Cricket

Ruturaj Gaikwad, the rising star of Indian cricket, acknowledges the daunting task of filling the void left by Virat Kohli's retirement from the number three position in T20Is. Recognizing the immense legacy of the legendary batsman, Gaikwad emphasizes the importance of focusing on his own contributions rather than attempting to replicate Kohli's achievements.Despite the departure of experienced players like Kohli, Rohit Sharma, and Ravindra Jadeja from the T20 format, Gaikwad remains unfazed. He believes that this transition presents opportunities for emerging talents like himself to step up and make a mark. With his impressive batting skills, Gaikwad has the potential to secure the number three spot in the batting order.However, Gaikwad is not fixated on a specific batting position. He is willing to adapt to any role that the team management assigns him. His primary focus is on making significant contributions to the team's success, regardless of where he bats.In the initial two T20Is against Zimbabwe, Gaikwad has been entrusted with the crucial number three spot. However, he clarifies that he has no specific preference regarding his batting position. He believes that there is not much difference between opening and batting at number three, as both roles require facing the new ball.Gaikwad's experience as captain of the Chennai Super Kings in the Indian Premier League (IPL) has enhanced his involvement in the game. He feels more responsible and engaged, but emphasizes that this added responsibility has not impacted his batting performance.Abhishek Sharma, a young opening batsman, recently praised Gaikwad's guidance and support during his explosive century in the second T20I match against Zimbabwe. Gaikwad highlights the importance of communication and sharing insights with batting partners to maintain a balanced outlook and make informed decisions during matches.

Jasprit Bumrah: A Legend in All Three Formats, Hails Ramiz RajaFormer Pakistan captain Ramiz Raja has heaped praise on Indian pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah, calling him a "legend in all three formats" of cricket. Raja's comments come in the wake of Bumrah's exceptional performance in the T20 World Cup 2024, where he emerged as the Man of the Tournament with 15 wickets from eight matches.Raja acknowledged Bumrah's remarkable journey, from a young player with an awkward bowling action and low confidence to a world-class bowler who has led India to victory in the World Cup. He highlighted Bumrah's ability to deliver match-winning spells under immense pressure, making him an indispensable member of the Indian team across all formats.Bumrah's decision to continue playing T20Is is a significant boost for the Indian team, which has recently witnessed the retirements of Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and Ravindra Jadeja from the shortest format. Bumrah's presence ensures that India retains one of its most valuable assets in T20 cricket.Raja's praise for Bumrah is a testament to the Indian pacer's exceptional skills and unwavering determination. Bumrah's ability to consistently perform at the highest level has earned him the respect and admiration of cricket fans and experts alike.

Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma's Emotional Farewell from T20I CricketIndian cricket legends Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma have bid farewell to the T20I format, leaving an indelible mark on the game. Their shock retirements came after India's triumphant victory in the 2024 T20 World Cup in Barbados.During the post-match presentation, Kohli announced that the final against South Africa would be his last T20I for India. "It's time for the next generation to take over," he said. Hours later, Rohit Sharma followed suit, announcing his retirement from the format at a press conference.Both players will continue to represent India in Test and ODI cricket. However, their departure from T20Is has sparked a wave of emotions among fans and cricket enthusiasts.A poignant moment from the final has now gone viral, capturing the unspoken bond between Kohli and Sharma. As they walked out to bat, they shared a brief hug, a gesture that went unnoticed during the match. In retrospect, it seems like a subtle farewell between two icons of Indian cricket.Rohit Sharma hailed the 2024 T20 World Cup triumph as the greatest achievement of his career. He amassed 257 runs at a strike rate of 156.70, providing India with crucial starts. Kohli, on the other hand, scored 75 runs before the final but played a pivotal role in the summit clash with a match-winning 76.Kohli ended his T20I career as India's second-highest run-scorer in the format, with 4188 runs in 125 games. He also holds the record for most runs in Men's T20 World Cups (1,292 runs).The retirements of Kohli and Sharma mark the end of an era in Indian cricket. Their contributions to the game have been immense, and their legacy will continue to inspire generations to come.

Indian cricket captain Rohit Sharma has penned an emotional tribute to former head coach Rahul Dravid, expressing his gratitude and admiration for his mentor's guidance and leadership.Dravid's tenure as coach culminated in India's triumph at the T20 World Cup, a moment that Rohit described as "the only thing missing from your arsenal." He hailed Dravid's humility, love for the game, and ability to connect with players on a personal level."I have been trying to find the right words to properly express my feelings on this, but I’m not sure I ever will," Rohit wrote on Instagram. "Since my childhood days, I have looked up to you just like billions of others but I was lucky enough to get to work with you this closely."Rohit credited Dravid with instilling confidence and fostering a comfortable environment within the team. He also acknowledged Dravid's strategic acumen, which played a crucial role in India's T20 World Cup victory."This was the only thing missing from your arsenal and I’m so happy that we got to achieve it together," Rohit said. "Rahul bhai it has been an absolute privilege to get to call you my confidant, my coach and my friend."Dravid's decision to remain as coach after the disappointment of the ODI World Cup final in 2023 proved pivotal. His guidance and support helped India overcome adversity and secure the T20 World Cup title, ending a 17-year wait for the prestigious trophy.Rohit's heartfelt tribute underscores the profound impact Dravid has had on Indian cricket. His legacy as a coach will be remembered for his ability to inspire, motivate, and lead a team to unprecedented heights.

Rahul Dravid, the legendary Indian cricketer, has etched his name in the annals of cricket history not only as a prolific batsman but also as a successful coach. Having witnessed countless standing ovations during his playing days, Dravid experienced a new level of adulation after guiding India to the T20 World Cup title in 2023.Dravid's journey as a coach has been marked by remarkable achievements. Under his stewardship, India ascended to the pinnacle of Test and ODI rankings, culminating in the T20 World Cup triumph. This victory served as a fitting farewell for Dravid, who had announced his decision to step down as coach after the tournament.Despite his illustrious playing career, Dravid's World Cup aspirations as a player remained unfulfilled. In the 1999 ODI World Cup, he emerged as the tournament's leading run-scorer with 461 runs. India reached the final of the 2003 ODI World Cup but fell short against Australia. Dravid captained India in the 2007 ODI World Cup, but the team suffered a heartbreaking defeat to Bangladesh.However, Dravid's legacy as one of the greatest batsmen of all time remained untarnished. As coach, he instilled a winning mentality in the Indian team, leading them to victory in the 2023 ODI World Cup on home soil. Despite the team's loss in the final, Dravid's contributions were widely recognized.Captain Rohit Sharma played a pivotal role in convincing Dravid to continue as coach until the T20 World Cup. Under Dravid's guidance, India became the world's top-ranked team in both Tests and ODIs. The T20 World Cup title victory served as the icing on the cake, marking a fitting end to Dravid's tenure with Team India.Dravid's humility and down-to-earth nature have earned him immense respect. A viral video captured the moment when he received a standing ovation at a cricket academy in Bengaluru. Sporting a simple t-shirt and shorts, Dravid was greeted with a bouquet of flowers and thunderous applause. As he moved through the academy, students lined up and raised their bats in his honor. Dravid, in his characteristic style, thanked the staff and students, asking them to lower their bats.

Ravichandran Ashwin, one of the most celebrated spinners in cricket history, has attributed his success to the guidance of legendary captain MS Dhoni. Ashwin, who began his career with the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) under Dhoni's leadership, has become a formidable force for Team India.Initially, Ashwin struggled to make an impact, but Dhoni's unwavering belief in his abilities proved pivotal. Dhoni recognized Ashwin's potential as a powerplay bowler and entrusted him with the responsibility. Despite some initial setbacks, Ashwin persevered and eventually became a key component of CSK's success.Dhoni's advice to Ashwin was simple yet profound: "Continue being funky." This mantra encouraged Ashwin to experiment with new variations and reinvent himself constantly. Even at the age of 37, Ashwin continues to add new tricks to his arsenal, keeping batters on their toes.Ashwin's admiration for Dhoni extends beyond his cricketing acumen. He credits Dhoni with instilling a mental strength and adaptability that has served him well throughout his career. Dhoni's ability to identify and nurture talent has also been evident in his handling of other players, such as Tushar Deshpande.Ashwin's journey under Dhoni's guidance is a testament to the importance of mentorship and belief in the potential of young players. Dhoni's unwavering support and encouragement have played a significant role in shaping Ashwin's career and transforming him into one of the most successful spinners in the world.

Ishan Kishan, the dynamic Indian wicketkeeper-batter, is determined to reclaim his place in the national team after a challenging six-month period. Having lost his spot in all three formats and his central contract, Kishan is eager to prove his worth once again.In an interview with the Indian Express, Kishan expressed his admiration for Rishabh Pant's recent return to the Indian side. He acknowledged the intense competition within the team, particularly with the impressive performances of Pant and Sanju Samson. However, Kishan remains unfazed and welcomes the challenge."It was heartening to see Rishabh back in action," said Kishan. "As far as competition goes, you love challenges. When you compete with quality cricketers, it enhances your game. I know it's not going to be easy, but competition gives you that feeling of satisfaction."Kishan's ambitions extend beyond the T20 format. He envisions himself as a key player in all three formats, as he was before his hiatus. "I see myself playing in all three formats," he stated. "I want to be part of all three formats."To achieve his goals, Kishan is focused on improving his fitness and preparing for upcoming tournaments. He is determined to stay in the present and not dwell on past setbacks or future uncertainties."I am not thinking too much about the future," said Kishan. "I want to stay in the present. I am only focused on how to become a better and different player from what I was six months ago. I will work on a few innovative shots and on my wicket-keeping."Kishan is eagerly awaiting the start of the domestic season, where he hopes to showcase his skills for Jharkhand. He believes that strong performances at the domestic level will pave the way for his return to the national team.

Unmukt Chand, the former India U-19 World Cup-winning captain, has expressed his disappointment over being left out of the USA's squad for the recently concluded T20 World Cup. Chand, who retired from Indian cricket in 2021, shifted base to the USA in search of better cricketing opportunities. After playing in the inaugural edition of the Major League Cricket (MLC) and other franchise tournaments, he became eligible to represent the USA.Chand had openly expressed his desire to play against India in the T20 World Cup, but his hopes were dashed when he was not selected for the squad. Speaking to Cricbuzz, Chand revealed that he was shocked and devastated by the omission."That wasn't an ideal situation to be in. Because personally for me, this was what I had dreamed for the last three years. Obviously, it was a big shock. And it took me time to sort of come to terms with it. It's never easy as a player, having lost all those things back home in India, to having this one goal, which had kept me going for the last three years not happening. So it is difficult. I won't say which just happened. But it was difficult. I was not my best self for some time," Chand said.Chand admitted that he struggled to cope with the disappointment and went through a period of inner turmoil. "That was a very internal battle and it's a sucker basically. It keeps sucking you inside and inside. That feeling would linger on for a day and then go away and then come back again. The reality would hit me in different phases. Once you keep going through that automatically you keep getting better. There comes a time when you're like it didn't happen, that's it. I'm not even thinking about it," he added.Despite the setback, Chand remains determined to prove his worth. He started the second season of the MLC with a swashbuckling half-century for his franchise, Los Angeles Knight Riders (LAKR). Ironically, LAKR is owned by the Knight Riders group, the same franchise that Chand played for in the IPL when his career took a downturn after being clean bowled by Brett Lee in the opening ball of IPL 2013.Chand's omission from the USA's T20 World Cup squad has raised questions about the selection process and the opportunities available to Indian-origin players in the USA. However, Chand remains optimistic about his future and is focused on performing well for LAKR in the MLC.

M.S. Dhoni: A Journey from Ranchi to the Pinnacle of CricketMahendra Singh Dhoni, fondly known as "Captain Cool," is an iconic figure in Indian cricket. Born on July 7, 1981, in Ranchi, Bihar (now Jharkhand), Dhoni's journey to stardom was marked by determination, hard work, and an unwavering belief in his abilities.Initially stationed as a Ticket Collector in the South East Railways, Dhoni's cricketing talent was spotted by his colleagues. He made his debut for the Indian team in 2004 and quickly rose through the ranks, becoming the captain of the Indian cricket team in 2007.Under Dhoni's leadership, India achieved unprecedented success. They won the inaugural ICC World Twenty20 in 2007, the ICC Cricket World Cup in 2011, and the ICC Champions Trophy in 2013. Dhoni's calm demeanor and strategic brilliance on the field earned him the respect of both teammates and opponents.Apart from his cricketing achievements, Dhoni is also known for his philanthropic work. He established the M.S. Dhoni Foundation in 2011, which focuses on providing education and healthcare to underprivileged children. He was also awarded the Padma Bhushan, India's third-highest civilian honor, in 2018.Dhoni's personal life is equally remarkable. He married Sakshi Rawat in 2010, and they have a daughter named Ziva. Dhoni is also an avid dog lover and owns several pet dogs, including Zara, Zoya, Lily, Gabbar, and Sam.In 2014, Dhoni was conferred with the honorary rank of Lieutenant Colonel in the Indian Territorial Army. He is currently assigned to the 106 Infantry Battalion (Territorial Army), Parachute Regiment.Dhoni's legacy in Indian cricket is unparalleled. He is widely regarded as one of the greatest captains and wicket-keepers of all time. His ability to remain calm under pressure, his strategic acumen, and his unwavering determination have inspired generations of cricketers.