Cricket

Former Indian cricket captain Kapil Dev has hailed Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma as "irreplaceable" in the Indian team across all formats, comparing them to legendary players Sachin Tendulkar and MS Dhoni.Kohli and Sharma recently announced their retirements from T20I cricket, prompting Dev to express his admiration for their contributions to the game. "No one can take Virat and Rohit's place in the Indian team in any format," Dev said. "They have been a huge servant of Indian cricket and it was a happy farewell for them."Dev praised Kohli's stature in all formats, noting that his absence in T20Is will be felt. "The stature that Virat has made of himself in all formats, he will surely be missed in T20Is," he said.Dev also drew parallels between Kohli and Sharma with Tendulkar and Dhoni, two of India's most iconic cricketers. "Both are as same as Sachin Tendulkar and MS Dhoni. They are irreplaceable," he said.Kohli's T20I career spanned over 14 years, during which he amassed 4188 runs in 125 matches. Sharma, on the other hand, became the format's highest scorer with 4231 runs in 159 matches. He also holds the record for the most centuries in T20 internationals, with five to his name.Dev's comments highlight the immense respect and admiration that Kohli and Sharma have earned within the Indian cricket fraternity. Their retirements from T20Is mark the end of an era for Indian cricket, but their legacy will continue to inspire future generations of players.

Arshdeep Singh, the young Indian left-arm fast bowler, has emerged as a beacon of resilience and determination in the face of adversity. His stellar performance in the recent T20 World Cup, where he emerged as India's highest wicket-taker with 17 scalps, has silenced his critics and cemented his place as a vital cog in the team's future.Arshdeep's journey to success has been marked by both triumphs and setbacks. He faced significant backlash on social media after dropping a crucial catch against Pakistan in the 2022 Asia Cup. However, he refused to let the criticism derail his focus, instead using it as fuel to prove his worth.In an exclusive interview with IANS, Arshdeep reflected on his experiences, highlighting the importance of learning from each match and focusing on refining his skills for future opportunities. He also acknowledged the challenges of dealing with criticism and maintaining focus during tough times."Facing criticism and tough times is part of a cricketer's journey," he stated. "You have to learn how to be level-headed when you are playing for your country at such a level regardless of the situation."Arshdeep credited his support system, including family, coaches, and teammates, for helping him stay grounded and motivated during difficult phases. He spoke highly of Rohit Sharma's captaincy, highlighting his calm demeanor and strategic thinking."Playing under Rohit Sharma's captaincy has been an incredible experience," Arshdeep remarked. "He allows every bowler full freedom to execute what they want to do on the field. His calm demeanor on the field and his strategic thinking are truly inspiring."Arshdeep also reflected on the immense contributions of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli to T20I cricket. He praised Rohit's explosive batting and sharp captaincy, as well as Virat's consistent performances and relentless pursuit of excellence."Their passion, dedication, and ability to perform under pressure have inspired many young cricketers, including myself," he said.Arshdeep emphasized the invaluable support of his family during tough times. "Family support during tough times is invaluable," he shared. "My family has always been my pillar of strength, providing unwavering support and encouragement through all the ups and downs."When asked about his favorite match, Arshdeep chose the recent World Cup final. "Winning the trophy was an unforgettable experience," he concluded. "The atmosphere, the intensity, and the sheer joy of lifting the cup with my teammates made it incredibly special. It is a moment I'll cherish forever, knowing we made our country proud on such a grand stage."Arshdeep Singh's journey exemplifies the power of resilience and determination. It showcases how perseverance and support can lead to triumph in the face of adversity, inspiring young cricketers to embrace challenges and strive for greatness.

Rishabh Pant's Future with Delhi Capitals Uncertain, Chennai Super Kings Emerge as Potential DestinationIndian wicket-keeper batter Rishabh Pant's future with the Delhi Capitals (DC) is in doubt ahead of the 2025 Indian Premier League (IPL) season, according to a report by Dainik Jagran. Despite being the franchise's most capped player and leading run-scorer, DC may not retain Pant despite support from Director of Cricket Sourav Ganguly.The report suggests that if Pant is released by DC, his most likely destination will be the Chennai Super Kings (CSK). With MS Dhoni set to retire in the near future, CSK is on the lookout for an Indian wicket-keeper batter and would be highly interested in signing a talented player like Pant.Pant's departure from DC would be a significant loss for the franchise. He has been a key player for the team since his debut in 2016, scoring over 2,500 runs and taking over 150 catches. However, DC may be looking to rebuild their squad ahead of the mega auction and may not be willing to retain Pant's high salary.Meanwhile, CSK would welcome Pant's addition to their team. The franchise has a strong track record of success in the IPL, winning four titles, and Pant's experience and talent would be a valuable asset.In addition to Pant's potential move, the article also highlights the impact of the IPL on Indian cricket. Shivam Dube, who played a crucial role in India's T20 World Cup victory, credits the IPL for improving his skills and gaining confidence.The IPL provides a platform for young players to showcase their talent and learn from some of the best players in the world. It has played a significant role in the development of Indian cricket and has helped produce a new generation of talented players.

Mohammed Shami, India's veteran fast bowler, is on the road to recovery after undergoing surgery for an Achilles tendon injury sustained during the ODI World Cup last year. Currently undergoing rehab at the National Cricket Academy (NCA) in Bengaluru, Shami recently began bowling in the nets.In a recent podcast appearance, Shami shared some amusing insights into India's training sessions. With 24 wickets in just seven innings at the ODI World Cup, Shami played a crucial role in India's unbeaten run to the final.Speaking about the friendly rivalry between batsmen and bowlers during net sessions, Shami revealed that Virat Kohli enjoys the challenge, while captain Rohit Sharma outrightly refuses to face him."With Virat, we always challenge each other. He likes to hit good shots, and I like to get him out. It helps us focus and simulate real-match scenarios," said Shami.Regarding Rohit, Shami smiled and said, "Rohit says he doesn't like to face me. He refuses to bat against me."Shami missed the entire Indian Premier League and T20 World Cup seasons this year due to his injury. He will require clearance from the NCA medical team and the BCCI before returning to competitive cricket.Speculation suggests that Shami may play a role in the two-Test series against Bangladesh in September-October this year. His return would be a significant boost for the Indian team, as he remains one of the most experienced and effective fast bowlers in the country.

Mohammed Shami, the Indian pacer, has expressed his ardent desire to win the World Cup, inspired by his teammates' recent triumph in the T20 World Cup. The Indian team broke an 11-year ICC trophy drought by defeating South Africa in the T20 World Cup final. Shami lauded the team's patience and resilience throughout the tournament and shared his personal reflections on missing out on the ODI World Cup title.In an interview with Shubhankar Mishra's podcast, Shami praised the Indian team's performance in the T20 World Cup. He highlighted the team's unwavering confidence and belief in their abilities. "Even in 2023, you wouldn't have heard anyone say that India will lose," Shami said. "The feeling was the same as when we had nabbed three wickets in the beginning. There were no doubts on if India are winning the World Cup or not."Shami drew parallels between the team's dominance in the T20 World Cup and their undefeated run in the 2023 ODI World Cup. He expressed a sense of nostalgia while watching the T20 games, recalling the team's remarkable achievement in the ODI World Cup. "I'd felt the same watching this World Cup. I was feeling the same watching it from the outside, as I was on the ground that day. In 2023, when we won 10 games in a row, all the teams were thinking how to beat India. When that happens, we should pray. When you make a mountain out of a molehill, that sows doubts and overconfidence. I think the boys showed great patience this time around."Shami expressed his admiration for his teammates' achievements and his own ambition of winning the World Cup. He emphasized the importance of contribution and support for the team, irrespective of one's current role. "I believe that whoever took part in that competition, whoever was part of the team, deserved to win it. If I'm unfit today and sitting at home, I can only watch the sport as a fan. Those players are my friends and colleagues, I can only let them know what I feel from the outside to help them play better. There isn't much in our hands. As far as the winners' medal is concerned, I also dream of winning the World Cup."Despite India's historic unbeaten run in the 2023 ODI World Cup, they fell short in the final against Australia. However, India made history by becoming the first team to win the T20 World Cup undefeated.

Harbhajan Singh Slams Pakistani Journalist for Comparing Dhoni to RizwanFormer Indian cricketer Harbhajan Singh has vehemently criticized a Pakistani journalist for comparing legendary Indian captain MS Dhoni to Pakistan wicketkeeper-batter Mohammad Rizwan. The journalist had posted a photograph of Dhoni and Rizwan on social media, asking his followers who was better between the two.Harbhajan, who played 103 Tests, 236 ODIs, and 28 T20Is for India between 1998 and 2016, took to social media to express his disapproval of the comparison. He questioned the journalist's judgment and asserted that Dhoni was far superior to Rizwan."What are you smoking nowadays? What a silly question to ask. Dhoni is way ahead of Rizwan. Even if you ask Rizwan, he will give you an honest answer. I like Rizwan, he is a good player who always plays with intent, but this comparison is wrong. Dhoni is number one even today in world cricket. None better than him behind the stumps," Harbhajan wrote.Harbhajan's comments highlight the immense respect and admiration that Dhoni commands within the cricketing fraternity. Dhoni's leadership and batting prowess have earned him a legendary status in the sport. He led India to two historic World Cup victories, the ICC T20 World Cup in 2007 and the ICC Cricket World Cup in 2011. His unbeaten 91 in the final against Sri Lanka in the 2011 World Cup is considered one of the greatest innings in cricket history.Apart from his World Cup triumphs, Dhoni also led India to victory in the ICC Champions Trophy in 2013. His astute captaincy and ability to inspire his team have made him one of the most successful captains in cricket history.While Rizwan is a talented player who has performed consistently for Pakistan, comparing him to Dhoni is a disservice to the latter's achievements and legacy. Dhoni's contributions to Indian cricket are unparalleled, and he remains one of the most respected and admired cricketers in the world.

Indian pacer Harshit Rana's dream of representing India in international cricket came true when he was named in the ODI squad for the upcoming tour of Sri Lanka. The 22-year-old expressed his gratitude to his father, Pradeep, for his unwavering support throughout his journey.Rana shared a heartwarming picture on Instagram, lifting his father in his arms while wearing an Indian jersey. The caption read, "This BELONGS to you...LOVE YOU DAD." This gesture reflects the deep bond between father and son, and the immense role Pradeep has played in Harshit's success.Rana's selection is a testament to his impressive performances in the recently concluded Indian Premier League (IPL) with the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR). He emerged as one of the tournament's top wicket-takers, claiming 19 scalps at an average of 20.15. His victims included some of the biggest names in cricket, such as Heinrich Klaasen, Virat Kohli, Faf Du Plessis, and KL Rahul.Rana's all-round abilities extend beyond bowling. He has also demonstrated his batting prowess in first-class cricket, scoring a century and a fifty. His average of 49.00 in nine innings with a strike rate of 89 indicates his potential as a complete cricketer.India's tour of Sri Lanka will mark the first international assignment under new head coach Gautam Gambhir. The former opener was appointed after Rahul Dravid's contract ended following India's ICC T20 World Cup title win.The ODI squad for the Sri Lanka tour includes several stalwarts, including Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli. The team will be led by Rohit, who has returned to the ODI setup after a brief break. The squad also features promising youngsters like Shubman Gill and Riyan Parag.India will play three ODIs and three T20Is during their tour of Sri Lanka. The T20I series will be led by Suryakumar Yadav, who has been appointed as the captain in Rohit's absence.Harshit Rana's selection is a testament to his hard work and dedication. His journey from a young cricketer to an international representative is an inspiration to aspiring athletes everywhere.

Indian Openers Dominate in Women's Asia Cup OpenerIn the inaugural match of the Women's Asia Cup 2024, Indian openers Shafali Verma and Smriti Mandhana showcased their aggressive batting prowess, leading their team to a comfortable victory over Pakistan.Chasing a modest target of 109 runs, Verma and Mandhana set the tone for India's chase with an explosive start. Verma, known for her power-hitting, contributed a crucial 40 runs, while Mandhana complemented her efforts with a well-crafted 45 runs.The duo's partnership was a masterclass in aggressive batting. They consistently found the boundary with an array of powerful strokes, including fours and sixes. Their dominance was evident in the sixth over, where they amassed 15 runs off Tuba Hassan's bowling, including two fours and a towering six.Mandhana and Verma displayed a remarkable understanding of each other's strengths, rotating the strike effectively and capitalizing on scoring opportunities. Their ability to find gaps in the field and clear the boundary with ease kept the Pakistani fielders on their toes.The aggressive approach adopted by the Indian openers was a calculated risk that paid off handsomely. It allowed them to maintain a healthy run rate and keep the required run rate within manageable limits. Their ability to score freely also provided the subsequent batters with the luxury of playing their natural game without undue pressure.Despite various strategies employed by the Pakistani bowlers, the Indian openers remained undeterred, showcasing their skill, temperament, and determination to succeed. Their partnership not only set the tone for India's successful chase but also highlighted the depth and quality of the Indian batting lineup.

Arshdeep Singh, the young Indian fast bowler who played a pivotal role in India's T20 World Cup triumph, has expressed his eagerness to make his Test debut. Speaking during a visit to Chandigarh University, where he was felicitated for his contributions to the team's victory, Arshdeep stated that he would give his all if given an opportunity to play in the longer format.Arshdeep emerged as India's leading wicket-taker in the T20 World Cup, claiming 17 wickets in eight matches with an impressive average of 12.64 and an economy rate of 7.16. His best bowling figures in a single match were 4/9.When asked about the possibility of making his Test debut in the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Test series against Australia, Arshdeep said, "As a player, you want to give your 100 per cent no matter what format. This is my thinking too. I would give my best if given a chance."Arshdeep, who made his international debut in 2022, has played 52 T20Is and six ODIs for India. In the shortest format, he has claimed 79 wickets at an impressive average of 19.10, with his best bowling figures being 4/9. When it comes to ODIs, Arshdeep has picked up 10 wickets at an average of 18.40, with his best performance being 5/37.The young fast bowler, who graduated from Chandigarh University, expressed his gratitude towards the institution for their unwavering support and affection throughout his journey, which played a significant role in his rise as an international cricketer.When asked about his sources of inspiration, Arshdeep mentioned that he seeks motivation from various aspects of life, particularly from individuals who are excelling in their respective fields. "As a player, I look for inspiration in everyone, be it a daily wager, a student topping his classes, or a professor. I try getting inspired by the ones doing well in their lives," he added.Arshdeep also urged the youth of the country to work hard, saying that they would get the fruits of their labor. "The message to the youth is that they keep continuing to give their best, controlling what they can. Keep working hard. You will get the fruits of your hardwork," he concluded.India's 11-year wait for an ICC trophy finally came to an end as the Men in Blue emerged victorious against South Africa in a thrilling final at Barbados on June 29. The seven-run win was orchestrated by the brilliant performances of Virat Kohli, Hardik Pandya, and Jasprit Bumrah.Kohli's masterful innings of 76 runs propelled India to a competitive total of 176/7 in their allotted 20 overs. The South African chase, which at one point seemed to be cruising towards victory thanks to a blistering 27-ball 52 by Klaasen, was derailed by the pace duo of Bumrah and Pandya. Their relentless bowling attack restricted the Proteas to 169/8, snatching the match from a losing position and securing a memorable triumph for India.