Cricket

Worcestershire Retires Number 33 Shirt in Memory of Josh BakerWorcestershire County Cricket Club has paid a poignant tribute to their beloved left-arm spinner Josh Baker by retiring the number 33 shirt in his honor. Baker, a talented and dedicated homegrown player, tragically passed away earlier this year at the age of 26 due to a sudden arrhythmic death syndrome.Baker's impact on Worcestershire was profound. In 22 first-class matches, he claimed 43 wickets, including a memorable 5-for against Sussex in 2021. He also made significant contributions in white-ball cricket, taking 27 wickets in 25 appearances.Beyond his on-field achievements, Baker was an exceptional individual who left an indelible mark on the club. His infectious enthusiasm, unwavering determination, and kind-hearted nature endeared him to teammates, staff, and fans alike."Josh was not only an outstanding cricketer but an exceptional individual," said Worcestershire CEO Ashley Giles. "His passing has left an irreplaceable void at our club and in the hearts of all who knew him. Retiring the Number 33 shirt, for the first time in our club's history, ensures his memory and contributions are never forgotten. His legacy will continue to inspire future generations."As a testament to Baker's talent, he represented England at the under-19 level twice on their tour of Sri Lanka. His performances caught the attention of Ben Stokes, who sent him a motivational text message after striking him for 34 runs in an over shortly after being appointed England's Test captain in May 2022.In addition to retiring the number 33 shirt, Worcestershire will also display a framed Baker 33 shirt permanently in the Graeme Hick Pavilion. A metal bench with Josh's locker plaque will be installed at the training nets, serving as lasting memorials to his contributions to the club.Baker's parents, Paul and Lisa, have been awarded Life Memberships, ensuring they will forever be a part of the Worcestershire family. New Road will always remain a place of welcome and belonging for them.Josh Baker's legacy will live on through the memories of those who knew him and the impact he had on Worcestershire County Cricket Club. His number 33 shirt will serve as a constant reminder of his talent, dedication, and the profound void he has left behind.

Ravichandran Ashwin, the veteran Indian off-spinner, is preparing for an arduous 10-Test stretch for the national team, starting with the home series against Bangladesh. As he approaches the twilight of his illustrious career, Ashwin remains confident that future generations will surpass his achievements.In a recent interview with veteran cricket journalist Vimal Kumar, Ashwin acknowledged the legacy of Indian spinners that preceded him, including Anil Kumble and Harbhajan Singh. "I am fortunate to have inherited their legacy and built upon it," he said. "My success is a testament to their contributions."Ashwin emphasized the constant evolution of the game, citing the Indian Premier League (IPL) as an example. "The salaries in the IPL will continue to rise in the future," he said. "The world is constantly progressing."Ashwin, who currently holds the top spot in the ICC Test all-rounder rankings, believes that his own achievements will eventually be eclipsed. "I will eventually retire, and someone else will take my place," he said. "It's like a relay race, where each runner contributes to the overall success."Ashwin expressed his conviction that future spinners will surpass his accomplishments. "I am certain that someone better than me will emerge," he said. "The game will continue to evolve, and new players will bring their own unique skills and innovations."Ashwin's comments reflect his humility and his understanding of the cyclical nature of sports. He recognizes that his own success is built upon the foundation laid by previous generations, and he expects future players to build upon his legacy.

Arshdeep Singh Hails Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli's Legacy in T20I CricketIndia's young pacer Arshdeep Singh has paid glowing tribute to the legacy left behind by Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli following their retirements from T20I cricket. The duo ended their illustrious careers in the shortest format with a T20 World Cup triumph against South Africa in Barbados last month.Arshdeep, who was part of the victorious World Cup squad, hailed the immense contributions of Sharma and Kohli in the batting department, which have inspired cricketers worldwide. He highlighted Sharma's explosive batting at the top and sharp captaincy, while praising Kohli's consistent performances and relentless pursuit of excellence."Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli have left an indelible mark on T20I cricket. Their contributions have been immense, and their legacy will be remembered for generations," Arshdeep told IANS. "Their passion, dedication, and ability to perform under pressure have inspired many young cricketers, including myself."Arshdeep, who made his white-ball debut under Sharma's captaincy, lauded the opener's tactical prowess and described him as a "bowler's captain." He praised Sharma for giving bowlers the freedom to express themselves on the field and for maintaining a positive atmosphere in the dressing room."Playing under Rohit Sharma's captaincy has been an incredible experience. He allows every bowler full freedom of executing what they want to do on the field. He has a unique way of keeping the dressing room atmosphere light and positive, which really helps in high-pressure situations," Arshdeep said.The 25-year-old also highlighted Sharma's strategic thinking and ability to read the game, which he believes has been a valuable learning experience for him.After being rested for the Zimbabwe T20Is, Arshdeep will travel to Sri Lanka for a three-match T20I and ODI series, starting on July 27.

As the current Indian leadership group approaches the end of its tenure, it's time to reflect on their legacy. Their most significant contribution has been the transformation of India's limited-overs batting approach. Virat Kohli, for instance, has evolved into a formidable T20 batter while maintaining his ODI prowess.However, in India, legacy is often measured by ICC trophies. Unfortunately, this remains the yardstick for a team that has consistently ranked among the best. Ironically, while Rahul Dravid and Rohit Sharma's tenure has been marked by an aggressive batting philosophy, their legacy of pushing the boundaries has taken a back seat.Two of India's most explosive hitters, Suryakumar Yadav and Shivam Dube, have been forced to adopt a more conservative approach, akin to the middle overs of an ODI. "We've pushed the needle forward in terms of our batting," Dravid acknowledged. "But we also need to be mindful of conditions."In T20 cricket, the batters' approach plays a crucial role, and it varies depending on the conditions. The unpredictability of new conditions in the West Indies will pose a challenge for India in the Super Eight."We feel we've got the experience and knowledge to counteract different situations," Dravid said. "We're looking at past games, scores, swing, turn, and bounce."However, Dravid emphasized the importance of adaptability. "Conditions can be very different to what you think it is," he said. "We will have to be quick and smart in assessing the conditions."One subtle but noticeable change in India's approach has been their willingness to adjust down rather than up. The top order, particularly Kohli, has shown faith in the batters to follow. This approach, combined with courage and indifference towards the end result, could prove beneficial for India in the T20 knockouts.

India-Pakistan Rivalry: Hafeez Praises Kohli's Fitness and LegacyDespite the intense rivalry between India and Pakistan on the cricket field, players from both sides have consistently displayed mutual respect off the field. From Imran Khan's admiration for Sunil Gavaskar to Inzamam-ul-Haq's introduction of his son to Sachin Tendulkar, countless stories attest to the camaraderie between the cricketers of these two nations.Ahead of the highly anticipated clash between the archrivals on Sunday, former Pakistan captain Mohammad Hafeez has heaped praise on former India captain Virat Kohli, not only for his exceptional batting but also for his unwavering fitness.In a video shared on his social media handle, Hafeez stated, "Virat has not just set his standards in batting, but also in fitness. His transformation looks easy to us because he is so fit. No matter how much pressure is put on him, he absorbs it."Hafeez emphasized Kohli's unparalleled fitness, highlighting that he is not only the fittest player in India but also globally. "He has transformed himself and understands the importance of maintaining his standards. He could easily say that he has been playing for 15 years and it doesn't matter if his YoYo test score drops or his fat level increases, but he doesn't think that way," Hafeez said."He believes in playing as one of the best athletes and leaving a legacy that no one has left. This is why Virat Kohli is considered an icon in international cricket and the whole world," Hafeez concluded.Kohli's fitness and dedication have been instrumental in his success as a cricketer. With 4038 runs, he is the highest run-scorer in T20I cricket. In 10 T20Is against Pakistan, Kohli has amassed 488 runs at an impressive strike rate of 123.85 and an average of 81.33. His highest score against Pakistan is an unbeaten 82, which he scored in the last edition of the T20 World Cup at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG), leading India to a memorable victory.