Cricket

Baba Indrajith's journey to the India A squad has been a testament to perseverance and unwavering determination. After missing out on the U-19 World Cup squad 12 years ago, Indrajith toiled tirelessly in the domestic circuit, amassing runs for Tamil Nadu season after season. Despite consistent performances, the elusive India call-up remained elusive.However, Indrajith's patience and hard work finally paid off when he was named in the India A squad for the tour of Australia. The selection marked a significant milestone in his career, bringing him closer to his ultimate dream of representing India.Reflecting on his long journey, Indrajith acknowledged the desperation he felt to receive the call-up. "I was actually desperate to get this opportunity because being in the domestic circuit for so long, that expectation of getting the break would be there," he said.Indrajith's preparations for the Australia tour have been meticulous. He has sought guidance from his brother, Aparajith, who has extensive experience playing in Australia. Indrajith has also been working on his mental and physical fitness, recognizing the importance of adapting quickly to the different conditions Down Under.The support of his senior state-mates, Dinesh Karthik and R Ashwin, has been invaluable. Karthik has provided guidance on preparation and technique, while Ashwin has shared his vast experience and helped Indrajith develop confidence in facing world-class bowlers.Indrajith's family has also been a source of unwavering support. His parents and brother are overjoyed at his selection and eager for him to succeed. However, they also acknowledge the challenges he faces, having witnessed his struggles over the years.Despite the challenges, Indrajith remains focused on his goal. He understands that the Australia tour is just one step in his journey and that his ultimate dream of playing for India still lies ahead. With his determination and unwavering belief, Indrajith is poised to make the most of this opportunity and take his career to new heights.

Kamran Ghulam's unwavering determination to represent Pakistan in international cricket has finally borne fruit. After 11 years of toil in domestic cricket, the 29-year-old made a remarkable Test debut, becoming the 13th Pakistani to score a century on his first appearance.Ghulam's journey to the international stage has been marked by patience and perseverance. Despite being repeatedly overlooked for selection, he never lost sight of his dream. "I'd been waiting for my chance a long time but I never gave up," he said. "I had been waiting for my chance. That's all I thought about."His debut came under immense pressure, replacing the injured Babar Azam. With Pakistan struggling at 19 for 2, Ghulam walked out to face the daunting England spinners. However, he remained unfazed, drawing on his vast experience in domestic cricket.Ghulam's first-class record is impressive, with only 12 players scoring more runs in the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy since his debut in 2013. His average of nearly 50 places him among the elite batsmen in Pakistan.In his Test debut, Ghulam showcased his aggressive style, banking his shots before lunch and setting the platform for a crucial partnership with Saim Ayub. He then built another solid stand with Mohammad Rizwan, reaching his century with a stylish slap over midwicket off Joe Root.Ghulam's innings of 118, his 17th first-class hundred, was a testament to his hard work and determination. "I've scored a lot of first-class runs," he said. "I didn't care about the venue or the team, I just needed to make my debut."Despite the pressure of replacing a legend like Babar Azam, Ghulam remained focused on giving his best. "Babar is a very good player and at the back of my mind I was thinking he's a legend, a very good player," he said. "But I thought I'd give 110% and play with a positive mindset."Ghulam's debut century has not only fulfilled his long-held dream but also given Pakistan a much-needed boost in the ongoing Test series against England. His performance is a reminder that perseverance and hard work can overcome any obstacle.

Hardik Pandya's remarkable journey from injury and controversy to triumph in the ICC T20 World Cup is a testament to the power of perseverance and hard work. After suffering an injury during the 50-over World Cup, Pandya underwent a rigorous rehabilitation process, showcasing his unwavering determination on social media.His transformation was evident in his performance during the T20 World Cup, where he excelled as an all-rounder. With 144 runs at an average of 48.00 and a strike rate of 151.57, Pandya proved his batting prowess. His bowling was equally impressive, taking 11 wickets over eight games with an economy rate of 7.64.Pandya's contributions were crucial in India's victory over South Africa in the final. His bowling figures of 3/20 and key wickets helped secure a seven-run win, ending India's 11-year wait for an ICC trophy.Pandya's journey was not without its challenges. After taking over the captaincy of the Mumbai Indians in the IPL 2024, he faced criticism and online trolling. However, his performance in the T20 World Cup served as redemption, proving his critics wrong and showcasing his resilience.The warm welcome Pandya received in Vadodara, along with a roadshow celebrating the T20 World Cup win, is a testament to his popularity and the impact he has had on Indian cricket. His story is an inspiration to aspiring athletes, demonstrating that with hard work and determination, anything is possible.

Hardik Pandya's journey to the pinnacle of cricket has been marked by both triumph and adversity. After celebrating India's ICC T20 World Cup victory, Pandya took to Instagram to share a message of resilience and perseverance.Pandya's path to glory has been paved with challenges. During the 50-over World Cup, he suffered an ankle injury that sidelined him for a significant period. Upon his return, he faced criticism as captain of Mumbai Indians in the IPL 2024. However, Pandya's determination and unwavering spirit have propelled him to overcome these setbacks.In the T20 World Cup, Pandya played a pivotal role in India's triumph. With the bat, he amassed 144 runs in six innings, including a half-century. His bowling was equally impressive, as he claimed 11 wickets in eight games, with an economy rate of 7.64.Pandya's performance in the tournament served as a redemption for the criticism he had faced during the IPL. His ability to bounce back from adversity and deliver on the biggest stage is a testament to his resilience and mental fortitude.Pandya's journey is an inspiration to fans and teammates alike. It demonstrates the power of perseverance and the importance of never giving up on one's dreams. His remarkable comeback is a reminder that even in the face of challenges, success can be achieved through hard work and determination.

R. Ashwin, the renowned Indian cricketer, has recently launched his autobiography titled "I Have the Streets: A Kutti Cricket Story." In this book, Ashwin shares his journey from the streets of Chennai to the pinnacle of international cricket.Ashwin believes that sharing his experiences can inspire others and help them learn from his mistakes and successes. He emphasizes the importance of perseverance and resilience, especially for those who come from humble beginnings. "We need to understand that if you are coming from this part of the country, you must fight for acceptance. You can't quit," he says.The book's title, "I Have the Streets," reflects Ashwin's deep connection to street cricket. He credits the city and street cricket for providing him with a safe haven and a sense of belonging. "In my 17-18 years on the road as a professional cricketer, I would be lying if I said I felt comfortable for a large part of it. I always wanted to return home to my friends and family until 2015," he explains.Ashwin also acknowledges the influence of his parents and grandfather on his work ethic and inquisitiveness. He speaks highly of former cricketers M.S. Dhoni, Gautam Gambhir, and W.V. Raman, who played pivotal roles in his development.The book is not just a memoir but also a reflection on the challenges and rewards of being a professional cricketer. Ashwin discusses the mental and physical toll of the game, as well as the importance of maintaining a positive mindset."Smart people learn from others' experiences. As long as this book positively impacts even five per cent of the people who read this, I have done my job," Ashwin says.

Swapnil Singh, the Royal Challengers Bangalore all-rounder, has had a remarkable journey in cricket. His recent impact in the Indian Premier League (IPL) has been a testament to his dedication and perseverance.Born in Lucknow, Swapnil began his cricketing journey in Baroda, where he made his Ranji debut at the tender age of 14. His father, his first coach, played a pivotal role in shaping his passion for the sport.Swapnil's connection with Virat Kohli dates back to their U15 and U19 days, where they shared a room during tours. Their bond remains strong, as evidenced by their warm reunion after many years.Swapnil's IPL journey began with Mumbai Indians in 2008, but his league debut came with Punjab Kings in 2017. He fondly recalls his first IPL encounter, where he dismissed MS Dhoni.A setback came in 2020 when Swapnil was dropped from the Baroda team despite consistent performances. However, this adversity led to a new opportunity in Uttarakhand, thanks to the support of Irfan Pathan.Swapnil's return to the IPL was facilitated by Deepak Hooda, who invited him to join Lucknow Super Giants as a net bowler. His impressive performance caught the attention of coaches Andy Flower and Narendra Hirwani.After impressing at a trials-cum-camp organized by RCB, Swapnil was selected for the team. He described the emotional moment when he was informed of his selection by his family.Throughout his journey, Swapnil has remained dedicated, treating each net session as a match. His efforts were rewarded with a chance to play and contribute to RCB's successful campaign.Swapnil's story is an inspiration to aspiring cricketers, demonstrating the importance of perseverance, dedication, and the support of loved ones.