Cricket

Vikram Rathour, India's former batting coach, has identified Shubman Gill as a future leader for the Indian cricket team across all formats. Rathour's endorsement stems from Gill's impressive recent performances and leadership qualities, which have positioned him as a potential captain.Rathour first noticed Gill's potential during net sessions, where he was immediately struck by the youngster's talent. Speaking to The Indian Express, he recalled his initial impression: "When I first saw him in the nets, my first impression was like everybody else’s. I saw exactly what a lot of people were talking about and spoke about his special talent. When I first saw him playing, the immediate thought that went into my mind was ‘wow, this kid is extremely talented’. He knew his game, he understood how he needs to bat in different situations and never shied away from challenges."At 24, Gill has established himself as a remarkable player across formats, especially noted for an outstanding run in ODIs in 2023. In 29 matches, he amassed 1584 runs, maintaining an average of 63.36.Rathour believes that taking on captaincy will enhance Gill's performance, similar to how it benefited Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma. He expressed confidence that leadership responsibilities could bring out the best in Gill: "I feel captaincy brought the best out of Virat and Rohit and I feel it will do the same for Shubman. Although he is not yet the captain, being in the leadership group will bring the best out of him as well. This, I am very sure of. When you are in that role, leading others, it gives you that extra bit of responsibility, which is good and I think is great for a young kid like Shubman, who one day might lead India in all three formats."Gill recently led India to a 4-1 T20I series victory against Zimbabwe, providing him with valuable captaincy experience. His leadership potential has also been recognized with his appointment as vice-captain for both T20Is and ODIs.As Shubman Gill continues to evolve as a cricketer, Rathour's confidence in his leadership abilities suggests that Gill could become a key figure in India's cricketing future, potentially leading the team across all formats.

On July 13, 2002, Sourav Ganguly's young Indian team etched their names in cricket history by chasing down a daunting target of 326 against England in the NatWest Trophy final at Lord's. The victory was a testament to the team's resilience and the leadership of Ganguly, who learned a valuable lesson about man management from his opening partner, Virender Sehwag.As India chased the mammoth total, Sehwag and Ganguly put on a blistering opening stand of 106 in just 14.3 overs. Sehwag smashed a 49-ball 45, while Ganguly contributed a 43-ball 60. However, Ganguly was furious at lunch when England reached 325, a daunting target in those days.As they walked down the long room at Lord's, Ganguly confronted Sehwag, who was whistling behind him. Ganguly berated Sehwag for taking the chase lightly, but Sehwag calmly replied, "Skip, we're going to win this."Ganguly was skeptical, but Sehwag's confidence proved infectious. After a solid start, Ganguly advised Sehwag to play conservatively against the weaker bowler, Ronnie Irani. However, Sehwag had other plans. He smashed five boundaries in the next six balls, turning the game on its head.Ganguly was furious, but he realized that Sehwag's aggressive approach was the key to victory. He held back his criticism and allowed Sehwag to play his natural game. Sehwag went on to play a blinder, and India eventually won the match by two wickets with three balls to spare.After the game, Ganguly reflected on the lesson he had learned from Sehwag. He realized that as a leader, it was important to understand that different individuals have different ways of winning. Sehwag's unconventional approach had turned the game around, and Ganguly had to adjust his leadership style to accommodate his players' strengths.This experience taught Ganguly the importance of man management and the need to empower his players to make their own decisions. It also helped him become a more successful captain, leading India to numerous victories in the years to come.

Indian cricket icon Virat Kohli has been embroiled in a social media storm following controversial comments made by veteran spinner Amit Mishra. Mishra's remarks, made during a podcast, sparked a debate about Kohli's character and behavior.Mishra alleged that Kohli has undergone a transformation due to "fame and power," accusing him of abusing his Lucknow Super Giants teammates during an IPL 2023 match. However, Kohli's supporters have vehemently defended him, citing his enduring camaraderie with former teammates like Ishant Sharma.Amidst the online discourse, an old video from India's 2014 tour of Australia has resurfaced. In the series, Kohli became a target for the Australian team, particularly Mitchell Johnson, with whom he engaged in heated verbal exchanges.When asked about these confrontations in a press conference, Kohli asserted that his primary focus was on playing cricket, not earning respect. "I am out here to play cricket, not to earn anyone's respect. As long as I'm scoring runs, I'm happy with it," he stated.Kohli further emphasized that he did not care about the opinions of those who disrespected him. "I don't really care what they think as far as respecting me or me respecting them. I've got a nice friendship with a few of them. But someone who says anything that comes to his mouth, I don't respect," he said.Mishra's comments have reignited the debate about Kohli's personality and leadership style. Some have questioned whether his success has led to a change in his demeanor, while others have defended his competitive nature and unwavering determination.The controversy has also highlighted the importance of respect in sportsmanship. Kohli's assertion that he does not play for respect has sparked discussions about the role of mutual respect in fostering a healthy and competitive environment on the field.

Sachin Tendulkar's Role in MS Dhoni's Captaincy AppointmentIn 2007, the Indian cricket board (BCCI) offered the captaincy to batting legend Sachin Tendulkar. However, due to health concerns, Tendulkar declined the offer. Instead, he recommended MS Dhoni for the role, recognizing his calm demeanor and decisive leadership qualities.Tendulkar's decision was based on his observations of Dhoni's behavior on the field. While fielding in the slips, Tendulkar noticed Dhoni's sharp cricketing mind and his ability to make quick decisions under pressure. He believed that Dhoni possessed the necessary qualities to lead the Indian team effectively.In a recent viral video, Tendulkar explained his reasons for declining the captaincy. He stated that his body was experiencing significant discomfort, making it difficult for him to handle the additional responsibilities of captaincy. He emphasized that his commitment to the team would remain unwavering, regardless of his official role.Tendulkar's recommendation proved to be a pivotal moment in Indian cricket history. Dhoni went on to become one of the most successful captains in the country's history. Under his leadership, India won the T20 World Cup in 2007, the ODI World Cup in 2011, and the Champions Trophy in 2013. Dhoni also guided India to the top of the Test cricket rankings.Tendulkar's decision to decline the captaincy and recommend Dhoni instead was a testament to his selfless nature and his unwavering commitment to the success of the Indian cricket team. His foresight and leadership played a crucial role in shaping the destiny of Indian cricket.

India's triumphant T20 World Cup campaign was a testament to the exceptional leadership of Rohit Sharma and Rahul Dravid, according to physio Kamlesh Jain. In a heartfelt Instagram post, Jain praised the duo for their humility, respect, and unwavering commitment to improvement.Jain highlighted Rohit and Dravid's ability to foster a sense of unity and value within the team. "Team' is at the heart of every conversation and meeting that they are involved with," he wrote. "These individuals have hearts of gold and a mind of wisdom and spent countless memorable hours discussing how to continually improve our team."Despite the team's impressive unbeaten run, Rohit and Dravid remained focused on areas for improvement. "Even after significant victories, their focus remains on what we could have done better," Jain noted.Jain expressed his gratitude for the duo's contributions to Indian cricket. "Every member of our fraternity owes them immense gratitude for this triumph," he said. "Every Indian dreams of seeing their country win the prestigious ICC trophy. Personally, and on behalf of every Indian, this victory, this hard work and these memories will be cherished for years to come."Rohit and Dravid's leadership extended beyond the field. They created an environment where every individual felt valued and respected. "Their cricketing achievements are impressive, but what truly sets them apart is their respect for everyone's opinions and their ability to make each person feel valued," Jain wrote.The T20 World Cup marked the end of Dravid's tenure as head coach. He will be succeeded by Gautam Gambhir, while Rohit has retired from T20 internationals. However, their legacy will continue to inspire future generations of Indian cricketers.

India's triumph at the T20 World Cup was a testament to the team's resilience and the leadership of captain Rohit Sharma. After a disappointing performance at the 2023 World Test and 50-over World Cup finals, Rohit guided India to an undefeated run in the T20 World Cup, setting an example with his consistent batting performances.Rohit's belief in destiny and the importance of hard work played a crucial role in India's success. He emphasized that while fate may have a part to play, it is the team's efforts and execution that ultimately determine the outcome.Rohit's unselfish approach allowed other batters to flourish, providing India with a formidable top order. His ability to set the tone for the innings and provide stability was instrumental in India's victories.The T20 World Cup triumph marked a significant milestone in Rohit's captaincy tenure. After taking over from Virat Kohli in 2021, Rohit has led India to several notable achievements, including a series win in England and a victory in the Asia Cup.However, Rohit's journey as captain has not been without its challenges. The heartbreaking losses in the World Test and 50-over World Cup finals were setbacks that tested his leadership. Nevertheless, Rohit has shown resilience and determination, leading India to a historic T20 World Cup title.

Indian cricket team captain Rohit Sharma has received high praise from former England captain Nasser Hussain, who lauded his batting prowess and leadership qualities. Hussain described Sharma as an "iron fist in a velvet glove," highlighting his calm demeanor and ability to balance authority with compassion.Sharma's leadership style has been a key factor in India's recent success, with the team winning the Asia Cup and reaching the semi-finals of the T20 World Cup under his guidance. Hussain believes that Sharma's ability to create a positive and supportive environment has been crucial to the team's performance."Rohit is like that iron fist in a velvet glove," Hussain said. "You do not mess around with Rohit, but he is also a big brother that will put his arm around you and look after you."Hussain also praised Sharma's batting, noting his consistency and ability to score runs in all formats of the game. Sharma is currently the third-highest run scorer in the T20 World Cup, with 248 runs in seven matches."I have been a fan of Rohit for a very long time, as a batter, as a captain, and as a person," Hussain said. "He seems to have a very calming influence."Sharma's leadership and batting skills have made him one of the most respected players in world cricket. His ability to inspire his teammates and perform under pressure has been instrumental in India's recent success.

Gautam Gambhir, the former Indian cricketer and current mentor of the Kolkata Knight Riders, has offered valuable advice to Hardik Pandya, the captain of the Mumbai Indians, following the team's disappointing performance in IPL 2024.Gambhir, who has won the IPL twice as captain of KKR, emphasized the importance of treating all team members equally, regardless of their experience or stature. "First and foremost, treat Rohit Sharma and the youngest member of the team in exactly the same way," he said. "It is a tough job, but leaders are bound to take tough decisions. Otherwise, you will become a follower."Gambhir believes that a true leader must have courage and self-belief. "If you're a leader, you're a leader for everyone in that dressing room," he said. "To do that, you need to have a lot of courage and self-belief."The removal of Rohit Sharma as captain of the Mumbai Indians was met with criticism from many quarters. However, Gambhir believes that it is essential for a leader to treat all players equally. "You cannot have different things for different individuals looking at their profile," he said. "If you want to become a leader, profiles do not matter."Rohit Sharma and Hardik Pandya have put their Mumbai Indians struggles behind them and are now focused on helping India win the T20 World Cup. Under Rohit's leadership, Pandya has made significant contributions with both bat and ball.India will face Bangladesh on June 22 and Australia on June 24 in the Super 8 stage of the 2024 T20 World Cup.

Marnus Labuschagne, the prolific Australian batsman, has been appointed as the new captain of Queensland for the upcoming 2024-25 season. This appointment marks a significant step in Labuschagne's leadership journey, potentially paving the way for his future role as Australia's captain.Labuschagne, who has previously captained Queensland in limited overs matches, will take over the reins from Usman Khawaja, who will continue to lead the Brisbane Heat in the Big Bash League. The duo will collaborate with new Queensland and Heat coach Johan Botha to guide the team to success.Queensland Cricket CEO Terry Svenson expressed confidence in Labuschagne's leadership abilities, stating that this appointment provides him with an ideal opportunity to showcase his skills and gain valuable experience at the first-class and one-day levels.However, Labuschagne's availability for Queensland's season remains uncertain beyond the initial month in October. Australia's international commitments, including an ODI series against Pakistan and Tests against India, may limit his involvement.Despite the potential for limited availability, Labuschagne expressed his honor and excitement at being appointed Queensland captain. He acknowledged the significance of the Bulls to the state's fans and emphasized his commitment to helping the team reach its full potential.Labuschagne's appointment as Queensland captain raises questions about the future leadership of the Australian cricket team. While Pat Cummins remains the current captain, he has indicated that he may not hold the role for an extended period. This has led to speculation about potential successors, with Labuschagne and Travis Head emerging as possible candidates.The appointment of Labuschagne as Queensland captain provides him with a platform to develop his leadership skills and demonstrate his ability to guide a team. His success in this role could further enhance his credentials as a future captain of Australia.