Cricket

As the sun sets on this Saturday afternoon in Barbados, Indian fans eagerly anticipate a memorable performance from Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli in what could be their final T20I appearance for India. The nation yearns to see these two cricketing greats unite in a triumphant dance, leaving behind the heartbreaking memories of the ODI World Cup loss last year.The BCCI and national selectors recognize that the time has come for a new era in Indian cricket, with the 2026 T20 World Cup on the horizon. The Zimbabwe series next month will likely mark the beginning of this transition, as the core team for the upcoming global event must be established well in advance. Rohit, Kohli, and Ravindra Jadeja, despite their immense contributions, may not fit into the long-term plans due to their age.While the sensitive topic of retirement looms, the focus remains firmly on the final. A victory against South Africa would serve as a fitting culmination to the illustrious careers of Rohit and Kohli in the shortest format. They will continue to be an integral part of the IPL, where they remain iconic figures alongside Mahendra Singh Dhoni.For Kohli, securing the T20 World Cup trophy would complete a remarkable cycle, having already won the 2011 ODI World Cup and the 2013 Champions Trophy. The decision to bid farewell to the format may come swiftly, as it did for Mahela Jayawardene and Kumar Sangakkara following their 2014 T20 World Cup victory against India.Kohli and Rohit, with their combined 8334 T20I runs, six centuries, 69 fifties, and 119 catches, represent the last bridge between the old and new generations of Indian cricket. This trophy would be a fitting testament to their legacy, rightfully belonging to them as they stand tall among the greats who came before them.The anguish in Kohli's eyes after his dismissal against England was palpable, and those who dare to dismiss the 'King' from the final do so at their own risk. For Rohit, despite his assertions of moving on and healed wounds, he yearns for closure.Had India emerged victorious in the 2023 ODI World Cup, Rohit's desperation to participate in this T20 World Cup edition would have been significantly diminished. He seeks closure in terms of white-ball global triumph, and a T20 World Cup victory would provide him with that.Rohit's popularity is genuine and organic. While Dhoni was revered as 'Mahi bhai' by his juniors and Kohli earned respect through his immense on-field achievements, Rohit receives pure, unadulterated love from both peers and juniors alike.Together, Rohit and Virat have witnessed the highs and lows of Indian cricket for over a decade. And fortunately for Rohit and Kohli, they have nothing left to prove. If Saturday truly marks their last appearance in a T20 international, the void they leave behind will be challenging to fill, not only in terms of quality but also, and perhaps more significantly, on an emotional level.

Rohit Sharma Joins Elite Group of Indian Captains with 5,000 Runs Across FormatsIndian skipper Rohit Sharma has etched his name into the annals of Indian cricket history by becoming only the fifth Indian captain to surpass 5,000 runs across all formats of the game. This significant milestone was achieved during the semi-final match against England in the ongoing T20 World Cup at the Providence Stadium in Guyana.Rohit's impressive batting performance, which earned him the nickname 'Hitman,' was on full display as he dominated England's bowling attack during the powerplay. With his influential 57-run innings, Rohit became only the fifth Indian captain to surpass 5,000 runs across all formats of the game.As he walked back to the pavilion, Rohit's total run tally as the Indian skipper stood at 5,033 runs, cementing his place among the greats. However, he still has a long way to go to catch up with Virat Kohli, who leads the chart with an impressive 12,883 runs as the Indian captain in all three formats.Following Kohli is MS Dhoni, renowned for his exceptional leadership and captaincy skills, with 11,207 runs to his name as the Indian skipper across all formats. Mohammad Azharuddin and Sourav Ganguly also feature on this prestigious list, having scored 8,095 and 7,643 runs, respectively, during their tenures as Indian captains.Rohit's achievement is a testament to his consistent performance and leadership abilities. As the Indian team prepares for the final of the T20 World Cup, Rohit will be looking to add to his tally and lead his team to victory.

Jasprit Bumrah's Stellar T20 World Cup Performance Earns Praise from Kapil DevIndian pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah has been in scintillating form during the ongoing T20 World Cup, drawing admiration from legendary former India all-rounder Kapil Dev.Bumrah's impressive performance has caught the attention of Dev, who believes the young pacer is far superior to what he was at his prime. "Jasprit Bumrah is a '1000 times better' bowler than what I was at my prime," Dev stated.Throughout the tournament, Bumrah has showcased his prowess, claiming 11 wickets in just 23 overs. His outstanding economy rate of 4.08 demonstrates his ability to maintain control and precision while consistently taking wickets."Bumrah is 1000 times better than me. These young boys are far better than us. We had more experience. They are better," Dev told 'PTI Videos'.Bumrah, widely regarded as the premier fast bowler in international cricket today, has represented India in 26 Test matches, claiming 159 wickets at an impressive economy rate below three runs per over. In the ODI format, he has taken 149 wickets across 89 appearances, while his tally in T20Is stands at 85 wickets from 68 games.Dev, who retired with a then world record of 434 Test wickets, is regarded as one of the greatest all-rounders in the history of the sport. He also achieved success in the ODI format, securing 253 wickets during his career.The 65-year-old World Cup-winning captain, who led India to their first-ever title in 1983, also expressed admiration for the overall fitness standards maintained by the current Indian team. "They are very good. Outstanding. They are fitter. They are much more hardworking. They are fantastic," he said.Bumrah's exceptional performance in the T20 World Cup has further cemented his status as one of the most formidable bowlers in the world. His ability to swing the ball both ways, generate pace, and maintain accuracy has made him a nightmare for batsmen.As India continues its quest for a second T20 World Cup title, Bumrah's contributions will be crucial. His ability to strike early and restrict the opposition's scoring will be key to India's success.

Former Indian cricketer Wasim Jaffer has predicted that both Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli will retire from T20Is after the ongoing T20 World Cup 2024. This speculation stems from the struggles both star batters have faced in the tournament, with Rohit scoring 99 runs in 5 matches and Virat managing just 66 runs.Jaffer believes that this could be the last T20I competition for both Rohit and Virat, but he insists that they will continue to play in the Indian Premier League (IPL). However, he emphasizes that the final decision lies with the players and the selectors."I think they both (Virat and Rohit) will retire from T20Is after the T20 World Cup. It is their call eventually and also the call of the selectors. While they will continue to play in the IPL, I believe we are seeing them for the last time in T20Is at the T20 World Cup," Jaffer said on his YouTube channel.Despite their recent struggles, Jaffer remains confident in Kohli's ability to score 100 international centuries. Currently, Kohli has 29 Test centuries, 50 ODI centuries, and one century in T20 Internationals."Yes, I think Virat Kohli will score hundred international hundreds. He has a lot of time left and the way his fitness is and the way he scores his runs with consistency, I hundred percent expect him to cross hundred hundreds," Jaffer added.Meanwhile, Riyan Parag, Abhishek Sharma, and Nitish Reddy have received maiden India call-ups for the upcoming white-ball tour of Zimbabwe under the captaincy of Shubman Gill. This opportunity is a reward for their impressive performances in the last IPL.Senior players competing in the ongoing T20 World Cup in the Americas, including captain Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Hardik Pandya, Suryakumar Yadav, Ravindra Jadeja, and Jasprit Bumrah, have been rested ahead of a grueling season.The Zimbabwe tour comprises five T20 Internationals, beginning July 6.

India's women's cricket team is gearing up for their one-off Test against South Africa, buoyed by recent white-ball series victories. However, head coach Amol Muzumdar believes there's room for improvement in all departments."We have the momentum, but we're trying to focus on each game as it comes," Muzumdar said. "The demands of Test cricket are different, but the team is up for it."India last played a Test in December, beating Australia in Mumbai. They also won a one-off Test against England at home. Most of the top players also participated in the Senior Women's Inter-Zonal Multi-day Trophy in March-April.Despite having only five days to prepare for the Test, Muzumdar is confident that the players are ready for the challenge. "We're aware that red-ball cricket will be a part of women's cricket going forward," he said. "The inter-zonal tournament was critical in sending that message."The core of the team will remain the same, but Shubha Satheesh, Sneh Rana, Rajeshwari Gayakwad, and Meghna Singh will be coming in for the Test. "They're very important players," Muzumdar said. "They've had a specific workload in the camp and are raring to go."Muzumdar also expressed support for a women's World Test Championship, similar to the men's format. "It's not a bad idea," he said. "Test cricket is always special, and every game is important."The team has also included 17-year-old uncapped medium pacer Shabnam Shakil. "She's a superb talent," Muzumdar said. "We're including her so she gets a feel of the team culture and atmosphere."

Indian cricket captain Rohit Sharma has emerged as a formidable force in the T20 International (T20I) format, etching his name in the record books with his exceptional performances as both a captain and a batsman.Sharma's recent triumph in the T20 World Cup against Australia marked a significant milestone in his career. With this victory, he equaled Pakistan captain Babar Azam's record for the most wins as a captain in this format, with both players boasting an impressive tally of 48 wins.Moreover, Sharma has surpassed his teammate Virat Kohli to become the leading run-scorer in T20Is. Over 157 matches, he has amassed a staggering 4,165 runs, averaging 32.03 and striking at a remarkable 140.75. This achievement places him ahead of Azam (4,145 runs) and Kohli (4,103 runs), who have played 123 and 123 matches respectively.Sharma's leadership has been instrumental in India's recent success in the T20I format. Under his guidance, the team has secured 48 wins, including a thrilling 24-run victory over Australia in the T20 World Cup. This match marked Sharma's 60th as captain, and his record includes wins in all formats, including Super Overs.Sharma's return to form has been a crucial factor in India's resurgence. In the match against Australia, he played a pivotal role, scoring a blistering 92 runs off just 41 deliveries. This significant contribution, along with the efforts of other team members, helped India set a challenging target of 205 runs.Despite a strong performance from Australia's Travis Head, the Indian team, under Sharma's leadership, managed to secure the win by 24 runs. This victory not only highlighted Sharma's effective captaincy but also secured India's place in the semi-final against England, set to take place in Guyana on Thursday.Sharma's achievements have garnered widespread praise, including from Jay Shah, the Secretary of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). Shah took to social media to commend Sharma's performance and express optimism for India's success in the tournament.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) recently held an informal meeting with representatives of all its affiliates at the BCCI headquarters in Mumbai. The meeting was chaired by BCCI secretary Jay Shah and aimed to exchange views on Indian cricket and discuss key issues.Shah expressed his satisfaction with the meeting, stating that it was a constructive dialogue that allowed for valuable contributions from the state associations. The meeting covered a wide range of topics, including the success of the 2023 World Cup, the Women's Premier League, and the Indian Premier League.Shah also shared updates on the development of the National Cricket Academy project in Bengaluru and proposed changes to the domestic season. The state associations welcomed the opportunity to provide their feedback and suggestions on these matters.The meeting was held at the recently renovated BCCI office, which has been upgraded with state-of-the-art facilities. The BCCI is committed to providing a modern and efficient work environment for its staff and stakeholders.The BCCI's focus on transparency and collaboration was evident in the meeting. By engaging with its affiliates, the BCCI aims to ensure that the interests of all stakeholders are considered in its decision-making process.The meeting was a positive step towards strengthening the relationship between the BCCI and its affiliates. It provided a platform for open dialogue and allowed for a better understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing Indian cricket.

Young Indian cricketers Riyan Parag, Abhishek Sharma, and Nitish Reddy have earned their maiden call-ups to the national team for the upcoming white-ball tour of Zimbabwe. The trio impressed with their performances in the recently concluded Indian Premier League (IPL).Parag, a 21-year-old all-rounder from Assam, emerged as a key player for Rajasthan Royals in IPL-17. He amassed 573 runs, including four half-centuries, and claimed 18 wickets. His consistent batting and handy off-spin bowling earned him a place in the Indian squad.Sharma, a 22-year-old left-handed batter, was a standout performer for Punjab Kings. He scored 484 runs, including three half-centuries, and was one of the most consistent batters in the tournament. His ability to play spin and pace effectively impressed the selectors.Reddy, a 23-year-old wicketkeeper-batter, made a name for himself with his impressive performances for Gujarat Titans. He scored 289 runs and took 10 catches in the IPL. His solid batting and reliable glovework earned him a spot in the Indian team.The Zimbabwe tour, which begins on July 6, will comprise five T20 Internationals. The Indian team will be led by Shubman Gill, who was also part of the traveling reserves for the T20 World Cup in the Americas.Other IPL performers who have been included in the squad are Tushar Deshpande, Harshit Rana, Avesh Khan, and Rinku Singh. Sanju Samson and Yashasvi Jaiswal, who were on the bench during the T20 World Cup, have also been recalled.The tour will provide an opportunity for the young players to showcase their skills at the international level. It will also serve as a preparation for the upcoming Asia Cup and T20 World Cup later this year.

Indian vice-captain Smriti Mandhana has etched her name in the history books by becoming the woman player with the most runs in a three-match bilateral ODI series. Mandhana achieved this remarkable feat during India's third ODI against South Africa at Bengaluru on Sunday.In the third ODI, Mandhana played a pivotal role in India's victory, scoring 90 runs off 83 balls, including 11 fours. Her innings came at a strike rate of 108.43, further solidifying her status as one of the most dangerous batters in women's cricket.Mandhana's performance in the series was nothing short of exceptional. In the first ODI, she scored 117 runs off 127 balls, with 12 fours and a six. In the second ODI, she went one step further, scoring 136 runs off 120 balls, with 18 fours and two sixes.Overall, Mandhana ended the three-match series with a staggering 343 runs, at an average of 114.33 and a strike rate of above 103. Her tally included two centuries and a fifty, a testament to her consistency and ability to score runs in all conditions.Mandhana's heroics earned her the 'Player of the Series' award as India whitewashed South Africa by 3-0. Her performance has not only helped India secure a series victory but has also cemented her position as one of the best batters in the world.The previous record for the most runs in a bilateral ODI series by a women's player was held by former Australian player Karen Rolton, who scored 394 runs in six ODIs against New Zealand in 2004. Mandhana's achievement is even more impressive considering that she did it in just three matches.In the third ODI, South Africa won the toss and elected to bat first. Skipper Laura Woolvaardt (61 off 57 balls) and Tazmin Brits (38 off 26 balls) provided a solid start with a 102-run opening stand. However, Indian bowlers fought back, with Deepti Sharma (2/27) and Arundhati Reddy (2/36) leading the charge. South Africa was eventually bowled out for 215 runs in 50 overs.In the run-chase, Mandhana held one end steady, while Shafali Varma (25 off 39 balls), Priya Punia (28 off 40 balls), and skipper Harmanpreet Kaur (42 off 48 balls) played crucial knocks. Jemimah Rodrigues (19* off 20 balls) and Richa Ghosh (6* off 10 balls) finished the job, guiding India to a comfortable six-wicket victory with 56 balls to spare.Deepti Sharma was named 'Player of the Match' for her all-round performance, which included two wickets and a crucial 20 runs off 24 balls.