Cricket

Shikhar Dhawan Recalls Fond Memories with Rohit Sharma on Friendship DayOn the occasion of Friendship Day, Indian cricketer Shikhar Dhawan shared heartwarming anecdotes about his camaraderie with India captain Rohit Sharma. In a video released by Star Sports, Dhawan expressed his admiration for Sharma, calling him his favorite opening partner."I have opened with him for 8-10 years, so I have a strong bond with him. He is a gem of a person," said Dhawan.Dhawan recalled a particular moment that brought them closer on the field. "He used to like it a lot whenever I sang one particular song, 'putt jattan de bulaonde bakre'. So he would look at me and then sing the same song. It's one moment that repeated often."Dhawan sang a few lines from the song, which he used to sing and then laugh.Despite his absence from the national team for over a year, Dhawan remains a respected figure in Indian cricket. He has played 34 Tests, 167 ODIs, and 68 T20Is for India, scoring 2315, 6793, and 1759 runs respectively.Dhawan's bond with Sharma extends beyond the cricket field. They have been friends for many years and share a mutual respect for each other's abilities.

Mohammed Shami, India's premier fast bowler, is eager to make his comeback through domestic cricket after recovering from an ankle surgery. Shami, who has been out of action since February, has started bowling at the National Cricket Academy (NCA) in Bengaluru but is yet to bowl at full throttle."It's difficult to say when I will be back. I am trying hard but hopefully you will get to see me in Bengal colours before I don the India jersey again," Shami said while being felicitated by the East Bengal club in Kolkata.The 33-year-old pacer said the injury came at a time when he was trying to recover from India's ODI World Cup final defeat. "We never thought the injury would be this serious. The plan was to address it after the T20 World Cup since we had the IPL and the ICC T20 mega event coming almost back-to-back after last year's World Cup. But it turned worse during the ODI World Cup itself and I also did not find it right to risk playing on with it," he recalled."Even the doctors could not fathom that the injury will take such a serious turn and will take so much time to heal," the pacer said.India's highest wicket-taker in the 2023 World Cup, Shami thus had to miss this year's IPL and also watched India's T20 World Cup triumph sitting at home. "To tell you frankly, I got tense when South Africa were pulling things back in the final. For a moment memories of our 2023 WC final loss returned to haunt me. But luckily Suryakumar Yadav took that great catch to fetch us the Cup and it took time to sink in that India have actually won it," Shami stated.Former India skipper Sourav Ganguly, who was also honoured in the evening, also looked forward to Shami's comeback. "I am actually surprised to see Shami has played only 101 ODI matches. Somebody with his calibre and talent should have played many more," Ganguly said.The former BCCI chief remembered seeing Shami first while playing for Bengal in late 2000s. "Laxmi (Ratan Shukla) was the Bengal skipper then and I immediately told him that this boy (Shami) is an exceptional talent. I am happy to see him converting that talent into performance," he added."It's said that (Jasprit) Bumrah is the best pacer, but Bumrah has become the best because he got Shami at the other end. So you have pressure from both ends," Ganguly pointed out.

MS Dhoni and Virat Kohli: A Bond Beyond CricketFormer Indian cricket captain MS Dhoni has shed light on his enduring bond with Virat Kohli, one of India's most celebrated batsmen. Dhoni, who led India to victory in the 2011 World Cup, recently spoke about his close relationship with Kohli during an event in Hyderabad.Dhoni revealed that he and Kohli make a conscious effort to connect whenever they have the opportunity. "We have been colleagues who played for India for a very long time," Dhoni said. "He has been amongst the best when it comes to world cricket."The former skipper recalled their memorable partnerships during his playing days, particularly in the middle overs. "We used to take a lot of twos and threes in the game, so it was always fun," Dhoni said. "It is not like we meet very often, but whenever we get a chance, we make sure that we go on the side and chat for sometime."Dhoni's comments underscore the deep respect and camaraderie between these two cricketing icons. Kohli, who recently played a pivotal role in India's victory in the ICC T20 World Cup, is currently engaged in the ongoing ODI series against Sri Lanka.Meanwhile, Dhoni made a triumphant return to the IPL in 2024 after undergoing a successful knee surgery. Despite occasional physical challenges, he showcased his enduring brilliance, scoring 161 runs in 11 innings with an impressive average of 53.66 and a remarkable strike rate of 220.54.Dhoni's return to the IPL was a testament to his unwavering passion for the game and his desire to entertain the audience. His presence on the field continues to inspire and captivate cricket fans around the world.

Indian Cricket Team Honors Late Anshuman Gaekwad with Black ArmbandsThe Indian cricket team paid a heartfelt tribute to former batsman and coach Anshuman Gaekwad, who passed away on Wednesday at the age of 71, by wearing black armbands during the opening ODI of the three-match series against Sri Lanka in Colombo on Friday.Gaekwad, a renowned figure in Indian cricket, had been battling blood cancer for an extended period. His demise sent shockwaves through the cricketing fraternity, with tributes pouring in from all corners.The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) released a statement expressing its condolences: "Team India is wearing black armbands today in memory of former Indian cricketer and coach Aunshuman Gaekwad, who passed away on Wednesday."Indian captain Rohit Sharma shared his grief and admiration for Gaekwad: "I was absolutely devastated to hear that news. I was lucky to have a few conversations with him during the BCCI awards, and on a personal note as well."Sharma recalled Gaekwad's guidance during his Ranji Trophy days: "When I was playing Ranji Trophy, he was there and he had a few things to talk about my game as well, which was overwhelming for me because he was such a great cricketer for us.""It's always nice when you learn from your seniors, understand how cricket was played back in the day, how tough it was and then to pass on his experiences on cricket and what his visions are about cricket. For me to understand that was a great learning at that point," Sharma added.Gaekwad's legacy extends beyond his playing career. As a coach, he played a pivotal role in shaping the careers of several young cricketers, including Sachin Tendulkar. His contributions to Indian cricket will be forever remembered.

Rohit Sharma, the victorious captain of India's T20 World Cup triumph, has become a beacon of admiration and affection for cricket enthusiasts worldwide. His recent decision to retire from T20Is has shifted his focus solely to 50-over internationals, with the upcoming ODI series in Sri Lanka marking his next assignment.As Rohit embarks on this new chapter, he continues to captivate fans wherever he goes. During his family vacation in the US and now on the Sri Lankan tour, he has been met with an outpouring of love and adoration. Fans have eagerly sought selfies and autographs, eager to express their gratitude for his contributions to Indian cricket.One such heartwarming moment occurred in Sri Lanka, where a fan's heartfelt rendition of a song caught Rohit's attention. As Rohit descended the stairs from the dressing room at the R Premadasa Stadium in Colombo, a fan in the stands began singing, his voice carrying the words "Rohit Sharma."Rohit, hearing his name, paused and turned his head towards the fan. A smile spread across his face as he acknowledged the fan's admiration. The moment was captured on camera and shared widely on social media, showcasing the deep connection between Rohit and his supporters.Rohit and Virat Kohli, who both retired from T20Is after the World Cup triumph, have returned from a well-deserved break to join the Indian squad under the guidance of new head coach Gautam Gambhir. The first ODI of the Sri Lanka series will be played on Friday in Colombo, followed by matches on July 4 and July 7 at the same venue.India, under the captaincy of Suryakumar Yadav, emerged victorious in the T20I series against Sri Lanka, winning 3-0. Rohit's leadership and experience will be crucial as the team aims to continue its winning streak in the ODI format.

Ravi Shastri, the former Indian cricketer and head coach, has hailed Rohit Sharma as one of the greatest Indian captains in history, predicting that his legacy will be cemented after the 2024 T20 World Cup triumph.Since taking over the captaincy in 2021, Sharma has transformed India's fortunes, leading them to the semi-finals of the 2022 T20 World Cup, the finals of the 2023 ODI World Cup, and the World Test Championship. His aggressive playing style and strategic prowess have earned him widespread acclaim.Shastri believes that Sharma's tactical acumen is on par with MS Dhoni, the legendary Indian captain. "As a tactician, he's been an outstanding guy. He'll go down as one of the best captains ever alongside Dhoni," Shastri said.Sharma's exceptional leadership extends to the Indian Premier League, where he has guided the Mumbai Indians to five titles since 2013. His ability to handle pressure and make crucial decisions was evident in India's comeback victory in the 2024 T20 World Cup final against South Africa."Rohit is not far behind and I thought tactically he was just outstanding in this year's (T20) World Cup. Just the calmness, the ability to get a (Jasprit) Bumrah or a (Hardik) Pandya, or even an Axar Patel at just the right time when needed was great to see," Shastri added.Sharma's batting prowess has also flourished under his captaincy, making him a formidable all-rounder. His partnership with head coach Rahul Dravid has been instrumental in India's resurgence, creating a cohesive and successful team environment.As India gears up for the 2024 T20 World Cup, Shastri believes that Sharma's leadership will be crucial in securing the coveted trophy. "If India wins the World Cup, Rohit will be considered one of the greatest Indian captains ever," Shastri concluded.

Jasprit Bumrah: MS Dhoni's Current Favorite BowlerIndia's pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah has emerged as a formidable force in the world of cricket, earning the admiration of legendary players like MS Dhoni. At the recently concluded T20 World Cup in the Americas, Bumrah showcased his exceptional skills, leading India to their second T20 World Cup title and earning the prestigious Player of the Tournament award.Bumrah's performance at the tournament was nothing short of remarkable. He finished as the tournament's third highest wicket-taker, claiming 15 wickets in just 8 matches. His economy rate of 4.17 RPO was a testament to his ability to control the flow of runs and put pressure on the opposition.Dhoni, a two-time World Cup winning skipper, has been vocal in his praise for Bumrah. At a recent event, when asked to choose his favorite India batter and bowler, Dhoni毫不犹豫地选择了Bumrah。"Picking a current favorite bowler is easy. Bumrah is there," Dhoni said. "Picking a current favorite batter is tough because there are quite a lot of terrific batters in our side at the moment. I don't want to pick a batsman. Hopefully they will keep scoring runs."Bumrah's success at the T20 World Cup was a culmination of years of hard work and dedication. He has consistently been one of India's most reliable bowlers, and his ability to swing the ball both ways and generate pace makes him a nightmare for batsmen.After the T20 World Cup triumph, Bumrah was rested from the tour of Sri Lanka to manage his workload. However, he is expected to return to action soon and continue his impressive run of form.With Bumrah leading the charge, India will be confident of continuing their success in the upcoming ICC tournaments. His exceptional skills and unwavering determination make him a key asset for the team, and he is sure to play a pivotal role in India's future triumphs.

Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma's Heartwarming Gesture Melts Fans' HeartsIndian cricket icons Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma have once again demonstrated their deep connection with their fans through a heartwarming gesture during the team's arrival in Sri Lanka for the upcoming ODI series.After an intense practice session in Colombo, Kohli and Sharma took time out to interact with their eager supporters. As Kohli exited the nets, he was greeted by a young fan holding a cherished photo of the duo from the 2024 T20 World Cup. The youngster's eyes sparkled with anticipation as he hoped to get the photo signed.Kohli, known for his genuine interactions with fans, spotted the young boy and immediately approached him. With a warm smile, he signed the photo and exchanged a few kind words, leaving the fan beaming with joy.But the moment didn't end there. Rohit Sharma, noticing the interaction, joined in and added his signature to the photo. The young fan's face lit up with pure happiness, capturing a moment of pure delight.This small but significant gesture showcased the players' appreciation for their supporters. It highlighted the strong bond they share with their fans, both in India and abroad.As the ODI series against Sri Lanka approaches, starting on August 2, 2024, at the R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo, Kohli and Sharma will be key players to watch. Both players are aiming to make a strong return to cricket for Team India since their triumph in the T20 World Cup.Their heartwarming gesture serves as a reminder of the special connection between players and fans in the world of sports. It demonstrates that even amidst the intense competition and demanding schedules, these athletes value the support and admiration of their loyal followers.

Suryakumar Yadav, the dynamic Indian T20I captain, has etched his name among the elite cricketers with the most Player of the Series awards in T20 Internationals. His fifth such accolade places him just behind Virat Kohli, who holds the record with six awards. Yadav now shares this distinction with Bangladesh's Shakib Al Hasan and Australia's David Warner.Yadav's rise to this milestone has been marked by his aggressive batting and ability to perform under pressure. In his 71 T20I appearances, he has amassed 2432 runs at an impressive average of 42.67. His recent performances have solidified his position in the team and earned him recognition as one of the most formidable T20I players globally.Yadav's Player of the Series awards have come through match-winning performances, highlighting his consistency and importance to the Indian cricket team. His inclusion in the ranks of Shakib Al Hasan and David Warner, who have been pillars for their respective teams, underscores Yadav's significant impact in international cricket.Shakib is known for his all-round capabilities, while Warner is renowned for his explosive batting. Yadav's inclusion in this elite list reflects his calibre and potential to shape the future of T20 cricket.Meanwhile, Yadav and head coach Gautam Gambhir have kickstarted their new partnership with a 3-0 T20I series win over Sri Lanka. This victory marked a successful beginning for Gambhir's tenure as head coach and highlighted Yadav's crucial role in leading the team to success.Yadav's journey to this milestone is a testament to his hard work, dedication, and ability to perform under pressure. His aggressive batting and match-winning performances have made him a vital cog in the Indian cricket team and one of the most exciting players to watch in T20 cricket.