Cricket

Jasprit Bumrah, the Indian pace spearhead, has emerged as a pivotal force in Team India's recent successes, particularly in the ongoing T20 World Cup. His exceptional performances have earned him high praise from former all-rounder Irfan Pathan, who has likened him to the "Reserve Bank of India" for his reliability and consistency.Bumrah's three-wicket haul against arch-rivals Pakistan in a low-scoring encounter was a testament to his ability to deliver under pressure. His deadly spell helped India secure a crucial victory in the tournament opener. Against Afghanistan, he registered impressive figures of 4/7, further showcasing his dominance.Pathan lauded Bumrah's ability to set the tone for the bowling attack, particularly in the early overs. "He is like the Reserve Bank of India. He is absolutely safe. You expect him to perform when he bowls four overs in any situation. He sets up the game," Pathan said.Bumrah's effectiveness stems from his unwavering line and length, coupled with his judicious use of slower balls. "He bowls good lengths. If you see his pitch map, you will get to see a cluster, the slower ones, and you will see him using the bouncer only when it's required," Pathan observed.In the ongoing World Cup, Bumrah's ability to generate reverse swing in the latter stages of the innings has been a significant advantage for India. "When Jasprit Bumrah will come to bowl in the end, you will get to see a little reverse as well. It's a very big factor if India have to win this World Cup," Pathan emphasized.Bumrah's exceptional skills and unwavering determination have made him an indispensable asset for Team India. His ability to control the flow of runs and take crucial wickets has been instrumental in India's victories. As the tournament progresses, Bumrah's contributions will be crucial if India is to lift the coveted trophy.

India's World Cup Hopes Soar with Gautam Gambhir as Potential Head CoachFormer India opener Gautam Gambhir's name has emerged as a strong contender for the role of head coach of the Indian men's cricket team. Sanjay Bhardwaj, Gambhir's former coach, believes that under Gambhir's leadership, India has a high chance of securing a World Cup victory.Bhardwaj's optimism stems from Gambhir's proven track record as a player and his astute cricketing mind. As a player, Gambhir was known for his aggressive batting style and his ability to perform under pressure. He was a key member of the Indian team that won the 2011 World Cup.As a coach, Gambhir has already demonstrated his capabilities with the Delhi Capitals in the Indian Premier League (IPL). Under his guidance, the Capitals have consistently performed well, reaching the playoffs in multiple seasons.Bhardwaj believes that Gambhir's experience and understanding of the game would be invaluable to the Indian team. He said, "If Gautam Gambhir will be the coach of the team for 3-4 years, India will surely win a World Cup. It will be a very good feeling if my student coaches Team India."Gambhir's potential appointment has received support from several former cricketers, including Virender Sehwag and Harbhajan Singh. They believe that Gambhir's passion, determination, and tactical acumen make him an ideal candidate for the role.The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is currently searching for a new head coach, with Rahul Dravid's tenure concluding after the T20 World Cup 2024. Gambhir's name is high on the list of potential candidates, and his appointment would be a significant development for Indian cricket.

Indian Cricketers Prioritize Nutrition with Personal Chefs in West IndiesAs the T20 World Cup unfolds in the picturesque West Indies, the Indian cricket team is not only battling on the field but also navigating the culinary temptations of the region. While the tantalizing street food may entice many, top players Suryakumar Yadav and Hardik Pandya are exercising strict dietary discipline.Both Yadav and Pandya have brought their personal chefs along on the tour. These chefs prepare their daily meals according to the specific nutritional guidelines prescribed by the team's nutritionists. The chefs are not part of the official team contingent and make their own arrangements for accommodation near the team hotel.Sources reveal that the players' preference for home-cooked food stems from their desire for comfort and familiarity during a demanding tour. Despite the high-quality cuisine available at the team hotels, Yadav and Pandya prioritize the taste and nutritional value of meals prepared by their trusted chefs.While Yadav and Pandya have their own culinary arrangements, the rest of the team is also adhering to a strict nutritional regimen. Former captain Virat Kohli played a pivotal role in instilling a healthy food culture within the team, and this discipline continues to be maintained.However, if the Indian team emerges victorious in the tournament, the players may indulge in some culinary adventures on the vibrant streets of the Caribbean. Until then, they remain focused on their nutritional goals and the pursuit of the elusive trophy.

Rohit Sharma's Witty Commentary on Stump Mic Adds Humor to India's T20 World Cup CampaignIndian cricket captain Rohit Sharma has become renowned for his entertaining and often humorous on-field commentary, which is frequently captured by the stump microphone. During India's Super 8 clash against Bangladesh in the ongoing T20 World Cup, Rohit once again showcased his witty side.In the 14th over of Bangladesh's run chase, Kuldeep Yadav had just dismissed Shakib Al Hasan after being hit for a six. As Mahmudullah, the new batsman, stepped up to the crease, Kuldeep appeared to request a change in the fielding placements.Rohit, who had walked up to wicket-keeper Rishabh Pant, responded with his signature Mumbaiya style: "Kya hai, khelne de na yaar, abhi abhi aya hai aada maarne de na, ek out hua hai aada maarne de" (What's it, let him play across the line, he has just come to the crease after a dismissal, let him play across the line).Rohit's words, which translate to "Let him play his shots, he's just come in after a wicket fell," drew laughter from the commentators and viewers alike. The Indian captain then nonchalantly walked back to his fielding position, while Mahmudullah flicked the next ball for a single.Kuldeep Yadav went on to take 3/19 as India defeated Bangladesh by 50 runs, with Hardik Pandya playing a starring role with both bat and ball. India will next face Australia on Monday in their final Super Eights clash.Rohit Sharma's witty commentary has become a staple of India's T20 World Cup campaign, adding a touch of humor to the high-stakes tournament. His ability to lighten the mood and connect with fans through his words has further endeared him to the Indian cricket fraternity.

Virat Kohli, the legendary Indian batter, has etched his name in cricket history by becoming the first player to amass 3,000 runs across both the 20-over and 50-over Cricket World Cups. This remarkable feat was achieved during India's T20 World Cup Super Eights clash against Bangladesh in Antigua.Kohli's journey to this milestone has been marked by consistent brilliance. In the T20 World Cup, he stands as the leading run-scorer with 1,207 runs in 32 matches. His average of 63.52 and strike rate of 129.78 are a testament to his dominance in the shortest format. Kohli has also notched up 14 half-centuries and won the 'Player of the Tournament' award twice, in 2014 and 2016.In the 50-over World Cup, Kohli's record is equally impressive. He is the second-highest run-scorer in tournament history, with 1,795 runs in 37 matches. His average of 59.83 and strike rate of 88.20 highlight his ability to anchor the Indian innings. Kohli has scored five centuries and 12 fifties in the 50-over World Cup, with his highest score being 117.Kohli's most memorable performance in the 50-over World Cup came in 2023, when he won the 'Player of the Tournament' award. He scored a staggering 765 runs in 11 matches, including three centuries and six fifties. His average of over 95 and best score of 117 were instrumental in India's success.Overall, across both competitions, Kohli has amassed 3,002 runs in 67 innings. His average of 61.26, five centuries, and 26 fifties are a testament to his exceptional batting prowess.

Former New Zealand cricketer Ian Smith has high praise for Indian wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant, comparing him to Australian legend Adam Gilchrist. Smith believes that Pant has the potential to match Gilchrist's achievements if he maintains his current form.Pant has impressed Smith with his performances since returning from a car accident earlier this year. He has been in excellent form in the Indian Premier League (IPL) and the ongoing T20 World Cup."Rishabh Pant since his accident has come back very strong and he looks in terrific form. He is dynamic. He's aggressive, he's dangerous," Smith said.Like Gilchrist, Pant has shown his versatility by batting in various positions across different formats. Smith believes this makes him a valuable asset in white-ball cricket."He can compliment who's with him, whether he comes in to support Kohli or whether he comes in to support... Rohit Sharma, so three is a good spot for him because I firmly believe that in white-ball cricket your best players should have the opportunity to face the most deliveries. And so that's what makes him valuable.""He can hit the first ball he faces out of the ground and he's got other bailout options as well if it doesn't work out that way. I mean, you know, he's replaced a very good player in KL Rahul. KL Rahul is a world-class cricketer. That says it all for me," Smith added.Pant, 26, is seen as a similar type of cricketer to Gilchrist, who could bat down the order in Test cricket and up the order in white-ball formats. However, Smith cautions that Pant still has a long way to go to reach Gilchrist's records, who scored over 15,000 runs in international cricket and took over 800 catches behind the stumps."Ah yeah, well, he's got a bit to go. But yes, similar type of cricketer who can, in Test cricket, bat down the order. And in white-ball cricket can be back at the top of the order. So there's that similarity with Gilchrist there. But if he continues in the same vein for a few more years, then people will say Gilchrist and Pant, yeah, very close," Smith said.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has unveiled the schedule for the Indian cricket team's highly anticipated international home season for 2024-25. The season promises a thrilling array of Test and limited-overs matches against formidable opponents.The season kicks off in September with a two-match Test series against Bangladesh. The first Test will be played in Chennai from September 19th, while the second Test will take place in Kanpur from September 27th. Following the Test series, India will host Bangladesh for a three-match T20I series.In October, India will face New Zealand in a three-match Test series. The first Test will commence in Bengaluru on October 16th, with the second and third Tests scheduled for Pune and Mumbai, respectively.As the calendar turns to 2025, India will welcome England for a five-match T20I series and three ODIs. The T20I series will begin in Chennai on January 22nd and will feature matches in Kolkata, Rajkot, Pune, and Mumbai. The ODI leg will commence in Nagpur on February 6th, followed by matches in Cuttack and Ahmedabad.The home season will provide the Indian team with an opportunity to test their mettle against some of the world's top cricketing nations. The Test series against Bangladesh and New Zealand will be crucial for India's World Test Championship aspirations, while the limited-overs matches against England will offer valuable preparation for the upcoming ICC T20 World Cup and ODI World Cup.

David Johnson, Former Indian Fast Bowler, Passes Away at 52New Delhi, India - The Indian cricket community is mourning the loss of former fast bowler David Johnson, who passed away on Thursday at the age of 52. Johnson, affectionately known as "Benny," had a brief but memorable stint with the Indian cricket team, playing two Test matches in 1996.Born in Chennai, Tamil Nadu, Johnson made his first-class debut for Tamil Nadu in 1993. He quickly gained recognition for his pace and swing, and was selected to represent India A in 1995. His impressive performances earned him a call-up to the national team for the Test series against South Africa in 1996.Johnson made his Test debut in the second match of the series at Eden Gardens, Kolkata. He bowled with pace and accuracy, taking 2 wickets in the match. He also played in the third Test at the Feroz Shah Kotla Stadium, Delhi, where he claimed 3 wickets.Despite his promising start, Johnson's international career was cut short due to injuries. He retired from first-class cricket in 2000 and pursued a career in coaching. He served as the bowling coach for the Tamil Nadu cricket team and the Indian Premier League (IPL) franchise Chennai Super Kings.Johnson's passing has sent shockwaves through the cricketing world. Former Indian captain Anil Kumble expressed his condolences on Twitter, saying, "Saddened to hear the passing of my cricketing colleague David Johnson. Heartfelt condolences to his family. Gone too soon 'Benny'!"Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) Secretary Jay Shah also paid tribute to Johnson, tweeting, "Deepest condolences to family and friends of our former Indian fast bowler David Johnson. His contributions to the game will always be remembered."David Johnson's legacy as a talented fast bowler and a dedicated coach will continue to inspire young cricketers in India. His untimely demise is a great loss to the cricketing fraternity.

Virat Kohli's Test Cricket Journey: A Decade of DominanceThirteen years ago, on this day in 2011, Virat Kohli embarked on his illustrious Test cricket career at Sabina Park in Kingston, Jamaica. Fresh from India's ODI World Cup triumph, Kohli was handed his Test cap, becoming the 268th Indian to represent the nation in the longest format of the game.Although his debut innings yielded modest scores of 4 and 15, it marked the beginning of an extraordinary journey that would transform Kohli into one of the greatest batsmen of his generation. Over the past decade, he has amassed an astonishing 8848 runs in 113 Test matches, with a remarkable average of 49.15.Kohli's Test career has been adorned with 29 centuries and 7 double centuries, including an unbeaten 254, his highest score. He ranks fourth among India's all-time run-scorers, trailing only Sachin Tendulkar, Rahul Dravid, and Sunil Gavaskar.Beyond his batting prowess, Kohli has also established himself as a formidable leader. He succeeded MS Dhoni as Test captain in 2014 and has led India in 68 matches, boasting the highest win percentage among captains with at least 10 matches. Under his stewardship, India has triumphed in Test series in Australia, England, South Africa, Sri Lanka, and the West Indies.Kohli's unwavering belief in the importance of Test cricket has been instrumental in India's resurgence as a dominant force in the format. He has consistently emphasized the significance of technique, patience, and mental fortitude in the longest format of the game.In January 2022, Kohli relinquished the Test captaincy to Rohit Sharma, but his passion for Test cricket remains undiminished. As India faces Afghanistan in the Super Eights of the T20 World Cup, Kohli will be eager to make a significant contribution with the bat and add another memorable chapter to his illustrious Test career.