Cricket

Former Indian head coach Rahul Dravid is poised to make a sensational return to the Rajasthan Royals as their head coach, according to reliable sources. Negotiations between the franchise and Dravid are reportedly in advanced stages, with an official announcement expected soon.Dravid, 51, has a long-standing association with the Royals, having captained them to the Champions League T20 final and IPL playoffs in 2013. He subsequently served as their mentor in 2014 and 2015, guiding them to a third-place finish in the IPL.After his stint with the Royals, Dravid joined the BCCI in various capacities, including head coach of the India U-19 and India 'A' teams, chairman of the National Cricket Academy (NCA), and finally head coach of the senior team from October 2021.It remains unclear whether the Royals will retain Kumar Sangakkara, who has been their director of cricket since 2021, or release him once Dravid takes over.Meanwhile, Sri Lanka is seeking the assistance of an Indian expert to prepare for their upcoming white-ball series against India. Zubin Bharucha, the high-performance director of the Royals, is currently conducting a week-long "batting master class" for Sri Lankan players in Colombo. Bharucha is renowned for his rigorous training methods, which have played a crucial role in the development of young batsmen like Yashasvi Jaiswal and Dhruv Jurel."I'm assisting Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) coaches in how they are setting up practice -from the academy to the international players," Bharucha said. According to sources, it was Sangakkara who recommended Bharucha for this special training session.

Former South African fast bowler Morne Morkel is reportedly set to become the next bowling coach of the Indian cricket team. The news comes after discussions between Morkel and the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), following a recommendation from new head coach Gautam Gambhir.Morkel, who played for the Kolkata Knight Riders in the Indian Premier League (IPL) and was part of the title-winning team under Gambhir's captaincy in 2014, is expected to join the Indian team after the upcoming Sri Lanka series.However, Cricbuzz reports that Morkel will not travel to Sri Lanka for the T20I and ODI series, with former India spinner Sairaj Bahutule serving as the interim bowling coach.Morkel's appointment as bowling coach is seen as a significant move, given his experience as a player and coach. He has previously served as the bowling coach of the Pakistan cricket team and has worked alongside Gambhir as the bowling coach of the Lucknow Super Giants.In addition to Morkel, Gautam Gambhir has also appointed Abhishek Nayar and Ryan ten Doeschate as assistant coaches for the upcoming Sri Lanka tour. Nayar, who played three ODIs for India, and Ten Doeschate were part of Gambhir's coaching staff at the Kolkata Knight Riders when they won the IPL in 2024.T Dilip will continue as the fielding coach for the Indian team.

MS Dhoni's Retirement: A Strategic ApproachMahendra Singh Dhoni, the legendary wicketkeeper-batter, has kept the cricket world guessing about his retirement plans. Despite retiring from international cricket in 2020, he continues to play in the Indian Premier League (IPL).According to Dhoni's former India teammate Mohammed Shami, the player has a unique retirement strategy. "He says, 'Let's see,'" Shami revealed in an interview. "He believes that a player should retire when they lose their enjoyment for the game or when they realize they are no longer performing at their best."Dhoni's illustrious career has seen him amass 17,266 runs across all international formats, with 16 centuries and 108 fifties. As a captain, he led India to the number one Test ranking, the ICC T20 World Cup 2007, the ICC Cricket World Cup 2011, and the ICC Champions Trophy 2013.In the IPL, Dhoni has led the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) to five titles. However, in the 2024 edition, the team failed to make the playoffs under the captaincy of Ruturaj Gaikwad. Dhoni, batting down the order, scored 161 runs in 11 innings at an average of 53.66.Shami's insights into Dhoni's retirement strategy provide a glimpse into the mindset of one of the greatest players of all time. Dhoni's approach emphasizes the importance of enjoying the game and performing at a high level. When those factors diminish, it may be time for him to call it a day.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is set to convene a crucial meeting with Indian Premier League (IPL) franchise owners on July 30 or 31 to address several pressing issues, including player retention policies, the Right to Match (RTM) option, and the salary cap for players.The meeting, to be held at the BCCI's newly renovated office within the Wankhede Stadium premises in Mumbai, will delve into the contentious topic of player retention. Proponents of higher retention limits argue that it fosters team continuity and strengthens franchise identity, while others advocate for minimal retention to promote player movement and competition.The BCCI has been actively engaging with IPL franchises to gather feedback on these matters. IPL CEO Hemang Amin has met with franchise representatives to discuss their perspectives. The upcoming meeting will provide a platform for further deliberations and consensus-building.Another key agenda item is the RTM option, which allows franchises to retain a player who has been released by another team. The inclusion of RTM in the mega-auction has been a subject of debate, with some franchises expressing concerns about its potential impact on player acquisition strategies.The salary cap, anticipated to be around Rs 120 crore for the initial year of the forthcoming three-year cycle, will also be discussed. The retention value assigned to each player, which in the past has been approximately 16-17 percent of the salary cap, is another point of consideration.The BCCI is expected to present the formula for determining the salary of retained players and address any concerns raised by the franchises. The meeting will serve as a crucial step in shaping the future of the IPL and ensuring its continued success as one of the most popular cricket leagues in the world.

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.

Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) fast bowler Yash Dayal has publicly expressed his admiration and respect for former Indian captain Virat Kohli, following controversial allegations made by ex-leg spinner Amit Mishra.Mishra had claimed that Kohli's aggressive nature has alienated him from others, including Afghanistan cricketer Naveen-ul-Haq, during an IPL match between RCB and Lucknow Super Giants (LSG). However, Dayal's social media post suggests a different perspective.In an Instagram post, Dayal shared a photo with Kohli, captioning it, "It's an honor to stand beside you, bhaiya @virat.kohli." He also shared the post on his Instagram story, using audio from Kohli's final game as RCB captain, where Kohli expressed his unwavering commitment to the franchise.Mishra's allegations have sparked debate about Kohli's leadership style and personal conduct. However, Dayal's message of support indicates that Kohli still commands respect within the RCB team.Meanwhile, Kohli has been enjoying a break after India's triumph in the 2024 T20 World Cup. He was recently spotted attending a kirtan in London with his wife, Anushka Sharma.Kohli's future with the Indian team remains uncertain, but his legacy as one of the greatest cricketers of all time is secure. His leadership and passion have inspired countless young players, including Yash Dayal.

Gautam Gambhir, the former Indian cricketer and captain, has bid farewell to the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) franchise after being appointed as the head coach of the Indian cricket team. Under Gambhir's guidance, KKR clinched their third IPL title in 2023, ending a 10-year drought.Gambhir's tenure as KKR coach was marked by a complete overhaul of the team's approach. He brought in a new opening pair of Phil Salt and Sunil Narine, who became one of the most formidable in the tournament. The spin bowling combination of Varun Chakravarthy and Narine, along with the youthful exuberance of Harshit Rana and Vaibhav Arora, also played a crucial role in KKR's championship victory.Gambhir's success with KKR has raised expectations among Indian cricket fans, who are eager to see him replicate his winning formula with the national team. His aggressive, never-say-die attitude is expected to inspire the Indian players to greater heights.In a heartfelt video message, Gambhir expressed his gratitude to the KKR franchise and its fans. He acknowledged the special bond he shared with Kolkata and the city's passionate cricket culture. However, he also emphasized that it was time for him to move on to a new chapter in his career."I smile when you smile. I cry when you cry. I win when you win. I lose, when you lose. I dream when you dream. I achieve when you achieve. I believe with you and I become with you. I am you, Kolkata, I am just one of you," Gambhir said in his video message."And now the time has come when we have to create some legacies together. The time has come when we have to write some bigger and bolder scripts. The script not with purple ink but in that blue, the treasured India blue. As we both take our fresh card we promise each other that we will never walk alone. It will always be shoulder-to-shoulder, hand in hand. It will all be for the tricolor. It will all be about our India," he added.Gambhir's appointment as India coach is a testament to his success with KKR and his reputation as a shrewd tactician. Indian cricket fans will be hoping that he can guide the team to numerous victories with the same aggressive, winning, and never-give-up attitude that he instilled in KKR.

RCB's Individualistic Culture Hinders Team Success, Reveals Parthiv PatelFormer Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) wicketkeeper Parthiv Patel has shed light on the franchise's team culture, which he believes has prioritized individual brilliance over collective success.Patel, who played for RCB in two separate stints, observed that the team's focus revolved around three key players: Virat Kohli, AB de Villiers, and Chris Gayle. During his initial stint in 2014, when the trio was at their peak, Patel witnessed firsthand the special treatment accorded to these star players.Upon his return to RCB in 2018, Patel noticed that the team culture had not changed. Despite the absence of Gayle, Kohli and de Villiers continued to receive preferential treatment, creating a divide within the squad."The team is always about individuals, it's not about the team," Patel said on the Cyrus Says Podcast. "So they were given the kind of special preference always so there the team culture was not there."Patel believes that this individualistic approach has been a major factor in RCB's failure to win an IPL title. "You can see clearly when they are playing, and that is the reason why they haven't won the trophies. That's the fact," he added.Patel's comments highlight the importance of fostering a cohesive team environment in sports. When individual egos take precedence over the collective goal, it can hinder the team's ability to perform at its best.

Amit Mishra Admits to Age Fudging in Candid Podcast RevelationVeteran Indian spinner Amit Mishra, a renowned figure in the Indian Premier League (IPL), has made a startling admission regarding his age. In a candid conversation on a podcast, Mishra, who currently plays for Lucknow Super Giants, revealed that he had reduced his age by one year at the behest of his coach when he was a young player.Mishra's revelation has sent shockwaves through the cricketing world, as it exposes a potential age fraud scandal. The spinner admitted that he was actually 22 years old when he made his debut for India in 2003, not 21 as officially recorded."Let me tell you, I have a one-year discrepancy, and my coach helped with that. I didn't even know about it. The coach called my home and asked for one more year for me. It was quite an emotional story. I was surprised and asked, 'How?' He said, 'From today, you are one year younger; now you have two more years.' I agreed," Mishra said on Shubhankar Mishra's podcast.The revelation came to light after a playful exchange between Mishra and Rohit Sharma during an IPL 2024 match between Mumbai Indians and Lucknow Super Giants. Sharma had joked about Mishra's age, asking if he was really 41."You made your debut when we in our nappies. That's when you made your debut. You made your debut when you were 20?" Sharma had said.Mishra responded by saying he was 20-21 at the time of his debut. However, when asked about the conversation with Sharma, Mishra revealed that he had also questioned the Indian captain's age."I told him, 'I also watched someone play when I was young.' Many people start playing early; it doesn't mean they are now 45 or 50. He laughed and said, 'I'm 37.' I later confirmed and said, 'Are you really 37?' He laughed and didn't say anything," Mishra said.Mishra's admission has raised concerns about the prevalence of age fraud in cricket. It is unclear whether the spinner's age discrepancy was known to the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) or other cricketing authorities.The revelation has also sparked a debate about the ethics of age fudging in sports. Some argue that it is a form of cheating that gives players an unfair advantage, while others believe it is a harmless practice that allows young players to compete at a higher level.