Cricket

Amidst the fervor and excitement surrounding the T20 World Cup, Indian cricket fans rejoiced at the news of all-rounder Venkatesh Iyer's marriage to Shruti Raghunathan. The Kolkata Knight Riders star tied the knot in a beautiful ceremony on Sunday morning, surrounded by family and friends.Iyer, who had a stellar performance in IPL 2024, played a pivotal role in KKR's title victory. In 14 matches, he amassed 370 runs at a remarkable strike rate of 158.80, including four half-centuries. His highest score of 70 came in a crucial match against the Sunrisers Hyderabad.In the IPL 2024 final, Iyer's magnificent half-century (52*) helped KKR chase down Sunrisers' paltry total of 113 in just 10.3 overs. The victory marked KKR's third IPL title, a testament to their dominance throughout the season."This is what we demanded from the team and every individual. They stood up to the right occasion and the feeling is hard to express," said KKR skipper Shreyas Iyer after lifting the trophy. "We played like invincibles throughout the season. There's so much to cherish right now."Iyer's marriage has been met with an outpouring of love and well wishes from fans and fellow cricketers alike. The couple's wedding photos have gone viral on social media, capturing the joy and happiness of their special day.

Former Indian cricket captain and ex-BCCI president Sourav Ganguly has endorsed Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) mentor Gautam Gambhir as a potential candidate for the role of India's head coach. Gambhir's name has emerged as a frontrunner for the position, which will become vacant after Rahul Dravid's tenure ends on June 30.Ganguly, who was instrumental in Gambhir's success as a player, believes that the former World Cup winner possesses the qualities necessary to lead the national team. "He is honest, understands the game very well, and has had success with the Knight Riders in the IPL," Ganguly said. "In Gautam, you have all the qualities you need in India's head coach."However, Ganguly acknowledged the difference between coaching a franchise and an international team. "There is indeed a difference between coaching or mentoring a franchise and coaching an international team, that too a high-profile team like India," he said.Despite this, Ganguly expressed confidence in Gambhir's ability to adapt to the demands of the role. "I am sure Gautam will know it and is aware of it. He will know how to deal with stars like Virat and Rohit, and will surely adapt himself to the culture of the change room," he said.Gambhir's recent success as KKR mentor, guiding the team to victory in IPL 2024, further strengthens his credentials. Ganguly believes that Gambhir's strong character and cricket brain make him an ideal candidate for the job. "He is a strong character and a good cricket brain. If he does want the job, he will make a very good coach," he said.The BCCI is expected to announce the new head coach by the end of March. Gambhir's application, if submitted, will be considered alongside other potential candidates.

The Indian cricket fraternity is eagerly awaiting the announcement of Rahul Dravid's successor as the head coach of the men's team. According to recent reports, Gautam Gambhir is the frontrunner for the coveted role.Gambhir's impressive stint as mentor for the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 franchise Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) has catapulted him into contention. Under his guidance, KKR emerged as the league stage toppers and eventually clinched the title.The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) had initially considered several high-profile Australian coaches and IPL mentors, including Stephen Fleming and Andy Flower. However, Gambhir's success with KKR seems to have swayed the board in his favor.Gambhir's name gained traction after KKR's dominant performance in the IPL 2024. The team's emphatic victory in the final against Sunrisers Hyderabad further solidified his credentials. Notably, Gambhir had a lengthy conversation with BCCI secretary Jay Shah after the final, fueling speculation about his potential appointment.According to India Today, Gambhir is now poised to replace Dravid as Team India's head coach. Despite lacking experience as a head coach at the national or IPL level, his success in guiding KKR to the IPL title has reportedly convinced the BCCI of his capabilities.The BCCI had invited applications for the head coach's role by May 27 and received over 3000 responses. The board is expected to begin the process of interviewing shortlisted candidates soon, with the Cricket Advisory Committee leading the charge.

Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) mentor Gautam Gambhir has hailed Mitchell Starc's delivery to dismiss SunRisers Hyderabad (SRH) opener Abhishek Sharma in the IPL 2024 final as "nearly unplayable." Starc's out-swinger kickstarted SRH's downfall, who were bowled out for 113 after batting first.Gambhir believes that while there is no such thing as an "unplayable" delivery, Starc's effort came close. "I don't know whether I should say that was an unplayable delivery or not, because we were taught that no delivery is unplayable, but it was certainly very close to unplayable," he said.Starc had a below-par season with the ball for KKR, but he managed to perform in the key matches, including the final. Gambhir labeled Starc as an X-factor, saying that players like him save their best for the big games."We always knew he was the X-Factor and he will become one at the right time. I mean, what other big matches could be there in the IPL? It was the Qualifier 1 and the Final. That is why I say that the big players wait for such occasions, they thrive on these occasions. Money is irrelevant. What Starc brings to the team was more important," Gambhir told Sportskeeda.Starc's performance in the final was crucial in KKR's third IPL trophy win, their first in a decade. He was named Player of the Match, finishing with 17 wickets in the tournament, including five in the two knock-out games.

Kolkata Knight Riders Relive Viral Moment with Andre Russell After IPL 2024 TriumphKolkata Knight Riders (KKR) celebrated their IPL 2024 victory in style, recreating a viral moment with all-rounder Andre Russell. The incident, which occurred during the Bangladesh Premier League, saw Russell being asked a peculiar question by a presenter. The question, "Final match you perform. What happening?" became an instant hit on social media, leaving Russell amused.In a video shared by KKR on Twitter, Russell was once again asked the same question, this time by his teammates Sherfane Rutherford and Sunil Narine. The moment brought a smile to Russell's face, as he recalled the hilarious interview.On the field, KKR dominated the IPL 2024 final, defeating Sunrisers Hyderabad by 8 wickets. Venkatesh Iyer's half-century and a disciplined bowling performance from the pacers proved to be the difference.KKR captain Shreyas Iyer expressed his delight at the victory, saying, "Absolutely comprehensive. This is what we demanded from the team and every individual. They stood up to the right occasion and the feeling is hard to express."Iyer praised the team's consistency throughout the season, saying, "We played like invincibles throughout the season. There's so much to cherish right now. It is pleasing, the performance has been flawless throughout."Mitchell Starc, who played a crucial role in the final, was also lauded by Iyer. "That's when all the big players stand up, right! It was a high-pressure game and he's been so good off the field. He's never shown any complacency in his work ethics. He stepped up to the right occasion," Iyer said.Russell, who has been a key player for KKR over the years, expressed his joy at the team's success. "When I look at him, I know he can look at me. All the guys stepped up at the right time. Made it easier. It has been a flawless season," Russell said.The IPL 2024 victory marks a significant milestone for KKR, who have now won the tournament three times. The team's success is a testament to their hard work, dedication, and team spirit.

Gautam Gambhir, the former India opener, is widely expected to be appointed as the new head coach of the Indian cricket team, replacing Rahul Dravid. While an official announcement is yet to be made, experts believe that Gambhir possesses the qualities necessary to lead the team to success.Gambhir's recent success as a mentor for the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in the Indian Premier League (IPL) has further enhanced his credentials. Under his guidance, KKR won the IPL title in 2024, adding to his previous triumphs as captain in 2012 and 2014.Former wicketkeeper-batsman Dinesh Karthik, who retired after IPL 2024, praised Gambhir's coaching abilities. "He has been at the helm, taken all the decisions (for KKR), be it sending (Sunil) Narine opening or getting Mitchell Starc in the auction," said Karthik. "He has that fire in him."Gambhir's track record as a player and coach reflects his winning mentality. He was part of the Indian team that won the 2007 T20 World Cup and the 2011 ODI World Cup. Karthik believes that Gambhir's experience and leadership qualities would be invaluable to the Indian team."India would do very well under him because I feel he has that fire that is required," said Karthik. "He will infuse that winning culture he has infused here (at KKR)."Former New Zealand pace bowler Simon Doull also endorsed Gambhir's potential as India coach. "He is a tough character, but I think he is very fair character and I think he'll do a great job if he were to take over," said Doull.Gambhir's tenure as India coach is expected to begin after the T20 World Cup in June. If appointed, he will be tasked with guiding the team to success in major tournaments, including the 2023 ODI World Cup and the 2024 T20 World Cup.

The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 season concluded with Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) emerging victorious, defeating Sunrisers Hyderabad by eight wickets in a lopsided final. As the three-year cycle of the tournament comes to an end, a mega-auction looms ahead of IPL 2025, bringing significant changes to the tournament's landscape.Teams will be permitted to retain only a limited number of players, with the majority of the squad going under the hammer. However, reports indicate that IPL owners are considering minor adjustments to the retention rules. KKR owner Venky Mysore has proposed an intriguing suggestion: eliminating retentions altogether and providing teams with eight Right To Match (RTM) cards. This would allow teams to retain players at market price.The last mega-auction, held before IPL 2022, saw teams allotted a purse of Rs 90 crore and allowed to retain a maximum of four players, with a maximum of three Indian players and two overseas players. Former Indian cricketer Ambati Rayudu had previously suggested that IPL winners should receive additional retention spots, but his proposal did not gain widespread support.The upcoming mega-auction will present a unique opportunity for teams to reshape their rosters and acquire top talent. With the introduction of RTM cards, teams will have greater flexibility in retaining key players while also exploring new options in the auction. The changes to the retention rules are expected to add an element of excitement and unpredictability to the IPL 2025 season.

Mitchell Starc's IPL 2024 journey with Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) was a rollercoaster ride. Despite being acquired for a record-breaking Rs 24.75 crore, Starc initially struggled, facing criticism for his poor performances. However, he silenced his detractors with exceptional bowling displays in the Qualifier 1 and final, leading KKR to their third IPL title.Starc's inconsistent start drew criticism from experts, but he remained unfazed. In a recent interview on Sportskeeda, KKR mentor Gautam Gambhir addressed the criticism, stating that players should prioritize the opinions of their teammates over external voices."Experts judge you on your daily performances. If you get out on zero, they will criticize you. If you score a century, these same people will praise you," Gambhir said. "What the experts say, what the social media says, what the crowd says - it does not matter. What the people say in your dressing room think about you is important."Gambhir's comments highlight the importance of internal support and self-belief in the face of external criticism. Starc's ability to overcome adversity and deliver when it mattered most is a testament to his resilience and determination.The IPL 2024 season was a reminder that even the most experienced players can face challenges. However, it also showcased the power of perseverance and the importance of surrounding oneself with a supportive team. Starc's journey serves as an inspiration to all athletes who face setbacks and criticism on their path to success.

Gautam Gambhir, the former Indian cricketer, has emerged as the mastermind behind Kolkata Knight Riders' (KKR) triumphant IPL 2024 victory. As the team's mentor, Gambhir orchestrated a remarkable transformation, guiding KKR to their third IPL title after a decade-long drought.Gambhir's unwavering determination to bring glory to KKR was evident from the moment he joined the franchise. His mission was clear: to lead the team to its third IPL triumph. And he delivered.The joy of the KKR team after their IPL 2024 triumph was palpable. Even co-owner Shah Rukh Khan, a constant presence throughout the tournament, expressed his elation. In a heartwarming gesture, Khan invited Gambhir to join him on the dance floor, an offer that the latter politely declined.In a recent interview, Gambhir addressed his dance prospects after KKR's victory. With characteristic wit, he quipped, "You're asking the wrong person. I can neither dance nor sing. But I can certainly watch others dance and enjoy it. I did just that. Shah Rukh bhai has been incredibly successful in his life and will continue to be. But there's one area where he's unsuccessful: he couldn't make me dance. I believe he'll continue to be unsuccessful in this regard because I simply can't dance or sing."Despite his reluctance to dance, Gambhir's leadership and strategic acumen have earned him widespread praise. Reports suggest that he is a frontrunner for the post of Indian cricket team coach. However, in a recent interview, he hinted at a different path.When asked about KKR's status as a "trophy-winning dressing room," Gambhir said, "Today, you say this because we've won our third trophy. But if you ask me, we're still two trophies behind MI and CSK. I'm content today, but that hunger remains. We're not the most successful team in the IPL yet. To achieve that, we need to win the IPL three more times, which will require a lot of hard work. So I think our next mission is to make KKR the most successful team in the IPL. There's no greater feeling for me. But the journey has just begun."As the official deadline for application submission for the post of Indian cricket team coach has passed, it remains to be seen whether Gambhir will pursue this opportunity or continue his mission with KKR. Regardless of his decision, his legacy as a transformative leader in the IPL is secure.