Cricket

Paras Mhambrey, a former Indian cricketer and bowling coach, recently concluded his 31-month stint with the Indian cricket team. In an exclusive interview, he shared his insights on his tenure, the team's strengths and weaknesses, and the challenges they faced.Mhambrey's association with the team began in 2021, when he was appointed as the bowling coach under head coach Rahul Dravid. He described his experience as "rewarding" and "satisfying," crediting Dravid for creating a positive and supportive environment.Reflecting on the team's performance, Mhambrey highlighted the importance of the 2023 World Cup, which India hosted. He acknowledged the pressure and expectations surrounding the tournament but emphasized the team's determination to overcome them."We knew what the pressures were," Mhambrey said. "We knew what we were about to encounter because when you interact with people, everyone wants to win the World Cup, right? You can't run away from it."To prepare for the World Cup, Mhambrey and the coaching staff analyzed the team's performance in the 2022 T20 World Cup, where they lost in the semifinals. They identified areas for improvement and worked on developing specific strategies for different venues."We learned our lessons from 2022, which culminated with the T20 World Cup," Mhambrey explained. "We sat down and said what do we need to do differently."Mhambrey also praised the individual contributions of several players, including R. Ashwin, Kuldeep Yadav, and Arshdeep Singh. He highlighted Ashwin's exceptional skills and his ability to reinvent himself as a white-ball bowler."I find Ash very unique," Mhambrey said. "Very few people who are at that stage of their career — someone with more than 500 Test wickets — who still come with the intensity of a rookie."Mhambrey also acknowledged the challenges faced by some bowlers, such as Umran Malik, who he believes needs more guidance and a structured state team environment.Overall, Mhambrey's tenure as bowling coach was marked by a focus on improvement, adaptability, and a strong team spirit. He expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to work with the Indian cricket team and wished them continued success in the future.

Paras Mhambrey, India's outgoing bowling coach, has played a pivotal role in the team's recent success, including their triumph at the T20 World Cup. Mhambrey, who has worked closely with Rahul Dravid since 2015, outlines the key principles that have guided their approach.Process-First Policy:Mhambrey emphasizes the importance of prioritizing process over results, especially with developmental teams. By ensuring that every player receives ample game time, they foster a sense of security and minimize the pressure on young players. This approach has resulted in a thriving 'A' and U-19 program, which has produced a steady stream of talented players for the senior team.Data Assimilation:Mhambrey highlights the crucial role of data in their planning. By collecting and analyzing data across all aspects of the game, they have been able to formalize programs and streamline the structure. This data-driven approach has enabled them to tailor training and workload management to individual players' needs.Limiting U-19 World Cup Appearances:Mhambrey explains the decision to limit players to a single U-19 World Cup. This policy ensures that players have sufficient time to develop and transition to the 'A' and emerging programs. By bridging the gap between youth and senior teams, they have created a seamless pathway for players to progress through the ranks.Building Relationships:Mhambrey stresses the importance of building strong relationships with senior players. By engaging in open and honest conversations, they have fostered a culture of trust and respect. This has allowed them to have candid discussions about team vision and individual roles, even with experienced players like Ishant Sharma and Bhuvneshwar Kumar.Investing in Youth:Mhambrey acknowledges the need to invest in young players to create a sustainable bowling pool. By integrating them into the senior team alongside experienced bowlers, they have ensured that the younger generation is not overwhelmed by the responsibilities of leading the attack. This strategy has paid dividends, as evidenced by the emergence of Arshdeep Singh and Avesh Khan.Incentivizing Red-Ball Cricket:Mhambrey recognizes the challenge of encouraging young players to prioritize red-ball cricket in the era of T20 leagues. By emphasizing the historical significance and prestige of Test cricket, they aim to instill a sense of pride and aspiration in the younger generation. They also highlight the value of Test cricket in enhancing a player's overall skills and reputation.Home Advantage in Test Cricket:Mhambrey discusses India's home advantage in Test cricket, emphasizing the importance of understanding their strengths and resources. While acknowledging the effectiveness of spinning tracks, he cautions against excessive reliance on rank turners, which can level the playing field for touring teams.Pace-Bowling Allrounders:Mhambrey identifies the need to develop genuine pace-bowling allrounders. By identifying potential candidates from U-19 and domestic cricket, they aim to provide them with the support and opportunities to hone their skills. They recognize the challenges posed by the Impact Player rule in the IPL but remain committed to nurturing allrounders.

Gautam Gambhir, the former Indian opener, is set to embark on his maiden coaching assignment with the Indian cricket team during their upcoming white-ball tour of Sri Lanka. Gambhir's appointment as head coach follows the successful tenure of Rahul Dravid, who stepped down after India's triumph at the T20 World Cup in Barbados.Brett Lee, the legendary Australian pacer, has expressed his confidence in Gambhir's ability to lead the Indian team to success. Lee believes that Gambhir's aggressive and winning mindset, which he displayed during his playing days, will translate into positive results for the team."He's done a terrific job every time he's had an opportunity," Lee said of Gambhir. "The Indian Premier League title with KKR is the best example. He's always been there, always at the top of his game. He finds a way to unite his players and graft his team together. He builds a solid structure."Lee also praised Dravid for his successful stint as head coach, saying, "Congratulations to Rahul for finishing on a high."Regarding India's performance at the T20 World Cup, Lee commended Rohit Sharma's leadership. "Big, big congratulations to India," Lee said. "They looked like a strong side, to be very honest. Massive congratulations to Rohit Sharma and the Indian team. He led from the front in the tournament."India will face Sri Lanka in three T20Is and as many ODIs, starting July 26. Rohit and Virat Kohli are likely to be rested for the tour, providing an opportunity for younger players to showcase their skills.

Team India's triumph at the T20 World Cup 2024 was bittersweet, marked by the retirement of three legendary players: Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, and Ravindra Jadeja. The trio bid farewell to the shortest format after India's thrilling seven-run victory over South Africa in the summit clash.The World Cup also marked the end of head coach Rahul Dravid's tenure. Dravid, who guided India to the title, has been succeeded by Gautam Gambhir.Rohit Sharma, who is currently in the USA, recently gave a witty response to fans chanting the name of Australian pacer Mitchell Starc. At the launch of a cricket academy in Dallas, Rohit urged the fans to "calm down guys," eliciting laughter from the crowd.The chants were a reference to Starc's 29-run thrashing by Rohit during India's T20 World Cup clash against Australia. Rohit, with 4231 runs in 159 games, is the format's leading scorer. He also holds the record for most hundreds (five) in T20 internationals.Head coach Gambhir's first assignment will be the upcoming white-ball series against Sri Lanka. Reports suggest that Kohli and Rohit may be rested from the ODIs. Hardik Pandya is likely to lead Team India in the T20Is, while KL Rahul will captain in the ODIs.India's tour of Sri Lanka has been revised, with the start of the contest pushed back by a day to July 27. The Indians will play three T20 Internationals and as many ODIs in the island nation.

Vikram Rathour, India's batting coach until the T20 World Cup 2024, acknowledges the impending transition period for the team but emphasizes the need for a controlled approach. With the retirement of Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and Ravindra Jadeja, India's T20I team will undergo significant changes.Rathour acknowledges the challenge of replacing players of Rohit and Virat's caliber. However, he believes that the recent T20I series against Zimbabwe provided a glimpse into the future of the T20 team. He highlights the emergence of young players like Shubman Gill, who led the team to a 4-1 victory.Rathour emphasizes the importance of a gradual transition, ensuring that the team maintains its depth and quality. He expresses confidence in the upcoming generation of players, including Gill, Rishabh Pant, Yashasvi Jaiswal, and Dhruv Jurel, to form the core of the team across formats.Rathour also praises Rinku Singh, who has impressed in both short-format cricket and first-class matches. He believes that Singh has the potential to develop into a successful Test cricketer, citing his technical ability, calm temperament, and impressive first-class average.Reflecting on his partnership with former head coach Rahul Dravid, Rathour commends Dravid's open-mindedness and willingness to provide space for his coaches to work. He credits Dravid with fostering a collaborative environment that allowed them to implement changes in the team's batting approach, such as introducing more intent and aggression.

India's T20 World Cup Triumph: A Moment of Redemption for Rahul DravidFormer India cricketer VVS Laxman hailed the heartwarming gesture of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma handing over the T20 World Cup 2024 trophy to Rahul Dravid, a moment that encapsulated the significance of India's victory in Barbados.After a 13-year drought of an ICC World Cup, India's triumph was a cathartic experience for Dravid, who had captained the team in 2007 when they crashed out of the tournament in the West Indies. On the same soil, Dravid turned the nightmare into a day to remember, holding aloft the trophy for the first time in his illustrious career.Laxman praised the emotional outpouring from Dravid, known as "The Wall" for his stoic demeanor. "When he lifted the World Cup, I thought it was a great gesture by Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli to hand over that trophy, and the way he celebrated lifting that trophy showed how much it meant to each one of them," Laxman said.The victory was a testament to the hard work and dedication of the entire team. Rohit Sharma collapsed to the ground as the last wicket fell, while Hardik Pandya, who defended 16 runs in the final over, was overcome with tears. Rohit kissed Hardik on the cheek, a poignant display of affection and gratitude."Everyone showed their emotions," Laxman observed. "It showed how much it meant to each and every player of that sport. It's not only the playing 11, but even the support staff, the coaching staff, emotions were really high."Laxman also highlighted the significance of the victory for India, which had come close to winning the 50-over World Cup just six months earlier. "It's a special feeling, keeping in mind that we have come close," he said. "The entire country is rejoicing with this result."

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.

Rahul Dravid's Noble Gesture and Rohit Sharma's Leadership in T20 World Cup TriumphFormer Indian cricket team head coach Rahul Dravid's decision to forego half of his prize money from the T20 World Cup 2024 victory has garnered widespread admiration. However, a recent report has revealed that it was India captain Rohit Sharma who initiated the move to ensure fair compensation for the support staff.Initially, the prize money distribution plan of Rs 125 crore allocated Rs 5 crore to Dravid and Rs 2.5 crore to other coaches. However, Rohit expressed his dissatisfaction with the disparity and offered to give up his own share to bridge the gap."Rohit was unhappy with the disparity in the prize money and was willing to give up his own share to make sure everyone got paid well," said a team member on the chartered flight back from Barbados to India.Dravid, known for his humility and leadership qualities, followed Rohit's lead and decided to take the same amount as his support staff, including bowling coach Paras Mhambrey, fielding coach T Dilip, and batting coach Vikram Rathore.The BCCI subsequently revised the distribution plan, allocating Rs 2 crore each to strength and conditioning coaches, physios, analysts, and other support staff.Rohit's gesture not only ensured fair compensation for the support staff but also highlighted his exceptional leadership skills. Under his captaincy, India became the first team to win the T20 World Cup without losing a single game, showcasing their dominance and resilience.Dravid's decision to match the support staff's prize money further cemented his reputation as a coach who values teamwork and recognizes the contributions of all members of the team.

Rahul Dravid's Legacy: A Tribute from Rohit Sharma and FamilyRahul Dravid's tenure as head coach of the Indian men's cricket team came to an end with the appointment of Gautam Gambhir. Dravid's departure marks the end of an era for Indian cricket, as he led the team to triumph in the T20 World Cup 2024 after disappointments in the 2021 T20 World Cup and the 2023 ODI World Cup.Dravid's impact on the Indian team extended beyond the field. He fostered a culture of respect, humility, and hard work, earning the admiration of players and fans alike. His bond with Rohit Sharma's family, particularly his daughter Samaira, was particularly touching.In a heartfelt tribute on social media, Rohit Sharma's wife Ritika Sajdeh expressed the family's gratitude for Dravid's guidance and support. "So many emotions, you mean so much to our entire family. You will be missed so much. I think Sammy will miss you the most," she wrote.Rohit Sharma himself paid an emotional tribute to Dravid, calling him his "work wife." "My wife refers to you as my work wife and I am lucky to get to call you that too," Rohit wrote on Instagram. "You are an absolute stalwart of this game but you left all of your accolades and achievements at the door and walked in as our coach and came on a level where we all felt comfortable enough to say just about anything to you."Dravid's legacy as a coach will be defined by his ability to connect with players on a personal level while maintaining high standards of performance. His departure leaves a void in Indian cricket, but his influence will continue to shape the team for years to come.