Cricket

Rishabh Pant's remarkable return to Test cricket has left the cricketing world in awe. After a horrific car crash in December 2022, the wicket-keeper batter has shown immense resilience and determination to bounce back stronger than ever.In the second innings of the series opener against Bangladesh, Pant scored a century, reminding everyone of his exceptional talent. His heroic performance brought tears to the eyes of many, including fans, pundits, and his peers.Pakistan cricket legend Wasim Akram was among those who were deeply moved by Pant's journey. "Look at Pant's performance, the miracle that he has performed by showing he is superhuman by returning from his tragedy," Akram said on Sportskeeda.Akram praised Pant's exemplary shots, particularly his reverse sweep against England pace great James Anderson. However, it was Pant's mental strength that impressed Akram the most."The way he used to play in Test cricket, the way he performed in Australia with the century then," said Akram. "The way he batted against England, playing a reverse sweep against [James] Anderson in Test cricket, even [Pat] Cummins. He's special.""Especially what he has been through in that horrific accident, coming back from that, how mentally strong must that boy be."Akram believes that Pant's story should be told to children for generations to come, as an inspiration to bounce back from difficult situations. "That's a story to be told for generations and generations, in my opinion, to motivate young people of the world. You can come back the way Pant did," said Akram."He came back and averaged 40 in the IPL, 446 runs at a strike rate of 155, he's a miracle kid," Akram concluded.Pant's return to form is a testament to his unwavering spirit and the power of human resilience. His story is an inspiration to all who face adversity, reminding us that anything is possible with determination and support.

India's Women's T20 World Cup Preparations Emphasize Mental StrengthAs the Indian women's cricket team prepares for the upcoming T20 World Cup in the UAE, skipper Harmanpreet Kaur has highlighted the crucial role of mental strength in executing their plans.Kaur, who has led India to numerous victories, believes that the last few overs of a T20 match are pivotal. "The last 3-4 overs are the most crucial. T20 cricket is not a small format; at the end of the day, you are playing 40 overs. In the last 4-5 overs, the team that is mentally strong wins the match," she said.The Indian team has been working diligently on their mental fortitude. "We have been focusing on this for a while. If we can remain mentally stable in those final 5 overs, we can execute what's best for us. We are working on those aspects, and hopefully, we will overcome this hurdle in the tournament," Kaur added.India's squad for the T20 World Cup includes experienced players like Smriti Mandhana, Deepti Sharma, and Jemimah Rodrigues. They will face tough competition in Group A, which includes Australia, New Zealand, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka.In the previous edition of the T20 World Cup, India reached the semi-finals but lost to eventual champions Australia. Kaur is determined to improve on that performance and lead her team to glory."We have a good team, and we are confident of doing well in the tournament. We have been working hard, and we are ready to give our best," she said.India will kickstart their campaign against New Zealand on October 4, followed by a highly anticipated clash with Pakistan on October 6. The tournament promises to be an exciting spectacle of women's cricket, and India will be eager to make a mark on the global stage.

Hardik Pandya's remarkable journey from crowd boos to World Cup glory is a testament to his resilience and unwavering determination. After facing ridicule and criticism for his captaincy of the Mumbai Indians in the Indian Premier League 2024, Pandya silenced his detractors with a stellar performance in India's triumphant T20 World Cup campaign.Despite being subjected to boos from his own home crowd, Pandya remained composed and focused on his game. His unwavering belief in his abilities and the support of his teammates propelled him to deliver a match-winning performance in the tournament's final.Pandya's ability to bowl the crucial final over of the summit clash against South Africa showcased his mental fortitude and leadership qualities. His calm demeanor and precise execution under immense pressure led India to a thrilling victory.After the triumph, Pandya expressed his gratitude for the support he received from his teammates and the Indian fans. He emphasized the importance of grace and resilience in the face of adversity."I believe in grace. A lot was said by people who don't even know me one percent as a person. People have spoken, no issues, but I have always believed in life that you never respond with words, circumstances can respond," Pandya said.Former India batter Ambati Rayudu lauded Pandya's mental strength and praised his ability to overcome the challenges he faced."I think it is great on his part. Such great mental strength and now I dare anybody to boo him in India. You know, if you can. If you can try and do that, you will know you will know it and he is an amazing individual and I have played with him, you know, in my state team. And he's an amazing guy, an amazing human being, and that's why that's why he could come through this storm, get through this storm that he had just a few months back and to come back that strongly is unbelievable and you know he's a world champion now," Rayudu said.Pandya's journey from adversity to triumph serves as an inspiration to all aspiring athletes. His unwavering belief in himself and his ability to overcome challenges demonstrate the true spirit of sportsmanship.

Virat Kohli and Mohammed Shami, two contrasting personalities, share an unwavering mental fortitude that has propelled Team India to remarkable success.Kohli, the aggressive batsman, and Shami, the composed bowler, topped the batting and bowling charts at the 2019 ODI World Cup, leading India to a runner-up finish. Their mental strength, according to bowling coach Paras Mhambrey, is a key factor in their achievements."Both are different personalities altogether, but in terms of mental strength, both are up there," Mhambrey said. "Virat is purely aggressive, on the face all the time. Shami is complete in contrast, never on his own."Despite their contrasting approaches, Kohli and Shami share a deep understanding of their roles and a relentless work ethic."Virat is one of the best in chasing," Mhambrey said. "He's the prime reason why India have chased mammoth scores."Shami, on the other hand, is a master of his craft. "He knows what's expected of him," Mhambrey said. "He's completely different in terms of training and he will do something that suits him."Kohli's dedication has inspired the younger players in the Indian team. "To be able to see the work put in by Virat day in and day out is an eye opener," Mhambrey said. "You see youngsters talking to him and trying to learn from him."Mhambrey believes that becoming a GOAT (Greatest of All Time) requires a combination of innate talent, hard work, and a relentless pursuit of excellence."I think you're born with certain skills," he said. "Skills that Shami has cannot be replicated unless you have it... Same with (Jasprit) Bumrah. These are guys who are born with that skill.""You become GOAT with the attitude that you have, the work that you put in, the vision that you had about yourself, the inspiration that you want to be. These combinations with other factors will make you a GOAT."

India's bowling coach, Paras Mhambrey, has lauded the exceptional mental strength of Virat Kohli and Mohammed Shami, attributing it to Team India's success.Kohli's aggressive batting style and Shami's calm and composed bowling approach may differ, but their shared mental resilience has been instrumental in India's achievements. During the 2019 ODI World Cup, Kohli topped the batting charts with 765 runs, while Shami led the bowling charts with 24 wickets.Mhambrey highlights Kohli's ability to chase down mammoth scores, a skill that has significantly improved India's performance in shorter formats. He also praises Shami's deep understanding of his game and his ability to adapt his training to suit his needs.Despite their contrasting personalities, Kohli and Shami share a common understanding of their roles within the team. Their mental strength allows them to absorb pressure and deliver consistent results.Mhambrey believes that Kohli's work ethic has inspired younger players in the Indian team. He observes that youngsters seek guidance from Kohli, eager to learn from his wisdom and preparation techniques.Mhambrey emphasizes that becoming a GOAT (greatest of all time) requires a combination of innate skills, hard work, vision, and inspiration. He believes that Shami and Bumrah possess exceptional skills that cannot be replicated, but their greatness is also attributed to their attitude and dedication.

Shubman Gill's resurgence in the ongoing Test series against England is a testament to his mental fortitude and ability to adapt to new challenges. After a lean patch spanning nine innings and the pressure of adjusting to the unfamiliar No. 3 slot, Gill has emerged as a key player for India, contributing significantly to the team's success with a string of impressive performances.Gill's transformation can be attributed to his ability to manage expectations and focus on the present moment. He recognized that the expectations he had set for himself were becoming a burden, leading to disappointment and affecting his performance. By adjusting his mindset and learning to let go of these expectations, Gill has been able to play with greater freedom and confidence.The 24-year-old's batting position at No. 3 has presented him with a different set of challenges compared to his preferred opening role. While he has experience batting in the middle order in domestic matches, the added responsibility of setting the tone or rebuilding an innings requires a different approach. Gill has shown maturity and adaptability in handling these situations, demonstrating his versatility as a batsman.Gill's innings in Visakhapatnam and Rajkot exemplify his ability to adapt to different match situations. In Visakhapatnam, he marshaled India's second innings, batting for almost 48 overs and guiding the team to a respectable total. In Rajkot, he played a supporting role to Yashasvi Jaiswal's aggressive century, ensuring that India maintained their dominance in the match.Gill's resurgence is a positive sign for India as they look to consolidate their position in the World Test Championship. His ability to score big runs and play according to the situation makes him a valuable asset to the team. If he can continue to perform consistently, India will be well-positioned to achieve success in the upcoming matches and secure a place in the final of the World Test Championship.