Cricket

Robin Uthappa to Lead Star-Studded Indian Team in Hong Kong Cricket Sixes 2024Former Indian wicketkeeper-batter Robin Uthappa will captain a formidable Indian squad in the upcoming Hong Kong Cricket Sixes 2024. The tournament, set to take place from November 1-4, will feature 12 teams vying for the coveted title.Joining Uthappa in the Indian team are experienced all-rounders Kedar Jadhav and Stuart Binny, elegant batsman Manoj Tiwary, left-arm spinner Shahbaz Nadeem, aggressive batter Bharat Chipli, and wicketkeeper-batsman Shreevats Goswami. This well-rounded squad boasts a blend of batting prowess and bowling versatility.India will aim to reclaim the title they last won in 2005. The tournament, which began in 1992, has witnessed legendary cricketers such as Brian Lara, Wasim Akram, Shane Warne, Sachin Tendulkar, M.S. Dhoni, and Anil Kumble grace its grounds. England and South Africa hold the record for most titles with five each.The Hong Kong Cricket Sixes follows a unique format. Matches are played between two teams of six players, with each side batting for a maximum of five overs. However, the final match will see teams bowl five overs of eight balls each. All fielders except the wicket-keeper must bowl one over, and wides and no-balls count as two runs. Batsmen retire at 31 runs but can re-enter once all other batters have been dismissed or retired.India's opening match will be against arch-rivals Pakistan on November 1. Other participating teams include Australia, Bangladesh, England, Hong Kong, Nepal, New Zealand, Oman, South Africa, Sri Lanka, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

MS Dhoni Captures Rohit Sharma's Hilarious Bodyguard Act for Kedar JadhavIn a lighthearted moment captured on camera, former Indian cricket captain MS Dhoni filmed a comical scene involving Rohit Sharma and Kedar Jadhav. The video, which has gone viral on social media, showcases the playful camaraderie among the Indian cricket team members.The incident occurred during a team stay at a hotel. Dhoni, armed with his phone, began recording as Kedar Jadhav walked down a corridor. Rohit Sharma, standing nearby, instructed a team support staff member to pretend to be a fan. Another support staff member positioned himself to the right of Jadhav, acting as his bodyguard.As the trio walked down the corridor, Dhoni's voice can be heard saying, "Start kar diya hai" (It has started). Suddenly, the "fan" approached Jadhav for a selfie, but Rohit swiftly intervened, pushing him aside with a nonchalant gesture. The entire scene erupted in laughter, with Jadhav collapsing on the floor in amusement.The video highlights the close bond and playful nature of the Indian cricket team. It also showcases the lighter side of the players, who often engage in fun activities to relieve the pressure of international cricket.

Kedar Jadhav Retires from Cricket, Echoing Dhoni's Iconic FarewellOn Monday, Indian cricketer Kedar Jadhav announced his retirement from all forms of cricket, mirroring the iconic retirement note of former Indian captain MS Dhoni. Jadhav's heartfelt social media post, accompanied by a poignant slideshow of career highlights, underscored the strong bond between the two cricketers.Jadhav's retirement announcement closely resembled Dhoni's surprise retirement post on August 15, 2020. Dhoni had announced his retirement with a two-line statement on Instagram, a year after his last international game for India during the 2019 World Cup in England."Thanks a lot for ur love and support throughout. From 1929 hrs consider me as retired," Dhoni had said, sharing a career photo slideshow set to one of his favorite songs, 'Main Pal Do Pal Ka Shair Hoon.'Jadhav's career with the Indian team spanned 73 ODIs and 9 T20Is between 2014 and 2020. The 39-year-old thrived under Dhoni's leadership, contributing valuable off-spin bowling in addition to his batting prowess. Jadhav was part of the squad that reached the semi-finals of the 2019 World Cup.Jadhav's retirement marks the end of an era for a player who provided critical support and versatility to the Indian team. His ability to bowl economical overs and contribute with the bat made him a valuable asset to the team.As Jadhav steps away from cricket, fans and fellow cricketers alike are sure to remember his contributions fondly. His retirement serves as a reminder of the strong bond between Dhoni and Jadhav, and the impact that Dhoni has had on the careers of many Indian cricketers.