Cricket

Kapil Dev's Advice for Team India Ahead of Border-Gavaskar TrophyFormer Indian cricket legend Kapil Dev has urged the Indian cricket team to approach the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy with a relaxed mindset and play their natural game."I just want to wish my team all the luck. Don't listen much, go and express yourself. Those who will play well will win. There is no need to take excess pressure," Kapil Dev advised the team.India faces some injury concerns ahead of the first Test against Australia. Captain Rohit Sharma is expected to miss the opening match due to the birth of his second child, while Shubman Gill is doubtful with a left-hand injury.The Border-Gavaskar Trophy, a highly anticipated series between India and Australia, commences on November 22nd at Perth Stadium. The second Test, a day-night affair, will be played at the Adelaide Oval from December 6th to 10th. The third Test will be held at Brisbane's Gabba from December 14th to 18th, followed by the fourth Test at the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) from December 26th to 30th. The series concludes with the fifth and final Test at the Sydney Cricket Ground from January 3rd to 7th.The Indian squad for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy includes:* Rohit Sharma (Captain)* Jasprit Bumrah (Vice-captain)* Ravindra Jadeja* Yashasvi Jaiswal* Dhruv Jurel (Wicketkeeper)* Sarfaraz Khan* Virat Kohli* Prasidh Krishna* Ravichandran Ashwin* Mohammed Shami* Rishabh Pant (Wicketkeeper)* KL Rahul* Harshit Rana* Abhimanyu Easwaran* Shubman Gill* Nitish Kumar Reddy* Mohammed Siraj* Washington Sundar

Cricket's allure often stems from the thrill of a powerful stroke or the precision of a lightning-fast delivery. While these moments ignite our passion, they overshadow the versatility of players who excel in both batting and bowling. These rare individuals, known as all-rounders, are the epitome of cricketing prowess.In the annals of cricket, all-rounders have left an indelible mark. From the legendary Kapil Dev to the enigmatic Imran Khan, these players have captivated audiences with their ability to dominate the game from both ends. In contemporary cricket, Ravichandran Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja have emerged as India's formidable all-rounders.Ashwin and Jadeja's recent performances in the Test series against Bangladesh showcased their exceptional skills. Ashwin amassed 114 runs, averaging 57, while Jadeja contributed 94 runs at an average of 47. Their 199-run seventh-wicket partnership in the first innings effectively sealed Bangladesh's fate.Beyond their batting prowess, Ashwin and Jadeja are renowned for their spin bowling. Ashwin claimed 11 wickets in the series, while Jadeja scalped nine. This double whammy, coupled with the pace of Jasprit Bumrah, proved insurmountable for the Bangladeshi batsmen.The value of all-rounders extends beyond their individual contributions. They provide teams with flexibility and depth, allowing them to adapt to different conditions and strategies. In India's case, Ashwin, Jadeja, and Rishabh Pant offer multiple insurance policies, mitigating the risk of batting or bowling collapses.However, India's quest for a genuine fast-bowling all-rounder remains unfulfilled. Despite the emergence of promising candidates like Ajit Agarkar, Irfan Pathan, and Stuart Binny, none have consistently matched the standards set by Kapil Dev.The absence of a seam-bowling all-rounder is particularly felt in overseas conditions, where the new ball plays a crucial role. In England, Australia, and New Zealand, batting collapses are common, and it is here that all-rounders can stem the rot and provide much-needed stability.The search for India's next great fast-bowling all-rounder continues, but for now, Ashwin and Jadeja remain the backbone of the team's all-round capabilities. Their ability to contribute with both bat and ball makes them invaluable assets, ensuring India's dominance in the world of cricket.

Kapil Dev's Insight: Prime Years for Cricketers and the Longevity of Rohit Sharma and Virat KohliFormer Indian cricket captain Kapil Dev, renowned for leading India to its historic World Cup triumph in 1983, has shared his perspective on the prime years for cricketers and the longevity of seasoned players like Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli.According to Kapil Dev, the period between ages 26 and 34 represents the prime years for cricketers. During this time, players typically possess a combination of physical prowess, technical skill, and mental acuity. However, he emphasizes that fitness plays a crucial role in determining how long a player can maintain their peak performance.This insight is particularly relevant for Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, who have both surpassed the age range Kapil Dev identifies as the prime years. Kohli, who will turn 36 in November, and Rohit, who turned 37 in April, have recently retired from T20Is but continue to play in other formats.Kapil Dev believes that retirement is a personal decision. He suggests that as long as players maintain their fitness and derive joy from the game, they should continue playing. He cites examples of players like Ravi Shastri, who retired at a relatively young age, and Sachin Tendulkar, who had a prolonged career.Kapil Dev's perspective offers a framework for understanding the career trajectories of modern players. While he provides a general guideline, he acknowledges that personal decisions and circumstances play a significant role. As Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli navigate their post-prime years, Kapil Dev's philosophy provides them and their fans with a lens through which to view their future career decisions.

Kapil Dev, the legendary Indian cricketer, earned the moniker "Haryana Hurricane" for his explosive all-around abilities and his origins from the state of Haryana. Born in Chandigarh on January 6, 1959, Kapil Dev Ramlal Nikhanj quickly rose through the ranks of Indian cricket with his exceptional talent.The term "Hurricane" aptly describes Kapil's dynamic and whirlwind approach to the game. His bowling was fast, ferocious, and accurate, making him one of the most feared pacers of his time. His ability to swing the ball at high speeds left batsmen bewildered, much like the sudden onslaught of a hurricane. He could devastate batting line-ups with his sharp in-swingers and out-swingers. His bowling action, smooth yet aggressive, added to the impression of an unstoppable force of nature on the pitch.With the bat, Kapil was equally tempestuous. He was an aggressive lower-middle-order batsman capable of turning the game on its head in a matter of overs. His fearless batting, particularly during the 1983 World Cup, where he played a match-winning inning of 175 not out against Zimbabwe, became the stuff of legends. It was a performance that showcased his ability to single-handedly change the course of a game, much like a hurricane altering landscapes.Kapil's leadership was another aspect that contributed to his nickname. As the captain of the Indian cricket team, he led by example, inspiring his team to believe in themselves and fight against the odds. His captaincy during the 1983 World Cup, where he led India to its first-ever World Cup victory, was a perfect storm of strategy, aggression, and self-belief.The "Haryana Hurricane" was not just a nickname but a symbol of Kapil's approach to life and cricket. It embodied his roots in Haryana and his game-changing influence on the sport, forever etching his legacy in cricket history books.

Yograj Singh, the father of World Cup-winning cricketer Yuvraj Singh, has repeatedly made accusations against former India captains Kapil Dev and MS Dhoni, alleging that they played a role in his son's exclusion from the Indian team.Yograj's Allegations Against Kapil DevYograj's animosity towards Kapil Dev stems from their days as aspiring cricketers in the late 1970s and early 1980s. Yograj believes that Kapil's influence was a key factor in his exclusion from the Indian team despite his impressive performances.In his latest tirade, Yograj attempted to downplay Kapil's achievements by comparing them to his son's career. "Kapil Dev, the greatest captain of our time...I told him, I'll leave you in a position where the world would curse you. Today, Yuvraj Singh has 13 trophies, and you have only one, the World Cup. End of discussion," Yograj said.Yograj's Allegations Against MS DhoniYograj has also held a grudge against MS Dhoni, claiming that his decisions as captain impacted Yuvraj's career. He believes that Dhoni's exclusion of Yuvraj from the 2015 ODI World Cup squad and his alleged role in India's defeat in the semifinal were detrimental to his son's career."I won't forgive MS Dhoni," Yograj said. "He should look at his face in the mirror. He is a very big cricketer, but what he has done against my son, everything is coming out now; it can never be forgiven in life."Yuvraj's CareerYuvraj Singh played a key role in India's 2007 T20 World Cup and 2011 ODI World Cup victories under Dhoni's captaincy. However, his career was plagued by injuries and a decline in form, leading to his retirement from all forms of cricket in June 2019.ConclusionYograj Singh's allegations against Kapil Dev and MS Dhoni have sparked controversy and debate. While some have questioned the validity of his claims, others have expressed sympathy for his frustration over his son's exclusion from the Indian team. The allegations have also raised questions about the role of personal relationships and politics in Indian cricket.

Kapil Dev's Iconic 175: A Tale of Heroics and Humor from the 1983 World CupOn June 18, 1983, the Indian cricket team found themselves in a precarious position at the 1983 World Cup. Facing a daunting Zimbabwean bowling attack, India had crumbled to a dismal 17 for 5. Enter Kapil Dev, the legendary all-rounder who would single-handedly turn the tide of the match.With an audacious display of aggressive batting, Kapil launched into a blistering assault on the Zimbabwean bowlers. He smashed 16 fours and 6 sixes in his whirlwind innings of 175 not out off just 138 balls. His remarkable knock not only propelled India to a competitive total of 266/8 but also ignited the team's belief in their ability to win the World Cup.While Kapil was creating history on the field, a humorous incident unfolded in the Indian dressing room. Syed Kirmani, the wicket-keeper, recalled the moment with a chuckle:"I was in the dressing room, enjoying a toast and a towel around me. Suddenly, I heard someone shout from outside, 'Hey Kiri, pad up.' I thought it was just someone pulling my leg, so I ignored it. But then, within minutes, someone shouted again, 'Arey kya kar raha hai yaar (what are you doing), pad up!'"Kirmani continued, "I quickly grabbed my towel, still holding the toast between my teeth, and rushed to the scoreboard. To my horror, it read 17/5. My toast and towel dropped to the floor. I looked around, but the dressing room was empty."Despite the initial setback, India went on to win the match by 31 runs, bowling out Zimbabwe for 235. Kapil's heroic innings not only secured a crucial victory but also inspired India's remarkable journey to their first-ever World Cup triumph.In the final, India faced the mighty West Indies, who were considered the overwhelming favorites. However, the Indian team, buoyed by Kapil's leadership and the belief instilled by his iconic 175, pulled off a stunning 43-run victory to lift the coveted trophy.Kapil Dev's 175 not out remains one of the most legendary innings in limited-overs cricket history. It was a testament to his exceptional talent, unwavering determination, and the indomitable spirit of the Indian team.

Kapil Dev's Emotional Message to Anshuman Gaekwad: 'Don't Let Us Down'Former India cricket captain Kapil Dev has shared an emotional video message for Anshuman Gaekwad, who is battling cancer. Kapil's message comes after he urged the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to provide financial assistance to Anshuman, who was struggling to arrange funds for his treatment.In his message, Kapil recalled the good times he shared with Anshuman on the cricket field. He remembered Anshuman's captaincy and his impressive double century against Pakistan in Jalandhar. Kapil urged Anshuman to continue his fight against cancer, reminding him of his fighting spirit on the field."I know you are going through a rough time, but it doesn't matter, we have all gone through rough times in life," Kapil said. "Difficult times come and go, but I know that you are a fighter. Come on, cheer up and try to live a life, whatever God has given you."Kapil acknowledged that everyone has to leave this world one day, but he encouraged Anshuman to keep fighting. "We all have to go one day, but the best part about human beings is fighting it out the way you fight it out on the cricket field," he said.Kapil expressed his love and support for Anshuman, saying that the entire cricket community was proud of him. He promised to celebrate with Anshuman once he recovers."We had a good time. You just look after yourself. It doesn't matter whatever happened, it happened for good, and I think you are a wonderful person," Kapil said. "We had great stories to talk about. We have a lot to talk about, but firstly you need to get well soon. We will have coffee together and if nothing, then we can have a little drink together as well."

Former Indian cricket captain Kapil Dev has hailed Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma as "irreplaceable" in the Indian team across all formats, comparing them to legendary players Sachin Tendulkar and MS Dhoni.Kohli and Sharma recently announced their retirements from T20I cricket, prompting Dev to express his admiration for their contributions to the game. "No one can take Virat and Rohit's place in the Indian team in any format," Dev said. "They have been a huge servant of Indian cricket and it was a happy farewell for them."Dev praised Kohli's stature in all formats, noting that his absence in T20Is will be felt. "The stature that Virat has made of himself in all formats, he will surely be missed in T20Is," he said.Dev also drew parallels between Kohli and Sharma with Tendulkar and Dhoni, two of India's most iconic cricketers. "Both are as same as Sachin Tendulkar and MS Dhoni. They are irreplaceable," he said.Kohli's T20I career spanned over 14 years, during which he amassed 4188 runs in 125 matches. Sharma, on the other hand, became the format's highest scorer with 4231 runs in 159 matches. He also holds the record for the most centuries in T20 internationals, with five to his name.Dev's comments highlight the immense respect and admiration that Kohli and Sharma have earned within the Indian cricket fraternity. Their retirements from T20Is mark the end of an era for Indian cricket, but their legacy will continue to inspire future generations of players.

Former Indian cricket captain Kapil Dev has hailed Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma as "irreplaceable" in the Indian team across all formats, comparing them to legendary players Sachin Tendulkar and MS Dhoni.Kohli and Sharma recently announced their retirements from Twenty20 International (T20I) cricket, marking the end of an era for Indian cricket. Kohli, who made his T20I debut in 2010, has been a prolific run-scorer in the format, amassing 4188 runs in 125 matches. Sharma, who made his T20I debut in 2007, has been even more successful, becoming the format's highest scorer with 4231 runs in 159 matches.Dev, who led India to victory in the 1983 Cricket World Cup, believes that Kohli and Sharma have made an immense contribution to Indian cricket. "No one can take Virat and Rohit's place in the Indian team in any format," he said. "They have been a huge servant of Indian cricket and it was a happy farewell for them."Dev praised Kohli's relentless dedication and passion for the game, which has made him one of the most successful batsmen in the world. He also acknowledged Sharma's leadership qualities, which have helped India win several major tournaments, including the 2022 T20 World Cup."The stature that Virat has made of himself in all formats, he will surely be missed in T20Is," Dev said. "Both are as same as Sachin Tendulkar and MS Dhoni. They are irreplaceable."Kohli and Sharma's retirements from T20I cricket will leave a void in the Indian team, but Dev is confident that the team will continue to be successful in the future. "We have a lot of young talent coming through," he said. "I am sure that they will step up and fill the void left by Virat and Rohit."