Cricket

Rishabh Pant Flaunts T20 World Cup Medal, Teammates Respond with HumorIndian wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant took to social media on Wednesday to share his joy over winning the T20 World Cup. Pant posted selfies with the coveted medal hanging around his neck, accompanied by the caption "This medal hits you differently."The post quickly went viral, garnering thousands of likes and comments. Pant's teammates, Axar Patel and Mohammed Siraj, couldn't resist teasing him with hilarious responses."Bhai same mere pass bhi hai," commented Axar, indicating that he also possessed the medal. Siraj joined in the fun, writing "bhai mere pass bhi h same."The Indian team, including Pant, Patel, and Siraj, had been stranded in Barbados for three days due to Hurricane Beryl. However, they finally departed on Wednesday on a special Air India flight.Pant's medal-flaunting post serves as a reminder of India's triumph at the T20 World Cup. The team defeated South Africa in a thrilling final on Saturday, securing their second T20 World Cup title.Pant played a crucial role in India's victory, scoring valuable runs and providing stability to the middle order. His performances throughout the tournament earned him praise from fans and experts alike.The T20 World Cup medal is a testament to Pant's hard work and dedication. It is a symbol of his contribution to India's historic triumph and will undoubtedly hold a special place in his heart.

India's transformation from a spin-reliant nation to a pace-bowling powerhouse is a testament to the country's unwavering commitment to cricketing excellence. During his illustrious Test career, Sunil Gavaskar, the legendary "Little Master," opened the batting in all but nine of his 214 innings. However, lesser known is the fact that Gavaskar also took the new ball in five innings, not because he possessed blistering pace, but rather to provide a brief respite before introducing India's formidable spinners.Fast forward to the present day, and India boasts a glittering array of pace-bowling riches, spearheaded by the "Kohinoor of fast bowling," Jasprit Bumrah. The rise of India's pace stocks began long before Bumrah's international debut in 2016. Mohammad Nissar and Amar Singh, two early pace pioneers, played pivotal roles in India's inaugural Test victory against England at Lord's in 1932. However, the dominance of spin bowling in India, coupled with the emergence of a succession of high-class spinners, overshadowed the importance of fast bowling.It wasn't until Kapil Dev's sensational arrival in the late 1970s that a growing tribe of young aspirants began to harbor ambitions of running in hard and attacking the bowling crease. Kapil's understanding that he needed to recalibrate his bowling and sacrifice some pace for longevity proved crucial. His arrival coincided with the decline of the spin foursome, bringing fast bowling back into focus.Kapil's success inspired a generation of young bowlers, including Javagal Srinath, who became the first true fast bowler in modern-day Indian cricket. Srinath's tall, lithe frame and whippy action enabled him to hurry and harry batters, especially with his ability to bring the ball into the right-handers and generate considerable bounce.Despite the emergence of Srinath and a few other promising pacers, India's fast-bowling stocks remained fragmented. There were only a handful of bowlers who could consistently top 140 kmph, and while there was no shortage of skill, raw pace was a different matter altogether.The arrival of Mohammed Shami in 2013 and Bumrah two and a half years later marked a turning point. Shami's sensational burst of reverse swing on his debut against West Indies ignited the latest revolution, while Bumrah's unconventional speed and accuracy convinced Virat Kohli and team director Ravi Shastri that he would be a huge success in the five-day format.The BCCI's mandate for a certain amount of grass on pitches for domestic cricket, along with the tireless efforts of Bharat Arun, the national team's long-serving bowling coach, bore fruit in the assemblage of an attack for the ages. Today, teams that once didn't think twice about laying out green carpets or bouncy decks when India came calling are caught in a dilemma. India's batters are skilled enough to come through demanding tests, but India's bowlers also possess sufficient quality and are numerically adequate to pay back in kind.The embarrassment of riches has spilled over to white-ball cricket as well. At the ongoing T20 World Cup, Bumrah and Siraj are being backed up by Arshdeep Singh, a left-arm swing exponent with a mean yorker and clever changes of pace, and vice-captain Hardik Pandya, who has a penchant for testing out the bounce in the surface.India's graduation from the land of spin to a nation with outstanding fast-bowling talent has been a remarkable journey. Quality has been backed up by depth, not just quantity, and even when Bumrah was out for a year with a stress fracture of the back, India didn't suffer hugely. Of course, they missed their spearhead, but they found ways to fill the giant void. In fact, such was their depth that they left Shami out of their World Cup XI until Pandya's ankle injury forced them to rejig their combination. Shami responded by picking up five-fors for fun.For all of Shami's virtuosity and Siraj's fire, it's Bumrah who is the unquestioned leader. His hyperextension of his right elbow gives him an advantage that he has made the most of. As Balaji said recently, Bumrah is a great example, like Wasim Akram, of using sport to bowl fast, not athleticism. "Most great fast bowlers build up momentum in their run-up, but Wasim bhai and Bumrah rely more on their upper bodies and do everything with their bowling arm, their wrist. That's why they are able to succeed on even docile tracks; they take the pitch out of the equation."There is a reason why India is No. 1 in the world in both limited-overs versions and No. 2 in Test cricket. It's not hard to see what that is.

India's thrilling six-run victory over Pakistan in the T20 World Cup was a testament to the team's resilience and the brilliance of its individual players. After a shaky start with the bat, India's bowlers, led by Jasprit Bumrah's three-wicket haul, kept Pakistan in check. Rishabh Pant's counter-attacking knock of 42 and Axar Patel's crucial 20 runs at number four proved decisive.In a post-match interview, Axar revealed that his promotion to the batting order was made easier by Pant's jovial demeanor. "He was joking around and having fun between deliveries," said Axar. "He knew that I would become a little easy."Axar's bowling plan against Pakistan all-rounder Imad Wasim was to avoid giving him any balls in his range. "I talked to Rohit bhai and told him I would bowl in the cut," said Axar. "If he hits the four on the cut or the cover, then it is okay. Because that is a very difficult shot."Pant, who took three crucial catches in the game, said his gameplan was to play with a positive mindset. "India-Pakistan is always a match of pressure," said Pant. "We were talking to each other and we were getting comfortable with each other. We did not think much about the situation."Mohammed Siraj, who scored valuable runs in the end, said he has been practicing his batting a lot in the nets. "All the runs made by the tailenders are very crucial at the end of the day," said Siraj. "I am very happy with those seven runs and I won the match."Regarding his bowling plan, Siraj said he wanted to keep things simple. "My only plan was to get a low score," said Siraj. "I do not try too much. I keep a simple plan and execute it wherever I can."India's victory was a collective effort, with each player contributing in their own way. Bumrah's match-winning spell, Pant's counter-attacking knock, Axar's crucial runs, and Siraj's valuable runs and wickets were all key factors in India's success.

Mohammed Siraj's Crucial Batting Contribution Propels India to Victory Over PakistanIn a thrilling encounter at the T20 World Cup, India's Mohammed Siraj played a pivotal role in his team's six-run victory over arch-rivals Pakistan. Despite not being known for his batting prowess, Siraj's seven-run contribution with the bat proved to be the difference between victory and defeat.Coming in at number 11, Siraj faced a barrage of yorkers from Pakistan's pacers. However, he displayed remarkable composure and determination, fending off the deliveries and accumulating three doubles and a single off seven balls. This effort marked only the third time Siraj had batted in a T20I, and it resulted in his highest score in the format.Siraj's runs were crucial in a low-scoring game where every run counted. His ability to rotate the strike and keep the scoreboard ticking put pressure on Pakistan's bowlers and ultimately contributed to India's narrow victory."I have practiced a lot for it in the nets, even in the IPL," Siraj said after the match. "Whatever runs the tailenders score are very crucial at the end of the day. At the end, it became clear how important my seven runs were. I am very happy with those seven runs and the win."Siraj's all-around performance was not limited to his batting. Despite not taking any wickets, he was economical with the ball, conceding just 19 runs in his four overs. His ability to maintain pressure on the opposition played a key role in India's victory."India and Pakistan have a big rivalry, it's a big occasion," Siraj said. "My plan was that because it's a small total, I should not try too much, keep it simple and execute it well. I just wanted to keep bowling at the same spot."Siraj's contributions, both with the bat and ball, showcased the importance of every player's efforts in high-stakes matches. His performance was a testament to his hard work and dedication, and it played a crucial role in India's victory over Pakistan.

India vs Pakistan T20 World Cup 2024: Siraj's Aggressive Throw Hits Rizwan, Sparks ControversyThe highly anticipated T20 World Cup 2024 match between arch-rivals India and Pakistan witnessed a heated incident on Sunday when Mohammed Siraj's aggressive throw hit Mohammad Rizwan on his hand.During the seventh over of Pakistan's innings, Rizwan played the ball directly back to Siraj, who went for a throw towards the stumps, believing the batter was out of his crease. However, the ball struck Rizwan's hand and deflected to fine leg, allowing Pakistan batters to complete a run.Siraj immediately apologized to Rizwan for the incident, which was captured on video and has since gone viral on social media. The incident sparked controversy, with some criticizing Siraj for his aggressive throw while others defended his actions as part of the competitive nature of the game.Despite the incident, India emerged victorious in the match, defeating Pakistan by 6 runs. The Indian bowlers produced a disciplined performance, restricting Pakistan to 113 runs in their chase of India's 119. Jasprit Bumrah was the standout performer for India, taking 3 wickets for 15 runs.After the match, Bumrah expressed his satisfaction with India's performance, saying, "We felt we were a little under and the wicket got a little better after the sun came out. We were really disciplined so it feels good."The incident between Siraj and Rizwan highlighted the intense rivalry between India and Pakistan, which extends beyond the cricket field. The two nations have a long history of political and military conflict, and their cricket matches often carry a heightened sense of emotion and significance.

Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) celebrated their emphatic 47-run victory over Delhi Capitals (DC) in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 with a jubilant atmosphere in the dressing room. The triumph not only secured two crucial points but also boosted their Net Run Rate, enhancing their chances of securing a top-four finish.The dressing room was filled with laughter and banter, with Virat Kohli and Mohammed Siraj engaging in a hilarious conversation. In a video shared by RCB, Siraj emphasized the team's focus on taking one game at a time, highlighting the importance of bowlers and batters executing their roles effectively.Kohli, known for his witty remarks, couldn't resist teasing Siraj, playfully mocking his choice of words. The conversation continued with Siraj exclaiming "Siuuuuuu," a popular celebration phrase, which Kohli interpreted as "see you."In another video, RCB players celebrated their fifth consecutive victory of the season with wild enthusiasm. Despite their impressive run, RCB's playoff qualification remains uncertain. They must defeat Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in their final league match and rely on favorable results from other matches.RCB's resurgence has been remarkable, with the team showcasing resilience and determination. Their victory over DC was a testament to their newfound confidence and ability to overcome adversity. The dressing room atmosphere reflects the team's positive mindset and their unwavering belief in their abilities.As the IPL season draws to a close, RCB's fate hangs in the balance. However, the team's recent performances have instilled hope among their fans and demonstrated their potential to make a deep run in the tournament.

Mohammed Siraj's Hilarious Running Between Wickets Goes ViralIn a moment that has become the talk of social media, Mohammed Siraj's unconventional running between the wickets during the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 match between Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) and Delhi Capitals (DC) has left fans in stitches.The incident occurred during RCB's batting innings at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru. After Cameron Green hit a delivery from Mukesh Kumar for two runs, Siraj, seemingly unaware of the throw coming back to the bowler, continued running. However, he was swiftly run out while attempting a third run.The video of Siraj's comical running, which saw him deviate farther from the running path with each stride, has gone viral on social media. Netizens have been sharing the clip with captions such as "Siraj's running is a mood" and "Only Siraj could make running between the wickets look like a comedy routine."Despite the humorous moment, RCB went on to secure a comfortable 47-run victory over DC. Rajat Patidar (52), Will Jacks (41), Cameron Green (32 not out), and Virat Kohli (27) were the key contributors to RCB's total of 187/9.In the run chase, DC faced early setbacks but managed to stage a brief comeback, courtesy of a partnership between Shai Hope (29) and Axar Patel (57). However, RCB's bowlers maintained control over the game, ultimately bundling out DC for 140 runs.With this win, RCB has strengthened its position in the IPL 2024 standings, moving up to 12 points. The team will next face Chennai Super Kings (CSK) on Saturday, looking to extend its winning streak and solidify its chances of reaching the playoffs.

Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) pacer Mohammed Siraj played through severe stomach pain in their IPL match against Gujarat Titans (GT) on Saturday, driven by the desire to prepare for the upcoming T20 World Cup. Despite his discomfort, Siraj delivered a crucial performance, taking 2/29 and helping RCB secure a four-wicket victory.Siraj revealed that he experienced intense stomach pain and loose motions before the game, but the thought of the World Cup and the "power of the almighty" motivated him to take the field. He acknowledged that he lacked the energy to bowl at his usual intensity, but he credited divine intervention for his performance.In 10 IPL 2024 matches, Siraj has claimed eight wickets at an average of 44.00, with a best of 2/26. He also discussed his close bond with Virat Kohli, emphasizing how Kohli's guidance and communication help him as a bowler."Virat has known me for eight years now and he always gives handy advice on what to do in a particular situation," Siraj said. "When you have good communication with such a legend of the game then half the difficulty gets reduced straightaway as a bowler."Siraj praised teammate Yash Dayal for his impressive bowling with the new ball, noting that his performance will boost his confidence. Dayal has taken 10 wickets in 10 IPL 2024 matches, with a best of 2/21.In the match, RCB elected to field first and restricted GT to 148 runs, with Siraj, Dayal, and Vijaykumar Vyshak taking two wickets each. RCB then chased down the target with 38 balls to spare, thanks to a 92-run opening partnership between Faf Du Plessis and Virat Kohli.Despite a late fightback from GT's Joshua Little and Noor Ahmed, RCB held on for the victory, with Dinesh Karthik and Swapnil Singh guiding the team home.

Mohammed Siraj's resurgence has been a pivotal factor in Royal Challengers Bangalore's recent resurgence in the Indian Premier League (IPL). The pacer's impressive form has not only boosted RCB's chances but has also instilled confidence in the Indian team ahead of the upcoming T20 World Cup.Siraj's transformation was evident in his devastating spell against Gujarat Titans, where he claimed two wickets in the Power Play, dismissing Wriddhiman Saha and Shubman Gill. His figures of 2-0-9-2 were a testament to his newfound control and aggression.RCB assistant coach Adam Griffith attributed Siraj's resurgence to his ability to "swing the ball again." He praised Siraj's leadership qualities and his unwavering determination to take wickets. Griffith also highlighted the importance of Siraj's fitness and rhythm, which have been crucial to his success.Siraj's absence from the Sunrisers Hyderabad game due to a nine-day break may have contributed to his renewed focus and sharpness. Griffith emphasized the importance of rest for players, especially those who rely on rhythm and pace.Since his return from the break, Siraj has been in exceptional form, claiming wickets in each of his four matches. His performances against Kolkata Knight Riders, Sunrisers Hyderabad, and Gujarat Titans have been particularly impressive.Griffith believes Siraj has struck a balance between rest and preparation. He noted that Siraj understands his body well and knows when he needs to push himself or take a break.Siraj's resurgence has had a positive impact on the entire RCB bowling unit. Youngster Yash Dayal has also impressed with his frugal and productive spells upfront. As a result, RCB has recorded three consecutive victories and has the lowest Power Play score in the IPL this season.Griffith attributed the team's success to their collective ability to hit a better line and attack the stumps. He emphasized the importance of challenging batters and forcing them to play aggressive shots.Siraj's impressive form is a welcome boost for the Indian team ahead of the T20 World Cup. His ability to swing the ball and take wickets in the Power Play will be crucial for India's success in the tournament.