilience required to survive against such pace.Amarnath, known for his aggressive batting style, scored 598 runs in that series, hooking the bowlers with abandon. For a brief period, he was considered the best batter in the world.Other Indian cricketers who have displayed exceptional bravery include C.K. Nayudu, who continued batting after being hit in the mouth by a fast bowler in a Ranji Trophy final. Leg spinner Anil Kumble, with a broken jaw, bowled 14 consecutive overs in the Antigua Test of 2002, becoming the first bowler to dismiss Brian Lara while bowling with a fractured jaw.Eknath Solkar, a fearless fielder, converted what batters thought were safe shots into brilliant catches at short leg. The spin quartet of the time – Bishan Bedi, Erapalli Prasanna, Bhagwat Chandrasekhar, and Srinivas Venkatraghavan – often credited Solkar's close-in catching for their success.Nari Contractor, who turned 90 this year, had his skull fractured by a Charlie Griffith delivery in the West Indies. Remarkably, he returned to play first-class cricket.Tiger Pataudi, a true icon of Indian cricket, lost an eye in a car accident but returned to Test cricket within five months and led the country within eight months. His courage and determination were unparalleled.The stories of these brave cricketers serve as a reminder that the essence of sport lies in the ability to overcome adversity and perform under pressure. Their legacy continues to inspire generations of athletes and fans alike.

Dinesh Karthik, the veteran Indian wicketkeeper-batter, is poised to make history as the first Indian player to participate in the inaugural season of the South African T20 league (SA20). ESPNcricinfo has confirmed that Karthik will join the Paarl Royals franchise as an overseas player when the tournament commences on January 9, 2023.This will mark Karthik's first competitive appearance since announcing his retirement from international cricket in June 2023, on the occasion of his 39th birthday. The former Indian star, who represented his country in 180 international matches, last played in the Indian Premier League (IPL) for Royal Challengers Bangalore in 2022. He has since been appointed as a mentor-cum-batting coach for the franchise.Karthik is widely regarded as one of the most astute cricket analysts in the T20 format, owing to his extensive experience in the shortest format. He has featured in 401 T20 matches, including stints with six different IPL teams, most notably as captain of the Kolkata Knight Riders.Despite his age, Karthik remains one of the fittest players in the game, having missed only two matches in 17 seasons of the IPL. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) permits only retired Indian players to participate in overseas T20 leagues.Karthik's signing by the Paarl Royals follows the franchise's announcement of its retained players for the upcoming season. Captain David Miller, Lungi Ngidi, and Andile Phehlukwayo will continue with the team. The Royals reached the Qualifiers in the inaugural SA20 edition but suffered five consecutive defeats, including a nine-wicket loss to the Joburg Super Kings in the Eliminator.

Former Indian cricket star Vinod Kambli's recent health struggles have raised concerns among fans and the cricketing community. A video circulating on social media shows Kambli struggling to walk, prompting speculation about his well-being.Kambli, who played over 100 ODIs and 17 Tests for India, has been battling health issues for some time. The video, which has not been independently verified by NDTV, shows him disoriented and unable to maintain his balance. Some social media users suggested he was intoxicated, while others attributed his condition to his deteriorating health.Kambli's illustrious career saw him amass nearly 10,000 runs in First Class cricket, with a top score of 262. His left-handed batting prowess made him a formidable force in the Indian team.Meanwhile, Indian cricket captain Rohit Sharma continues to dominate in ODI cricket. In the second ODI against Sri Lanka, Sharma scored a blistering 66 off just 44 balls, surpassing Rahul Dravid to become India's fourth-highest run-getter in the format.Sharma's half-century in the second ODI followed a similar performance in the first match. With 10,831 runs in 264 ODIs, he boasts an impressive average of 49.23 and a strike rate of 92.29. His 31 centuries and 57 fifties include a career-best score of 264.As an opener, Sharma has also surpassed Sachin Tendulkar for the most fifty-plus scores for India in international cricket. With 43 centuries and 78 fifties, he has 121 fifty-plus scores as an opener, one more than Tendulkar's 120.

Shivam Dube's resurgence in international cricket has been a testament to his determination and the transformative power of a supportive environment. After a promising start in 2020, Dube's career stalled, but a move to Chennai Super Kings in the IPL proved to be a turning point.Under the guidance of Mahendra Singh Dhoni and Stephen Fleming, Dube was assigned a specific role: to neutralize spin in the middle overs. With a stable position in the upper middle order, he received the confidence and belief that he could dominate with his power and timing. The backroom staff invested countless hours in honing his range-hitting prowess, and the results were spectacular.In the 2022 IPL season, Dube amassed 289 runs at an average of 28.90 and a strike rate of 156.22. His consistent performances earned him a recall to the Indian team for the T20 World Cup in 2023. While he didn't have many opportunities to showcase his batting skills, his combined returns of 47 runs (undefeated) in 35 balls in two events earned him a shot against Afghanistan.Dube responded with aplomb, scoring an unbeaten 60 in Mohali and 63 not out in Indore. His power-hitting had stormed him into contention for a place in the T20 World Cup in the Americas, where he battled for the middle-order slot/finisher's role with Rinku Singh.Despite the introduction of the Impact Player in the IPL, which has stunted the growth of Indian all-rounders, Dube's selection for the World Cup was a testament to his pure batting prowess. He showcased another facet of his batting – the ability to adapt to the situation.On a challenging surface at the Nassau County International Cricket Stadium in New York, Dube played a measured innings of 31 off 35, helping India overcome a precarious position against the United States. As the tournament moved to the Caribbean, Dube's power-hitting returned, with vital contributions against Bangladesh, Australia, and South Africa.Dube's reintegration into the one-day format is seen as a middling long-term option, as an insurance for Hardik Pandya. However, his performances in the ongoing ODI series against Sri Lanka have shown his potential. He picked up his maiden wicket and almost took India past the finish line with a quickfire 25 off 24.Dube's journey is a reminder that even after setbacks, hard work and the right environment can lead to a successful comeback. While he may not be the most athletic fielder, his hunger and desire with the bat make him a valuable asset to the Indian team.

Indian skipper Rohit Sharma has cemented his status as one of the greatest ODI batsmen of all time, surpassing Rahul Dravid to become India's fourth-highest run-getter in the format. In the second ODI against Sri Lanka, Rohit notched up another half-century, continuing his dominant run in the 50-over format.With a blistering 66 off just 44 balls, Rohit now has 10,831 ODI runs to his name, surpassing Dravid's tally of 10,768. The Indian opener has achieved this feat in 264 matches, averaging an impressive 49.23 with a strike rate of 92.29. His 31 centuries and 57 fifties are a testament to his consistency and longevity at the highest level.Rohit's latest half-century also saw him overtake Sachin Tendulkar as the Indian opener with the most fifty-plus scores in international cricket. With 43 centuries and 78 fifties, Rohit has amassed 121 fifty-plus scores as an opener, just one more than Tendulkar's 120.The Indian skipper has been in scintillating form in recent times, particularly in the first 10 overs of ODI matches. His fourth fifty within the first 10 overs of a match brings him closer to Virender Sehwag's record of seven such fifties. Rohit has also been a six-hitting machine, smashing 54 sixes in the first 10 overs of an ODI since January 2023, more than double the tally of his nearest rival, David Warner.In the second ODI against Sri Lanka, Rohit's innings helped India chase down a target of 241 with ease. Avishka Fernando, Kamindu Mendis, and Dunith Wellalage played crucial roles in Sri Lanka's total, but Washington Sundar and Kuldeep Yadav's bowling efforts restricted the visitors to a manageable score.Rohit Sharma's continued dominance in ODI cricket is a testament to his exceptional talent and unwavering determination. As he continues to break records and lead India to victories, he further cements his place among the all-time greats of the game.

Rahul Dravid, the former head coach of Team India, recently attended the Tamil Nadu Premier League (TNPL) 2024 final between Lyca Kovai Kings and Dindigul Dragons at the iconic MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai. Dravid, who guided India to a historic T20 World Cup triumph in 2023, was warmly welcomed by the crowd and shared his fond memories of playing at Chepauk.In an interview with a presenter, Dravid expressed his delight at being back at the ground where he had achieved several milestones in his illustrious career. He recalled playing league cricket with friends, scoring his 10,000th Test run, and winning a World Cup match against Australia at Chepauk.Dravid also spoke about his association with the Tamil Nadu Cricket Association (TNCA) and the impact of playing league cricket in Chennai on his development as a cricketer. He praised the TNPL for providing opportunities to young players and creating a platform for them to showcase their talent."These leagues like TNPL, KPL, have been terrific as they provide a lot of great opportunities to so many young people," Dravid said. "Look at this kind of crowd, for these young boys to be able to play in front of this crowd I think it's just phenomenal and it really gives them a great boost."Dravid also acknowledged the contributions of veteran players like Ravichandran Ashwin, who led the Dindigul Dragons to victory in the TNPL final. He praised Ashwin for his continued excellence and his ability to inspire young players.Dravid's presence at the TNPL final underlined his commitment to the development of cricket in India. His insights and encouragement will undoubtedly motivate the young players who aspire to follow in his footsteps.

Indian spinners, led by Washington Sundar, put the Sri Lankan batters to the test in the second ODI in Colombo on August 4. The spinners' guile and accuracy on a pitch that offered assistance proved too much for the Lankan batsmen, who were restricted to a modest total of 240 for nine.Sundar (3/30) and Kuldeep Yadav (2/33) were the pick of the Indian bowlers, exploiting the conditions to their advantage. Sri Lankan captain Charith Asalanka's decision to bat first backfired as his team struggled to build partnerships and score runs at a consistent rate.The Indian spinners' dominance began early, with Mohammed Siraj dismissing in-form opener Pathum Nissanka in the second over. Nissanka's dismissal was followed by a brief recovery phase, with Avishka Fernando (40) and Kusal Mendis (30) adding 74 runs for the second wicket.However, the introduction of the spinners stifled the Lankan scoring rate. Fernando was trapped in front by Sundar, while Mendis was caught at short leg off the same bowler. The wickets of Samarawickrama and Asalanka left Sri Lanka reeling at 136 for six.The onus fell on young Dunith Wellalage and Kamindu Mendis to rebuild the innings. Wellalage played with composure and aggression, hitting sixes off Axar Patel and Siraj. Mendis provided valuable support, and the pair added 72 runs for the seventh wicket.Wellalage's dismissal by Kuldeep Yadav gave India a glimmer of hope, but Kamindu Mendis continued to play positively. He was eventually dismissed for 40, but his innings ensured that Sri Lanka had a respectable total to defend.The Indian bowlers struggled in the final five overs, conceding 44 runs as the Lankans looked to accelerate their scoring. However, the damage had already been done, and Sri Lanka's total proved to be insufficient.