Cricket

Indian cricket captain Rohit Sharma is gearing up for the upcoming two-match Test series against Bangladesh, which begins on September 19 in Chennai. The 37-year-old Sharma has been sharing his intense fitness workouts on Instagram, giving fans a look at his rigorous training routine. Known for both his leadership and consistent performance, Sharma is focusing on staying in top shape ahead of the critical Test season.Rohit Sharma recently retired from T20 Internationals after leading India to victory in the 2024 T20 World Cup. This win ended an 11-year ICC trophy drought for India. Following this remarkable achievement, Sharma announced his retirement from the shortest format of the game, leaving on a high note.As the Test series against Bangladesh approaches, Sharma has been dedicating his efforts to maintaining peak physical condition. Sharma's recent Instagram video showed not only his demanding fitness regimen but also some fun moments shared with friends during training. This balance of intense preparation and light-hearted moments captures Sharma's approach to both his career and personal life.Sharma's fitness routine includes a variety of exercises, including weightlifting, cardio, and agility drills. He also emphasizes proper nutrition and rest to ensure his body is fully recovered and ready for the challenges ahead.The Indian team, under Sharma's leadership, is aiming to continue their dominance in Test cricket. They are currently ranked number one in the ICC Test rankings and will be looking to extend their lead over the other top teams.Sharma's focus on fitness and preparation is a testament to his commitment to the team and his desire to succeed at the highest level. With his experience, leadership, and unwavering determination, Sharma is poised to lead India to another successful Test series.

Brendon McCullum, the newly appointed all-format head coach of England's cricket team, has identified the need to revitalize the white-ball team by uplifting the spirits of captain Jos Buttler. McCullum believes that Buttler's recent struggles with form and tactical errors have taken a toll on his demeanor, leading to a more negative disposition on and off the field.McCullum, who has observed England's decline from afar, believes that Buttler's leadership is crucial to the team's success. He aims to create an environment where players feel confident and supported, with Buttler providing the necessary encouragement and guidance. McCullum's close friendship with Buttler, despite never having played alongside him, is seen as a key factor in fostering this positive atmosphere.The former New Zealand captain is confident in his ability to help Buttler rediscover his former self, recognizing his exceptional talent and leadership qualities. McCullum believes that the final stages of Buttler's career can be the most fulfilling, with the opportunity to enjoy the game and inspire his teammates.McCullum also addressed the availability of Test captain Ben Stokes for limited-overs cricket. While Stokes has expressed his desire to focus on Test captaincy, McCullum hopes to persuade him to continue playing in white-ball formats. He believes that Stokes' experience and leadership are invaluable, especially in major events and big series.The coach emphasized the importance of managing player workloads, acknowledging that not all players can participate in every series. However, he stressed that the best players will be considered for major tournaments and high-profile matches.

Rohit Sharma, the current captain of the Indian cricket team, has established himself as one of the most successful limited-overs leaders in contemporary cricket. His captaincy style has drawn comparisons to legendary figures like MS Dhoni, and he is widely regarded as a tactically astute and composed leader.Rohit's sharp cricketing acumen is evident in his field placements and bowling changes, which often reflect a deep understanding of the game. He is known for his ability to make quick decisions under pressure, adapting his captaincy style to suit the situation. Whether it's being aggressive or defensive, Rohit has shown the ability to put his team in a winning position.Beyond his tactical prowess, Rohit is also known for his calm and composed nature on the field. This quality has been pivotal in Mumbai Indians' success in closely fought matches, as he manages to keep the team focused and composed even in high-pressure situations.Rohit's leadership style extends beyond the field. He has a reputation for managing his players well, giving them confidence and backing them during lean phases. This has allowed several young players to thrive under his leadership, fostering a positive and supportive team environment.In a recent interview, Indian off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin highlighted the key differences between the captaincy styles of Rohit Sharma, Mahendra Singh Dhoni, and Virat Kohli. Ashwin praised Rohit's ability to keep the team environment light and his focus on tactical preparation."Rohit always keeps the environment of the team light," Ashwin said. "He makes an effort to keep it light. And he stays very balanced and tactically he is strong. Both Dhoni and Virat were also tactically strong but Rohit works more on the tactics."Ashwin also noted Rohit's unwavering support for his players. "If he selects a player in the XI, he backs them 100%," Ashwin said. "I have played most of my career with these three captains."Rohit's success as captain is not limited to his franchise team, Mumbai Indians. He has also led India to victories in the T20 World Cup and several other bilateral series, proving his mettle as a natural leader within the squad.Under Rohit's captaincy, Mumbai Indians have won the IPL title five times, making them one of the most successful teams in the history of the tournament. His ability to adapt his captaincy style, manage his players effectively, and maintain a positive team environment has been instrumental in his success as a leader.

Mahendra Singh Dhoni and Virat Kohli, two legendary figures in Indian cricket, have forged an unbreakable bond that has left an indelible mark on the sport. Their contrasting personalities and leadership styles have complemented each other perfectly, contributing significantly to India's cricketing success.Dhoni, the enigmatic wicketkeeper-batsman, is known for his calm demeanor and astute decision-making. Kohli, on the other hand, is a fiery and passionate leader, renowned for his aggressive batting and unwavering determination. Despite their differences, they share a deep respect and admiration for each other.Their friendship extends beyond the cricket field, evident in their numerous interviews and social media interactions. Dhoni has often praised Kohli's batting prowess, while Kohli has expressed his gratitude for Dhoni's guidance and support.One memorable video that encapsulates their bond shows Dhoni answering questions from an audience. When asked about his relationship with Kohli, Dhoni responded, "We have been playing since 2008-09. There's still an age gap, so I don't know whether I would say like I am an older brother or colleagues or whatever name you give it. But at the end of the day we have been colleagues, you know, who played for India for a very long time. He (Virat Kohli) has been amongst the best when it comes to world cricket."Kohli has reciprocated Dhoni's admiration, acknowledging his calmness under pressure and his ability to handle the responsibilities of captaincy. He has credited Dhoni's support as crucial during his transition to the captaincy role.The transition from Dhoni to Kohli as captain was seamless, thanks to their mutual understanding and respect. Dhoni's decision to step down as captain in 2017 paved the way for Kohli to take over the reins, having already assumed the Test captaincy in 2014.Kohli has often mentioned that Dhoni continued to guide him even after stepping down as captain, especially during challenging times. He has referred to Dhoni as a mentor and someone he could always rely on for advice.On the field, Kohli and Dhoni have shared many memorable partnerships, both as captain and player and as teammates. Their understanding in the middle was often crucial in tight situations, especially in chasing targets. Dhoni's experience combined with Kohli's aggressive approach often made them a formidable pair in the limited-overs format.Kohli has mentioned in interviews that Dhoni will always have a special place in his heart because of the way he supported him throughout his career and that Dhoni will always remain his captain. Dhoni's influence on Kohli's career is undeniable. Kohli has often credited Dhoni for shaping his career and helping him develop as a leader.Their bond has been an example of how different generations of cricketers can work together for the greater good of the team. Even after Dhoni's retirement from international cricket, their friendship continues to be strong, with Kohli often speaking highly of Dhoni and the lessons he learned from him.Their friendship is a testament to the strong bond that can exist between teammates, transcending the boundaries of cricket and becoming a relationship of mutual respect, mentorship, and enduring camaraderie.

Sophie Devine, the formidable New Zealand all-rounder, has announced her decision to step down as the T20I captain after the upcoming T20 World Cup in the UAE. However, she will continue to lead the ODI side.Devine, who has captained New Zealand in 56 T20Is, has been a pivotal figure in the team's success. She has led the White Ferns to the final of the 2020 T20 World Cup and the semi-finals of the 2022 Commonwealth Games.However, Devine believes it is the right time to reduce her workload and allow the next generation of leaders to emerge. "I'm very proud to have had the privilege to captain the White Ferns in both formats," she said. "With captaincy comes an additional workload that, while I've enjoyed taking on, can also be challenging at times."Devine's decision to step down from the T20I captaincy will allow her to focus more on her playing role and nurture the future leaders. "I'm not ready to give up ODI captaincy just yet," she added. "But I won't be around forever, so I think stepping away from captaining one format at a time gives the next leaders time to find their feet."Ben Swayer, the head coach, praised Devine's leadership and experience. "Soph is the epitome of a fearless leader and we're really grateful for the leadership she brings to this group on and off the field," he said. "She's one of the most experienced White Ferns ever and her leadership and knowledge of the game has been so valuable as we have introduced several young players into the team over the past two years."Devine is currently recovering from a foot injury ahead of New Zealand's three-match T20I series in Australia next month. The series will serve as preparation for the T20 World Cup, which will be held in the UAE from October 10 to November 13. New Zealand will name their squad for the World Cup on September 10.The decision on who will replace Devine as T20I captain has yet to be made. New Zealand's next series in the format after the World Cup will be against Sri Lanka in March.

Rohit Sharma's Expressive Leadership Style: A Reflection of High ExpectationsIndia's ODI and Test captain, Rohit Sharma, is renowned for his expressive demeanor on the field. His emotions, ranging from anger to laughter and frustration, are often captured on camera and become the subject of memes and discussions.According to teammate Mohammed Shami, Rohit's emotional outbursts stem from his high expectations for his players. "If you don't meet his expectations, his reactions start to show," Shami said. "He'll tell you what you should have done or what was needed. If you still don't live up to it, then you'll see the reactions we see on the screen."Rohit himself acknowledges his expressive nature, stating, "I keep asking them to be themselves on the field. For that, first, I have to be myself... and that's how I am!"Shami's comments highlight the importance of clear communication and accountability in leadership. By expressing his emotions, Rohit conveys his expectations and holds his players responsible for meeting them. This approach fosters a culture of high performance and accountability within the team.However, it's important to note that Rohit's emotional outbursts are not always negative. He also uses them to motivate and inspire his players. By showing his passion and determination, he sets an example for his teammates and creates a positive and competitive environment.While Rohit continues to lead the Indian team in the ODI and Test formats, Shami is currently sidelined due to an ankle surgery. He is expected to make a comeback to competitive cricket for his domestic side Bengal in the Ranji Trophy, with a potential international appearance later in one of the Test matches against New Zealand.

Rohit Sharma's leadership style has been lauded by his teammates, particularly for its balance of freedom and accountability. As India's captain, Rohit empowers his players to play their natural game while setting clear expectations. He provides constructive feedback when necessary, and his subtle yet telling reactions effectively communicate his message without words.Mohammed Shami, India's star pacer, highlighted this during an award function. He praised Rohit for giving his players the freedom to perform with confidence and without undue pressure. However, Shami also noted that Rohit's reactions can be telling when a player falls short of expectations."The best thing about Rohit is that he gives you freedom," Shami said. "But if you don't meet his expectations, his reactions start to show a bit. He'll tell you that you should have done this or needed to do that.""But if you still don't live up to it, then the reactions we see on the screen, the ones we understand without him saying anything, start to come out," Shami added.Under Rohit's leadership, India secured a memorable victory in the T20 World Cup, breaking the long drought since MS Dhoni's 2007 triumph. India clinched the coveted trophy by defeating South Africa in a thrilling final in Barbados.Rohit's approach to captaincy has been praised by experts and fans alike. He has been credited with creating a positive and supportive environment within the team, which has contributed to India's recent success.

Jasprit Bumrah's Captaincy Aspirations Draw Mixed Reactions from Former Pakistan CricketerIndian fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah's recent comments about the potential for pace bowlers to excel as captains have sparked a debate within the cricketing community. While Bumrah believes that fast bowlers possess the necessary leadership qualities, former Pakistan cricketer Basit Ali has expressed a different perspective.In an interview, Bumrah cited the successful captaincies of Kapil Dev and Imran Khan, who led India and Pakistan to World Cup victories, respectively. However, Ali argues that both Dev and Khan were appointed as captains only after they had established themselves as all-rounders, not just bowlers."About Jasprit Bumrah's statement, it's just like how Babar Azam likes captaincy. In my opinion, he should not chase captaincy. He is a top-class bowler and should be focusing just on that," Ali said in a video on his YouTube channel.Ali further clarified the distinction between a bowler and an all-rounder when it comes to leadership roles. "He gave the examples of Kapil Dev and Imran Khan's captaincy. However, they had become all-rounders, which is why they succeeded as captains. They were not appointed captains when they came into their teams as bowlers. This is the difference between a bowler and an all-rounder."While acknowledging the success of Australian pacer Pat Cummins as a captain, Ali pointed out that there are very few fast bowlers who have thrived in the role of a captain or coach."He also spoke about Pat Cummins. Yes, Cummins is a good captain, but there are very few fast bowlers who can become a good coach or captain. My best wishes to Jasprit Bumrah. There is a chance that he could be made the captain after the Champions Trophy," Ali added.Bumrah has previously led India as a stand-in captain during the one-off Test against England at Edgbaston in 2022 and also captained India to a 2-0 victory in a three-match T20I series against Ireland last year.

Rohit Sharma's exceptional leadership qualities have earned him the unwavering support of his players, according to former India opener and batting coach Vikram Rathour. Rathour, who played alongside Rohit in the Indian team, has witnessed firsthand the captain's meticulous approach to strategizing and his ability to inspire his teammates.In a recent podcast hosted by Taruwar Kohli, Rathour praised Rohit's involvement in the team's game-planning. "I have never seen a captain get so involved in strategy and game-planning," Rathour said. "He might forget whether he has decided to bat or bowl at the toss, or his phone and iPad in the team bus, but he never forgets his gameplan."Rathour highlighted Rohit's exceptional tactical acumen and his willingness to invest time in understanding the perspectives of his players. "He spends a lot of time on the team's strategy," Rathour said. "He is part of the bowlers' meeting, batters' meeting. He wants to sit with the bowlers and batters to try and understand what they are thinking. He invests a lot of time with the players."As a batsman with exceptional skills and consistency, Rohit leads by example and sets a high standard for the rest of the team, especially the batsmen. "His first quality is that as a batsman he is a phenomenal player," Rathour said. "I think he is someone who understands his game really well. He always has a clear game plan."Rathour also commended Rohit's on-field decision-making, which he described as "spot on." "His tactical decisions on the field are spot on," Rathour said. "Sitting outside, it surprises you as a coach as well. We sometimes think what is he doing, but then you realize after a while what he has done."Rathour cited Rohit's decision to finish Jasprit Bumrah's overs early in the T20 World Cup final as an example of his astute tactical thinking. "In the T20 World Cup final, he finished (Jasprit) Bumrah's overs early," Rathour said. "A lot of people must have questioned the decision, but that decision put us in the situation where 16 (runs) were needed in the last over."Rohit's leadership has played a crucial role in India's recent successes, including their victory in the T20 World Cup earlier this year. His ability to connect with his players, inspire them to perform at their best, and make astute tactical decisions has made him one of the most respected and successful captains in Indian cricket history.