Cricket

Robin Uthappa's Emotional Tribute to India's T20 World Cup TriumphFormer Indian batter Robin Uthappa has expressed his heartfelt emotions in a moving tribute to the Indian team's victory in the 2024 T20 World Cup. Uthappa, who was part of India's maiden T20 World Cup-winning squad in 2007, couldn't control his tears as he recalled the struggles and hardships faced by the players in the past year.India's triumph in Barbados ended a 13-year wait for an ICC title. However, the journey to the top was not without its challenges. The team had lost back-to-back finals in the World Test Championship and ODI World Cup.Uthappa, in a discussion with veteran India off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin, highlighted the constant trolling and criticism that each player had to endure. "I was so full of emotions, you would've found me in tears," Uthappa said. "I went through each player individually, and what they have been through. I apologize in advance if I get emotional on this show, but when you go through each player individually, and what they've been through over the past 4-5 years -- trolling, criticism -- and you've been part of it as well, so you know what it feels like."Uthappa emphasized that every cricketer in India faces harsh trolling and criticism at some point in their careers. "I could feel the emotions of each player individually," he said. "I cried for the first 20 minutes after the victory. I went and bowed before god, saying thank you. As a cricketer who has represented India, thank you. This victory was so special because it was long incoming."Uthappa also praised the role of coach Rahul Dravid, who he described as an "absolute mentor." "We say a 50-year-old man celebrate like a kid when the World Cup trophy was given to him," Uthappa said. "This is the beauty of the sport. I am so grateful to god for everyone. All of the players deserve to win the World Cup."

Ravichandran Ashwin, India's premier spinner, has lauded Suryakumar Yadav's exceptional performance in the ongoing T20 World Cup 2024. Ashwin hailed Yadav as one of the finest T20 batters globally, highlighting his remarkable consistency and ability to deliver under pressure.Yadav, batting at number four, has amassed 196 runs in seven matches at an impressive strike rate of 137.06, making him the ninth-highest run-getter in the tournament. Ashwin attributed Yadav's success to his unwavering intent and the confidence instilled in him by head coach Rahul Dravid."Suryakumar Yadav is one of the finest T20 batters in the world. He is playing extraordinarily well," Ashwin said on his YouTube channel. "He has shown his intent at number four, putting to bed any doubts about his ability to perform in knockout matches against big teams."Ashwin also praised Dravid's transformative role in shaping Team India's approach. He emphasized Dravid's meticulous planning and unwavering commitment to empowering each player."I know what Rahul Dravid has been doing with this team for the past 2-3 years. He has worked hard to change the approach, giving each player a clear role and instilling confidence in them," Ashwin added.India, under Rohit Sharma's leadership, has been dominant throughout the tournament, showcasing their prowess against formidable opponents like Australia, Pakistan, and England. South Africa, on the other hand, has navigated close encounters, narrowly escaping defeat against Bangladesh, Nepal, and the West Indies.Both teams will face off in the highly anticipated final at the Kensington Oval in Barbados on Saturday, with India aiming to end their ICC trophy drought since 2013 and claim their first T20 World Cup title since 2007.

Ravichandran Ashwin, the Indian all-rounder, has come to the defense of Afghanistan's Gulbadin Naib, who has faced criticism for his actions during the T20 World Cup Super 8 match against Bangladesh. Afghanistan made history by reaching the semi-finals of the T20 World Cup for the first time.During the match, Naib allegedly faked an injury after coach Jonathan Trott signaled for him to slow down. Afghanistan was ahead on DLS when rain interrupted the match. Naib immediately collapsed to the ground. While his antics initially sparked laughter, fans and experts later accused him of cheating.However, Ashwin, who had initially joked that Naib should receive a red card, has now defended the player. He emphasized that Naib was playing for the entire nation of Afghanistan. "Gulbadin Naib fell that way. Everyone said that is a penalizable offense. But what the hell, man? The guy is playing for his country, trying to win a World Cup, qualify," Ashwin said on his YouTube channel.Ashwin further argued that all the players in the Afghanistan team were playing for each other and for their country. He praised their unity, saying, "In Afghanistan, it is not just momentum. It is a country with so much hope. They are playing for one another. This playing for one another, we can say a thousand things about it. We can say it to so many people. Doesn't India play for one another? For the badge? Of course. But Afghanistan, at this stage of their cricketing journey, are playing for one another like I have never seen anything like this."Ahead of Afghanistan's first T20 World Cup semi-final appearance, head coach Jonathan Trott expressed confidence in his team. "We go into the semifinal with no scarring or no history. This is uncharted territory for us. But, by no means, do we feel like we're going into the semifinal just to compete. We're there to win the semifinal. We've beaten some major teams," Trott said after the victory over Bangladesh.

Ravichandran Ashwin, India's prolific spinner, has unveiled his aspiration as a young cricketer: to earn the recognition of MS Dhoni. Despite his current status as one of the most formidable bowlers of his generation, Ashwin's journey began as a budding player in the Chennai Super Kings squad, eagerly awaiting his opportunity.In his recently launched book, "I Have the Streets - A Kutti Cricket Story," Ashwin recounts his arduous path to gaining Dhoni's attention, which culminated in 2009. Despite being selected by Chennai Super Kings in 2008, Ashwin admits that Dhoni was unaware of his presence during the inaugural IPL season."MS Dhoni didn't even know someone like me existed in 2008. So, I made it my life goal, from 2009, to get the wicket of MS Dhoni," Ashwin reveals.Ashwin's determination manifested in an exceptional performance at the Challenger Trophy in Nagpur. "I bowled an unbelievable spell. MS struggled throughout the spell. Once, when he tried to play, the ball went through the gates. I got him out in the final," Ashwin recalls.This pivotal moment marked a turning point in Ashwin's career. "From then on, MS Dhoni saw me as someone with skill, and the relationship matured," he says.While Ashwin played only two games in IPL 2009, he became an integral part of CSK's lineup from 2010 onwards, contributing to the franchise's maiden IPL title.Ashwin attributes his success to Dhoni's unwavering belief in his abilities. "If MS decides a horse is not ready to race, he won't use you. He needs to know you're a horse. But once he knows you're a horse, he will look past you only when you feel like giving up," Ashwin explains."That is MS Dhoni. He believes in you," he adds.Ashwin's recent appointment at India Cements and his potential return to CSK in the upcoming IPL season further cement his bond with the franchise and its iconic captain.

Ravichandran Ashwin, India's premier off-spinner, has penned a heartfelt memoir titled "I Have the Streets: A Kutty Cricket Story." In this book, Ashwin delves into his formative years in Chennai, where street cricket ignited his passion for the game.Growing up in the bustling streets of Ramakrishnapuram, Ashwin found solace in the camaraderie and competitive spirit of street cricket. Every evening, he would join his friends for hours of intense matches, honing his skills and developing a deep love for the sport.Ashwin's childhood was filled with memorable moments on the streets. He recalls the thrill of hitting towering sixes that shattered windows, the joy of scoring runs that earned him the coveted "gaaji," and the occasional scolding from the stern uncle next door.Despite his success on the international stage, Ashwin remains deeply connected to his street cricket roots. He believes that the lessons he learned on those dusty lanes have shaped him into the player he is today."The game was an avenue for me to compete," Ashwin says. "Even now, I'm every bit the same gully cricketer who played on the streets of Ramakrishnapuram. It's the same fight I have in me."Ashwin's memoir is not just a nostalgic account of his childhood. It also offers a glimpse into the vibrant culture of street cricket in Chennai. He describes the unique rules, the colorful characters, and the sense of community that surrounds the game.Through his writing, Ashwin hopes to inspire others to embrace the joys of street cricket. He believes that the game can teach valuable life lessons about teamwork, perseverance, and the importance of having fun."I just feel that after reading this, if someone wishes to be out there in the evenings playing cricket, I would have achieved what I set out to," Ashwin says.

Afghanistan's cricket team continues to make waves in the international arena, recently achieving a historic victory over Australia in the T20 World Cup 2024. This triumph has sparked widespread praise and admiration, but it has also raised questions about the integrity of the Afghan team's performance against India.Some critics have suggested that Afghanistan's players may be influenced by the lucrative contracts they can earn by playing in the Indian Premier League (IPL). However, veteran Indian all-rounder Ravichandran Ashwin has strongly refuted these allegations.In response to a tweet by a Pakistani journalist implying that Afghanistan's performance against India is compromised by IPL contracts, Ashwin expressed his annoyance and asserted his right to control who enters his social media timeline. He stated that he should not be obligated to block individuals who make such baseless accusations.Afghanistan's impressive run in the T20 World Cup has included victories over New Zealand and Australia. They now face Bangladesh in the Super 8s, with a win potentially securing their place in the semi-finals. However, Bangladesh's progression also depends on India defeating Australia in their final match.Afghanistan's success has been attributed to their talented players and the leadership of Rashid Khan. The team's ability to adapt to different conditions and execute their game plans effectively has been key to their recent victories.Despite the allegations of bias, Afghanistan's performance on the field has been commendable. They have shown determination, skill, and a strong team spirit. Their victory over Australia is a testament to their growing stature in world cricket.

Gautam Gambhir, the former Indian opener, has emerged as the frontrunner to become the next head coach of Team India. This speculation has been fueled by his recent success as mentor of the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), who won the IPL 2024 title under his guidance.Gambhir's appointment would mark a significant shift in the Indian team's coaching philosophy. Known for his aggressive and competitive nature, Gambhir is expected to bring a fresh perspective to the team. His ability to inspire and motivate players, as evidenced by his support for Ravichandran Ashwin during his early days in the Indian team, is seen as a key asset.Ashwin, in his recent book launch event, spoke highly of Gambhir's character. He described him as a "very misunderstood person" who is often unfairly labeled as a villain. Ashwin emphasized Gambhir's unwavering desire to win and his ability to bring out the best in his players.Gambhir's potential appointment has also sparked comparisons with former India women's coach WV Raman, who is also in contention for the role. Interestingly, Gambhir and Raman worked together at KKR in 2014, when the franchise won the IPL title.However, Gambhir has remained coy about his future plans. Speaking at an event hosted by the Indian Chamber of Commerce, he said, "I just finished a brilliant journey (with KKR), let's enjoy that."Despite his reluctance to confirm his intentions, Gambhir's credentials and the support he has garnered from within the Indian cricket fraternity make him a strong candidate for the head coach position. His appointment would be a bold move by the BCCI, but it could potentially usher in a new era of success for Team India.

Ravichandran Ashwin, India's veteran spinner, has heaped praise on Gautam Gambhir, describing him as a tenacious and exceptional motivator. Gambhir is the leading candidate to replace Rahul Dravid as India's head coach.Ashwin credits Gambhir with instilling confidence in him during the early stages of his Test career. The spinner reminisced about his conversations with Gambhir during his debut full series for India, which took place against New Zealand in 2012."Gambhir was a fighter," Ashwin stated, emphasizing the former opener's role in his development as a cricketer. "I was playing my first full series. I only carried drinks during the first two years before the World Cup (in 2011). He gave me a lot of confidence at the beginning (of his career). I was not used to someone beyond my state (Tamil Nadu) giving me that sort of confidence," Ashwin said while launching his book -- I Have the Streets - A Kutti Cricket Story -- in Chennai.Ashwin expressed his views on the former Indian opener, stating that the cricketer's frank and straightforward manner often led to misinterpretation of his character. "Gautam Gambhir is a very misunderstood person. It's all about perception. He is a fighter. The biggest issue with many of us is that we give hero status to someone in our mind and forget about everyone else. This is a sport, not a movie narrative. There are no heroes and villains. Gambhir is a competitor. His desire and hunger to win is unbelievable. I have massive respect (for him)," he added.Ashwin's rise to prominence in the Indian Premier League (IPL) occurred in 2010 when he was selected to play for the Chennai Super Kings, led by the iconic MS Dhoni. This opportunity proved to be a turning point in Ashwin's career, showcasing his skills on a grand stage.However, Ashwin's journey to the IPL spotlight can be traced back to a pivotal moment in the 2008 Challenger Trophy. It was during this tournament that Ashwin managed to catch the eye of Dhoni, who recognized the young spinner's potential."It's an evolving relationship. MS didn't even know someone like me existed in 2008," he remembered. "And because of that, I made it my life's goal -- from 2009, it was to get the wicket of MS Dhoni. When a person has a goal like this, he will go crazy when an opportunity to achieve it pops up."Ashwin went back to that final match held in Nagpur. "We were playing the Challenger Trophy, and I bowled an unbelievable spell. MS would struggle through that spell in Nagpur. Once, when he tried to play, the ball went through his gates. I got him out in the final. From then on, I think he saw somebody with skill, and the relationship matured."Ashwin revealed that once a player gained Dhoni's confidence, they would receive numerous opportunities to showcase their abilities. "One of MS' usual qualities is that, if he decides this horse (a player) is not ready to race, he will not use you. He needs to know you're a horse. But, once he knows you're a horse, only when you feel like giving up, he will look past you. That is MS Dhoni; he believes in you," he added.Ashwin's contribution to India's historic 2011 World Cup triumph was minimal. However, the Tamil Nadu spinner fondly remembered the inclusive atmosphere created by head coach Gary Kirsten and the entire team, ensuring he never felt left out or unappreciated."After winning (the WC), Gary called me over and said we have not done justice to your talent. You have waited two years, but make no mistake, take it from me -- you will achieve far greater things, and I am upset that I will not be a part of it," he reflected. "So, Gary actually resigned (as head coach) with me first before announcing it outside (laughs). It was surprising for me because in all these two years, Gary actually spoke, maybe, 100 lines to me. Gary was a man of few words and an outstanding human being," he added.In fact, Ashwin was used sparingly even in the run-up to that World Cup. He offered a reason for that. "One of the reasons why MS did not play me leading up to the World Cup (2011) was the novelty factor. But eventually, I figured out that they would play me. I was about to play the match against Pakistan (2nd semifinal in Mohali). But, they decided to opt for an extra fast bowler because there was heavy dew the previous day there," he concluded.

Virat Kohli's recent struggles as an opening batter in the ongoing T20 World Cup 2024 have sparked a heated debate about his form and role within the Indian team. Traditionally a No. 3 batter, Kohli has faced calls to move down the batting order and allow someone like Rishabh Pant to take his place alongside skipper Rohit Sharma.However, veteran India spinner Ravichandran Ashwin believes that such a move would not damage Kohli's confidence. Ashwin, who is not part of India's squad for the T20 World Cup, feels that if Kohli is moved down to the No. 3 spot, he might get pumped up and prove his doubters wrong."There is no chance for a player like Virat Kohli to damage his confidence. He will say, 'you brought me down to number 3, I will show you who I am.' That's how he will bat, first of all. I am saying this because I know him," Ashwin said in a video on his YouTube channel.Despite Kohli's poor performances in the three matches he has played at the T20 World Cup, the question of him being dropped from the playing XI does not arise. Former India batter Robin Uthappa, who has had the chance to observe Kohli's physiology, feels that the man is still oozing with confidence."Virat Kohli's physiology, after the previous match, I saw a glimpse of it. Maybe five seconds. Him interacting with some of the players and talking to the support staff. When you see his physiology, you can tell that man is exuding supreme confidence. And that comes from a place of knowing about his own game and the confidence in his own ability. So, he knows that this is just a blip in the radar," Uthappa said during the chat with Ashwin.Kohli's struggles have coincided with India's poor start to the T20 World Cup. The team has lost two of its three matches and is in danger of being eliminated from the tournament. However, Ashwin believes that Kohli's experience and leadership will be crucial for India's chances of turning things around."Virat Kohli is a big player. He has been a big player for India for a long time. He has won many matches for India. He is a match-winner. So, I don't think we should be worried about him. He will come good," Ashwin said.