Cricket

Hardik Pandya's meteoric rise in Indian cricket has hit a sudden roadblock. After leading India to victory in the T20I series against West Indies, Pandya has been overlooked for the captaincy of the Indian T20 team for the upcoming Sri Lanka tour. This decision has raised questions about his future in the team and his leadership abilities.The decision to appoint Suryakumar Yadav as the captain instead of Pandya is a clear indication that the selectors have lost confidence in his captaincy skills. This is a significant setback for Pandya, who was seen as a potential long-term captain for India.The Mumbai Indians, Pandya's IPL franchise, are also facing a dilemma regarding his captaincy. After a disappointing season under Pandya's leadership, the franchise is considering whether to retain him as captain or look for a replacement.Pandya's position is further complicated by the appointment of Gautam Gambhir as the head coach of the Indian team. Gambhir is known to have reservations about Pandya's tactical acumen, which is crucial for an international captain.To make matters worse, Pandya's international appearance percentage has dropped to a subpar 50 percent in the last 19 months. This means that he needs to perform consistently in domestic cricket to improve his chances of selection for the Indian team.Despite these setbacks, Pandya remains a talented all-rounder with the potential to be a match-winner. He will need to prove his worth in the upcoming T20I series against Sri Lanka and in domestic cricket to keep his hopes of playing in the Champions Trophy next year alive.

Virat Kohli's Transformation: From Brash Youngster to Mature LeaderFormer India spinner Amit Mishra's recent comments on Virat Kohli have ignited a heated debate about the star batter's personality and relationships. Mishra claimed that Kohli's immense fame and power have altered his demeanor, leading to a strained relationship between them.However, Kohli's supporters have rallied to his defense, including former India batter Robin Uthappa. Uthappa hailed Kohli's evolution from a "brash young Delhi boy" to a "mature human being." He praised Kohli's unwavering self-belief and hard work, which have paid dividends over the years.Uthappa's sentiments were echoed by Punjab Kings batter Shashank Singh, who shared an anecdote from the IPL. Singh described a 40-minute conversation with Kohli, during which the latter generously shared his knowledge and insights on cricket. Singh was impressed by Kohli's approachability and willingness to help others.Kohli's transformation has been evident on and off the field. As a player, he has matured into a world-class batsman, known for his consistency and ability to perform under pressure. Off the field, he has become a respected leader and role model, using his platform to advocate for social causes.While Mishra's comments may have sparked controversy, they have also highlighted the complexities of Kohli's personality. He is a driven and ambitious individual who has achieved extraordinary success. However, his intense focus and competitive nature may have sometimes come across as aloof or arrogant.Ultimately, it is up to each individual to form their own opinion on Virat Kohli. Whether they view him as a changed person or a mature leader, there is no denying his immense talent and contributions to Indian cricket.

Harshit Rana, a 22-year-old fast bowler from Delhi, has finally earned his long-awaited call-up to the Indian ODI team. The journey to this moment has been filled with setbacks and disappointments, but Rana has never given up hope.Rana's exceptional performance in the IPL, where he claimed 19 wickets and played a crucial role in Kolkata Knight Riders' victorious campaign, finally earned him recognition on the national stage. Despite facing numerous setbacks and being overlooked during his journey from the junior levels, Rana's determination and hard work have paid off."Delhi mein dil tooth sakta hai par humne kabhi hausla nahi haraa (Delhi can break your heart but I never lost hope)," Rana said in an emotional statement.Rana credits his father, personal coach Amit Bhandari, and former India and Delhi pacer Gautam Gambhir for his success. Gambhir, in particular, has had a profound impact on Rana's mindset."If my outlook towards the game has changed, a lot of it has got to do with Gauti bhaiyya's presence in the KKR dressing room and how he changed my mindset. At the elite level, you require skills but more than skills you require the heart to handle the pressure," Rana said.Rana's performances in white ball cricket for Delhi have been exceptional. He has claimed 22 wickets in 14 games in the Vijay Hazare Trophy and 28 wickets in 25 T20 matches.Rana's ability to execute his arsenal of deliveries with precision under pressure has been key to his success. He consistently hits the blockhole, fires wide yorkers, and deceives batsmen with cleverly disguised slow bouncers."If you ask about the pressure part it is Gautam Gambhir's advice. He would say, 'what's the worst thing that will happen? You will get hit and we can lose the match. But if you don't face your fears, how will you overcome them'?" Rana said.Bhandari, Rana's personal coach, believes that the bowler possesses the necessary skills and abilities to excel in international competitions."In Delhi, you always hear about corruption, groupism, nepotism. Now look at the bonafide Delhi greats. Most have within two years of Delhi debut played for India. Viru (Sehwag), Gauti (Gambhir), Ishant (Sharma), Rishabh (Pant) all had talent and didn't hover around domestic cricket for long. If you are a talented Delhi cricketer, the system can't stop you. And if you aren't, then even in 15 years, you won't make it," Bhandari said.Rana's call-up to the Indian ODI team is a testament to his hard work, determination, and talent. He is now ready to take the next step in his career and represent his country at the highest level.

Hardik Pandya and Natasa Stankovic Announce Separation After Months of SpeculationIndian cricket star Hardik Pandya and his wife, Natasa Stankovic, have officially announced their separation after months of rumors and speculation. The couple made the announcement via an Instagram post on Thursday, confirming that they have "mutually parted ways."The news comes as a shock to many, as Pandya and Stankovic have been married for only two years. The couple tied the knot in a private ceremony in 2020 and welcomed their son, Agastya, in 2021.In their Instagram post, Pandya and Stankovic expressed their gratitude for the time they spent together and wished each other well in the future. They also requested privacy during this difficult time."We have mutually decided to separate. Natasa and I have been together for many years and it's been an incredible journey. We have a beautiful son together and he will always be our priority," Pandya wrote."We will continue to be friends and co-parent our son together. We ask for your understanding and support during this time," he added.The separation announcement has sent shockwaves through the Indian cricket community and beyond. Pandya is one of the most popular and successful cricketers in the country, and his personal life has always been a subject of intense media scrutiny.The couple's separation has also sparked speculation about the reasons behind their split. Some reports suggest that the couple had been facing marital problems for some time, while others speculate that the pressures of Pandya's cricket career may have played a role.Whatever the reasons, the separation of Hardik Pandya and Natasa Stankovic is a sad end to what was once a fairy-tale romance. The couple's fans and well-wishers will undoubtedly be hoping that they can find happiness and fulfillment in their future endeavors.

Amit Mishra Questions Sanju Samson's Inclusion in 2026 T20 World Cup SquadFormer India spinner Amit Mishra has sparked a debate by expressing doubts over Sanju Samson's chances of featuring in the 2026 T20 World Cup squad. Mishra, who last played for India in 2017, believes that Samson's age and the emergence of younger players could hinder his selection."I don't think that Samson will play the next World Cup because he is now 34 years old," Mishra said on Shubhankar Mishra's podcast 'Unplugged.' "There are many young players, and Virat Kohli brought forth this concept that young players perform more in T20 cricket."Samson, 29, was part of India's 2024 T20 World Cup-winning team but did not play a single match, with Rishabh Pant preferred as the wicketkeeper-batter. Mishra acknowledged that an exceptional performance could earn Samson a spot in the 2026 squad, but he emphasized the need for consistency."He can play the next World Cup, but he will have to perform extraordinarily well in order to be selected," Mishra said. "Either he is now in the team, so he should maintain his position until the next World Cup, otherwise, it will be very difficult."Mishra pointed to the emergence of young players like Ishan Kishan, KL Rahul, and Rishabh Pant as potential threats to Samson's selection. He also highlighted the importance of experience in T20 cricket, despite the emphasis on youth."The mindset of T20 cricket is around young players, but it is the seniors who win you the game in T20s as experience matters in the shortest format," Mishra said.Mishra's comments come amid a changing landscape in Indian cricket. Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, and Ravindra Jadeja have all retired from T20Is, leaving the team with a mix of experienced and young players. Hardik Pandya, Suryakumar Yadav, and Jasprit Bumrah are among the senior players who will be expected to guide the team in the coming years.

Shivam Dube's stellar performance in the 2024 Indian Premier League (IPL) propelled him to the Indian national cricket team and a coveted spot in the T20 World Cup squad. As the second-highest run-scorer for the Chennai Super Kings, Dube amassed 396 runs with an impressive strike rate of 162.29.His consistent batting throughout the tournament earned him a place in India's playing eleven. In the final against South Africa, Dube's crucial 27-run innings, alongside Virat Kohli's 76, forged a 57-run partnership that proved pivotal in India's six-run victory.Dube credits the IPL for his growth as a cricketer. "It provides a fantastic platform for young talent to showcase their skills alongside some of the best players in the world," he said. "Personally, playing in the IPL has been a significant learning experience, helping me improve my game and gain confidence."He also acknowledges the IPL's contribution to Indian cricket's growth. "Since its inception, the IPL has brought in new fans, increased the popularity of the sport, and created numerous opportunities for players at all levels," Dube added. "The exposure and competitive environment of the IPL have elevated the standards of Indian cricket."Despite a modest performance in the T20 World Cup, Dube's unwavering belief in his abilities, instilled by captain Rohit Sharma and coach Rahul Dravid, kept him focused. "Their faith in my abilities and their guidance helped me stay focused and believe in myself," he said.Dube's determination was evident in his Player of the Match performance in the final T20I against Zimbabwe, where he scored a quickfire 26 off 12 balls. He is now set to represent India in the upcoming white-ball series against Sri Lanka.Shivam Dube's journey from IPL star to international cricketer is a testament to the transformative power of the league. His success highlights the IPL's role in nurturing young talent and contributing to the growth of Indian cricket on the global stage.

Hardik Pandya's remarkable journey from injury and controversy to triumph in the ICC T20 World Cup is a testament to the power of perseverance and hard work. After suffering an injury during the 50-over World Cup, Pandya underwent a rigorous rehabilitation process, showcasing his unwavering determination on social media.His transformation was evident in his performance during the T20 World Cup, where he excelled as an all-rounder. With 144 runs at an average of 48.00 and a strike rate of 151.57, Pandya proved his batting prowess. His bowling was equally impressive, taking 11 wickets over eight games with an economy rate of 7.64.Pandya's contributions were crucial in India's victory over South Africa in the final. His bowling figures of 3/20 and key wickets helped secure a seven-run win, ending India's 11-year wait for an ICC trophy.Pandya's journey was not without its challenges. After taking over the captaincy of the Mumbai Indians in the IPL 2024, he faced criticism and online trolling. However, his performance in the T20 World Cup served as redemption, proving his critics wrong and showcasing his resilience.The warm welcome Pandya received in Vadodara, along with a roadshow celebrating the T20 World Cup win, is a testament to his popularity and the impact he has had on Indian cricket. His story is an inspiration to aspiring athletes, demonstrating that with hard work and determination, anything is possible.

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 Twenty20 International (T20I) cricket, marking the end of an era for Indian cricket. Kohli, who made his T20I debut in 2010, has been a prolific run-scorer in the format, amassing 4188 runs in 125 matches. Sharma, who made his T20I debut in 2007, has been even more successful, becoming the format's highest scorer with 4231 runs in 159 matches.Dev, who led India to victory in the 1983 Cricket World Cup, believes that Kohli and Sharma have made an immense contribution to Indian cricket. "No one can take Virat and Rohit's place in the Indian team in any format," he said. "They have been a huge servant of Indian cricket and it was a happy farewell for them."Dev praised Kohli's relentless dedication and passion for the game, which has made him one of the most successful batsmen in the world. He also acknowledged Sharma's leadership qualities, which have helped India win several major tournaments, including the 2022 T20 World Cup."The stature that Virat has made of himself in all formats, he will surely be missed in T20Is," Dev said. "Both are as same as Sachin Tendulkar and MS Dhoni. They are irreplaceable."Kohli and Sharma's retirements from T20I cricket will leave a void in the Indian team, but Dev is confident that the team will continue to be successful in the future. "We have a lot of young talent coming through," he said. "I am sure that they will step up and fill the void left by Virat and Rohit."

Mohammed Shami, India's premier fast bowler, has finally returned to the nets after a prolonged absence due to an ankle injury. The injury, sustained during the 2023 ODI World Cup, sidelined Shami for the IPL 2024 and the T20 World Cup.Shami's absence was a significant blow to India's cricketing aspirations. He missed the South Africa tour and the five-match Test series against England, where his experience and skill would have been invaluable.Despite playing through pain during the World Cup, Shami emerged as the tournament's highest wicket-taker with 24 wickets in seven matches at an astonishing average of 10.70. His performances were a testament to his resilience and determination.Shami's recovery has been a slow and arduous process. He underwent surgery earlier this year, but his rehabilitation took longer than expected. However, he is now cautiously returning to bowling, albeit at reduced intensity.In a recent social media post, Shami shared a video of himself bowling in the nets. The video shows him delivering a few deliveries with caution, indicating that he is taking a measured approach to his comeback.Shami's return is a major boost for India ahead of the home series against Bangladesh. India will host Bangladesh for two Tests and three T20 Internationals in September-October. Shami is likely to make his comeback in this series, where he will be eager to prove his fitness and regain his place in the Indian team.