Cricket

Harmanpreet Kaur: Cricket is Like a 'God' to MeIndian women's cricket team captain Harmanpreet Kaur has expressed her deep love and gratitude for the sport, stating that it has given her everything. Ahead of India's Women's Asia Cup match against Nepal, Kaur shared her thoughts on the impact cricket has had on her life."Cricket, I think, is everything to me," Kaur said. "Without cricket, I do not think I would be anything. The name that cricket has given me, no other field could have given it to me. So I think, for me, cricket is like a god."Kaur recalled the moment she first held the Indian jersey, a moment that filled her with pride and gratitude. "I can say that off-field, when I held the Indian jersey for the first time, I took a photo after wearing it for the first time, and I was just thinking about who deserves this photo first," she said. "Should I send it to my parents, or the coach who gave me this platform, who gave me admission to his school, and said, 'I will start cricket in school for you,' should I send it to him? So I was so confused, who should I send first, because both were equally important to me."On the field, Kaur's most memorable moment came in the 2017 ICC Women's World Cup semifinal against Australia, where she scored a brilliant 171* off 115 balls. "On the field, in 2017, when I scored 171, that was something," she recalled. "I remember before that game, one of my friends told me, 'We will win tomorrow only if you score 150 runs.' I said, '150 runs? I have heard that you will score 100 runs, you will win tomorrow. 150, I mean, what is this demand, right? I will have to score 150 runs to win tomorrow.' So that was stuck in my head for the whole night, and I kept thinking, 'It is the Australian team, so I will have to play something different to beat them,' because they had such a strong team. So I think that was very special for me."Kaur believes that the Indian women's cricket team has made significant progress in recent years, becoming more aggressive and confident on the field. "So we always discuss that if there are two options, we will always choose the aggressive option," she said. "Before, it felt like we were playing timidly. When things did not go according to our plan, we used to get scared very quickly, but now we play a little brave cricket, so we make brave decisions. With time, we have forced people to come to the stadium through our performance."

Ravindra Jadeja, India's star all-rounder, has paid a heartfelt tribute to his late mother, Lata, crediting her as the inspiration behind his remarkable achievements on the cricket field."Whatever I'm doing on the field... it's a tribute to you," Jadeja wrote on Instagram, accompanied by a poignant photo of his mother.Jadeja's mother passed away in 2005, when he was still a budding cricketer. Her loss left an indelible mark on the young player, but it also fueled his determination to succeed."I remember her every day," Jadeja said in an interview. "She was my biggest supporter, and I know she would be proud of what I've achieved."Jadeja's achievements are indeed impressive. He has played a pivotal role in India's recent triumphs, including the ICC Champions Trophy 2013 and ICC T20 World Cup 2024 titles.In 343 international appearances, Jadeja has amassed 6,307 runs at an average of 32.67, with four centuries and 33 half-centuries. His best score is an unbeaten 175.With the ball, Jadeja has taken 568 wickets at an average of 29.30, with the best figures of 7/42. His all-round abilities make him one of the most valuable players in the Indian team.Jadeja's success is not only a testament to his talent but also to his unwavering dedication and hard work. He is known for his meticulous preparation and his ability to adapt to different conditions.Off the field, Jadeja is a humble and down-to-earth individual. He is deeply connected to his roots and is actively involved in philanthropic activities.Ravindra Jadeja's story is an inspiration to aspiring cricketers and anyone who has faced adversity in their lives. It is a reminder that with determination and hard work, anything is possible.

Rishabh Pant's remarkable journey from a career-threatening accident to triumphing in the T20 World Cup has been an inspiration to millions. Upon the Indian team's return from their victorious campaign, Pant shared his gratitude with Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his support during his recovery.Pant recalled the Prime Minister's call to his mother after the accident, which provided him with immense mental solace. "When my mother told me you called and said 'there won't be any problem,' that made me relax mentally," Pant expressed to Modi.During his recovery, Pant faced doubts about his ability to return to the field, particularly as a wicketkeeper. However, he remained determined to prove himself. "I used to think when I make a return to the field I will try to improve, not for anyone's validation, but only to prove to myself that I can play international cricket and help India win," he said.Pant's comeback in the 2024 IPL season was a testament to his resilience. He led the Delhi Capitals with distinction, scoring 446 runs in 13 games. His impressive performance earned him a spot in the World Cup squad, where he contributed 171 runs in eight matches.Behind the stumps, Pant displayed his exceptional skills, providing solid support to the bowlers. His unwavering determination and unwavering belief in his abilities have been a source of inspiration for the entire nation.Pant's story is a reminder that even in the face of adversity, the human spirit can triumph. His journey from a near-fatal accident to the pinnacle of cricket is a testament to his resilience, determination, and unwavering support from his loved ones and the nation.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi's recent interaction with the T20 World Cup-winning Indian cricket team revealed a heartwarming anecdote involving wicket-keeper Rishabh Pant. Modi recalled a phone conversation with Pant's mother following the cricketer's horrific accident in December 2022.Modi expressed his shock at the self-confidence and belief Pant's mother displayed, assuring him that her son would emerge victorious. He also commended Pant's honesty in acknowledging his own mistake for the incident.Pant shared his recovery journey, revealing the doubts he faced from others about his ability to return to the cricket field. However, he remained determined to prove his critics wrong.Modi hosted the team for breakfast, where they engaged in "memorable" conversations about their experiences during the World Cup. The Prime Minister praised the team's resilience and determination, highlighting their ability to overcome challenges and achieve success.Pant's mother's unwavering belief and Modi's encouragement served as a source of inspiration for the cricketer during his recovery. His honesty and determination are a testament to the human spirit's ability to overcome adversity.

Sai Akash, a 28-year-old cricketer from Chennai, has emerged as a beacon of inspiration for aspiring deaf cricketers. As the vice-captain of the Indian Deaf Men's Cricket team, he recently led his team to a resounding victory in the Bilateral International Deaf Series in Birmingham, United Kingdom.Akash's journey to the top has been marked by challenges and determination. Growing up, he lacked specialized coaching due to the absence of coaches for hearing-impaired players. However, his passion for cricket remained unwavering. He honed his skills through YouTube videos, part-time coaching, and countless hours of practice.In the run-up to the series in the UK, Akash and his teammates underwent rigorous training camps. Despite the cold weather in Birmingham, they remained focused and determined. Akash's experience playing in the sunny climes of India proved invaluable, as he adapted quickly to the different conditions.Throughout the series, Akash showcased his exceptional batting skills. He scored 271 runs, becoming the highest run scorer of the series. His four half centuries were a testament to his consistency and ability to perform under pressure.Beyond his individual achievements, Akash is also a strong advocate for the inclusion of deaf cricketers. He believes that every aspiring cricketer, regardless of their hearing ability, should have the opportunity to pursue their dreams."Embrace your unique journey and use it as motivation to excel," he advises. "Seek out opportunities to learn and improve, whether through online resources, local coaching, or support from fellow players."Akash's success in the Bilateral International Deaf Series is a testament to his hard work, dedication, and the unwavering support of his teammates. He serves as a role model for deaf cricketers around the world, inspiring them to overcome challenges and achieve their full potential.

Rishabh Pant's remarkable journey from a life-threatening accident to T20 World Cup glory has been an inspiration to many. After being involved in a horrific car crash in December 2022, Pant's career was in jeopardy. However, through sheer determination and resilience, he has made a triumphant return to the cricket field.Pant's selection as India's first-choice wicketkeeper-batsman for the T20 World Cup raised eyebrows, but he proved his worth with consistent performances throughout the tournament. Despite facing stiff competition from KL Rahul, Pant justified his place in the team with his aggressive batting and reliable glovework.In the end, Pant emerged as a T20 World Cup winner, a testament to his unwavering spirit and the support of his teammates and fans. His journey from adversity to triumph is a reminder that anything is possible with hard work and determination.

Virat Kohli, the star Indian batter, has expressed his admiration for American basketball legend Michael Jordan, citing his on-court intensity and unwavering determination as sources of inspiration. Kohli, who is currently participating in the ICC T20 World Cup, recalled his childhood fascination with Jordan's matches in the National Basketball Association (NBA)."I used to love watching Kobe Bryant play as well," Kohli said, "but the time that I saw Michael Jordan play, I clearly remember there used to be the early morning basketball games that used to be aired on ESPN in India. And I used to be up quite early to go to cricket practice. So I would always catch all of those games."Kohli was particularly drawn to Jordan's body language and competitive spirit. "Just watching him play, it was just a real natural connect with his body language, with the way he moved on the court and just his personality," he said. "And that, you know, you could see on his face the intensity and the will to win. And I just immediately connected."Kohli's admiration for Jordan extended beyond his on-court performances. He recalled marking the Chicago Bulls' game schedule in the newspaper and making sure he was awake to watch them play. "There was magic in every game that he played," Kohli said. "There was something or the other happening. So for me, that was a very strong core memory and something that I still hold very dearly."Jordan, who played for the Chicago Bulls and Washington Wizards during his illustrious career, is widely regarded as one of the greatest basketball players of all time. He won six NBA Championship titles, six NBA Finals Most Valuable Player awards, and five NBA MVP awards.Kohli's admiration for Jordan is a testament to the global reach and impact of sports icons. Despite playing different sports in different countries, Kohli and Jordan share a common passion for excellence and a relentless pursuit of victory.

R. Ashwin, the renowned Indian cricketer, has recently launched his autobiography titled "I Have the Streets: A Kutti Cricket Story." In this book, Ashwin shares his journey from the streets of Chennai to the pinnacle of international cricket.Ashwin believes that sharing his experiences can inspire others and help them learn from his mistakes and successes. He emphasizes the importance of perseverance and resilience, especially for those who come from humble beginnings. "We need to understand that if you are coming from this part of the country, you must fight for acceptance. You can't quit," he says.The book's title, "I Have the Streets," reflects Ashwin's deep connection to street cricket. He credits the city and street cricket for providing him with a safe haven and a sense of belonging. "In my 17-18 years on the road as a professional cricketer, I would be lying if I said I felt comfortable for a large part of it. I always wanted to return home to my friends and family until 2015," he explains.Ashwin also acknowledges the influence of his parents and grandfather on his work ethic and inquisitiveness. He speaks highly of former cricketers M.S. Dhoni, Gautam Gambhir, and W.V. Raman, who played pivotal roles in his development.The book is not just a memoir but also a reflection on the challenges and rewards of being a professional cricketer. Ashwin discusses the mental and physical toll of the game, as well as the importance of maintaining a positive mindset."Smart people learn from others' experiences. As long as this book positively impacts even five per cent of the people who read this, I have done my job," Ashwin says.

Rishabh Pant's Harrowing Journey: From Life-Threatening Accident to Triumphant ReturnIndian wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant has opened up about the profound impact of his near-fatal car crash in December 2022, revealing his initial reluctance to venture out in public due to the physical and emotional toll it took on him.The 26-year-old sustained multiple injuries in the accident, including severe knee damage, which required major surgery and an arduous rehabilitation process. "The accident was a life-changing experience for me," Pant said on 'Dhawan Karenge,' a talk show hosted by India cricketer Shikhar Dhawan. "When I got up after it, I wasn't even sure if I would be alive, but God was very kind to save me."The accident left Pant unable to perform basic tasks, such as brushing his teeth, for months. He also experienced unbearable pain for an extended period. "I couldn't go to the airport because I was nervous about facing people in a wheelchair," Pant shared. "It was a difficult time for me."Despite the challenges, Pant's determination and resilience shone through. After 14 months of rehabilitation, he made a remarkable comeback to action in the recently concluded IPL, showcasing glimpses of his devastating best. His return to the cricket field is a testament to his unwavering spirit and the support of his family, friends, and fans.Pant's journey from a harrowing accident to a triumphant return to the cricket field is an inspiration to all. It highlights the power of perseverance, the importance of support, and the indomitable spirit that resides within us all.