Cricket

Ravindra Jadeja, the versatile Indian all-rounder, has been hailed as the "best fielder" in modern cricket by former South African cricketer and Pro Cricket League brand ambassador Jonty Rhodes. Rhodes, renowned for his exceptional fielding skills, praised Jadeja's ability to excel at any position on the ground."When I talk of modern cricket, the best fielder it is surely Ravindra Jadeja," Rhodes declared. "He can field at any position. You can place him at mid-wicket, long-on, or at short cover. He is so quick on the feet that the batter fears when the ball goes to him."Rhodes emphasized that Jadeja's exceptional fielding abilities extend beyond catching and throwing the ball. "The things that matter in fielding is how quickly you reach to the ball," he explained. "And that is where Jadeja is best."Jadeja's fielding prowess has been a key asset for the Indian team in recent years. He has played a crucial role in India's victories in major tournaments, including the 2011 Cricket World Cup and the 2013 ICC Champions Trophy.Despite his retirement from Twenty20 international cricket, Jadeja remains a vital member of the Indian team in ODI and Test cricket. He is expected to return to the squad for India's upcoming Test series against Bangladesh in September.

Chennai Super Kings (CSK) recently shared a viral image on social media featuring their iconic duo, MS Dhoni and Ravindra Jadeja, enjoying a moment at a farm. The image has sparked excitement among fans, who have been speculating about the future of these two stalwarts in the Indian Premier League (IPL).Dhoni, widely regarded as one of the greatest captains in IPL history, has led CSK to a record-equalling five titles. Jadeja, on the other hand, has been a consistent performer for the franchise, known for his all-around abilities. Both players have been integral to CSK's success over the years.The image shared by CSK shows Jadeja taking a selfie with Dhoni standing in the background. The caption reads, "Imagine Thala & Thalapathy in this field together!" Thala and Thalapathy are affectionate nicknames given to Dhoni and Jadeja, respectively.The original picture was shared by Jadeja on Instagram earlier this month, with the caption "Homeland." The image was taken at his farm, showcasing the bond between the two players.Dhoni has captained CSK to ten finals in their first 14 IPL seasons, winning five titles. He has played in every single edition for CSK, except for two seasons when the franchise was banned from the IPL. While Dhoni's future in the IPL remains uncertain, there is no doubt that he still has a few seasons left in him.Jadeja, on the other hand, has pulled out of the upcoming edition of the Duleep Trophy, where he was set to be part of Team 'B'. This decision has raised questions about his availability for the next IPL season.The image shared by CSK has reignited speculation about the future of Dhoni and Jadeja with the franchise. Fans are eager to see the duo continue their successful partnership in the IPL. However, with both players nearing the end of their careers, it remains to be seen how long they will continue to play at the highest level.

Delhi Capitals' Lalit Yadav, a promising all-rounder, has expressed his confidence in filling the void left by Ravindra Jadeja's retirement from T20I cricket. Yadav, who has been in impressive form for his IPL franchise, believes he has the skills and determination to step into the role."I definitely see myself in the race for the all-rounder slot," Yadav told PTI Videos. "Playing for India and wearing the jersey is my biggest motivation."Yadav, 27, has been playing for Purani Dilli 6 in the ongoing Delhi Premier League (DPL). While his batting performance has been underwhelming so far, he remains optimistic about his abilities."I'm not satisfied with my performance in the DPL, but I'm hungry for the next few games," he said. "I consider this an average performance."Despite his recent struggles, Yadav is confident in his ability to perform at the highest level. He believes the IPL is a platform for talented cricketers to showcase their skills."There are many talented players in our state," Yadav said. "If I perform better, people will notice. I focus on what I can control."As captain of Purani Dilli 6, Yadav feels no pressure in leading the side. He believes the team has the potential to qualify for the playoffs."We have a positive gut feeling that we will qualify," he said. "We're looking to carry the momentum from our last win."Yadav also praised the DPL for providing a platform for young players to develop their skills. He believes the tournament will continue to improve in the future."The players are starting to become professionals gradually," Yadav said. "They're getting used to playing at a high level."

Indian cricket legends Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma shocked the cricketing world by announcing their retirement from T20 internationals after India's triumph in the T20 World Cup 2024. The unexpected news left fans and experts alike stunned.While Kohli made the announcement during the post-match presentation ceremony, Sharma shared his decision in a press conference after the game. Many speculated that the retirements were pre-planned, but India's former bowling coach Paras Mhambrey revealed that neither Kohli, Sharma, nor Ravindra Jadeja had hinted at their intentions to quit the shortest format.In an interview with Hindustan Times, Mhambrey expressed surprise at the trio's sudden decision. "I think no one was expecting that," he said. "If you had any conversation earlier, we would have known this would be coming. But none of them had this conversation."Mhambrey believes that the retirements were a fitting end to the illustrious careers of Kohli, Sharma, and Jadeja. "If you look at it from the players' perspective, there can't be a better end to one format, right?" he said. "We are talking about people who have been part of the dressing room for maybe more than a decade, 12-13 years."Kohli, who was part of the 2011 World Cup-winning team, had been desperate to add a T20 World Cup title to his resume. "Not to win a World Cup since 2011 must have been big," Mhambrey said. "He wanted that badly."Sharma, who led India to victory in the 2024 tournament, also felt that it was the right time to step away from T20 internationals. "After winning the T20 World Cup, especially the stage that their careers are in... they're no longer young," Mhambrey said. "You've got to sometimes choose. You have to decide what formats you're going to play and cut down the cricket to focus on a particular format because age is not on your side."The retirements of Kohli, Sharma, and Jadeja mark the end of an era for Indian cricket. However, Mhambrey believes that the team has a bright future ahead. "We have a lot of young players who are coming through," he said. "We have a lot of talent in the country. So, I think Indian cricket is in good hands."

Ravindra Jadeja's absence from India's squads for the upcoming Sri Lanka series has sparked speculation about his future in the team. However, ESPNCricinfo reports that Jadeja has been rested, not dropped.The decision to rest Jadeja is part of a strategic move by the selectors and new head coach Gautam Gambhir. They aim to test Axar Patel's ability to replicate his T20I performance in ODIs and keep Jadeja fresh for the ten Test matches scheduled from September 2023 to January 2024.Jadeja's absence also reflects the importance of managing player workloads. Ensuring top performers like Jadeja are in peak condition for crucial upcoming fixtures highlights the necessity of resting certain players.As Team India embarks on this new phase under Gambhir's leadership, the focus remains on both immediate and long-term goals. The decision-making process appears to be well thought out to address current needs while planning for future challenges.

Ravindra Jadeja's absence from India's squads for the upcoming Sri Lanka tour has sparked discussions about the future of the spin all-rounder position in the team. With the Champions Trophy on the horizon, the new management under head coach Gautam Gambhir is keen on exploring other options to build a team for the future.Jadeja has been a crucial part of India's ODI setup for the past decade, with an impressive record of 2756 runs and 220 wickets. However, the management believes that it is time to look at other options to ensure a smooth transition in the spin all-rounder role.Axar Patel has emerged as the first-choice spin all-rounder, with Washington Sundar being considered the second-choice. Both players have shown promise in recent performances, and the management is eager to give them more opportunities to prove their worth."There are only six ODIs, including the three in Sri Lanka, before next year's Champions Trophy," a BCCI source told the Hindustan Times. "The selectors want to utilize the handful of games by giving more opportunities to Axar Patel and Washington Sundar."Jadeja's position in the Test team remains unaffected, highlighting his importance in home conditions for India's World Test Championship bid."Jadeja is outstanding in Test cricket. His bowling in home conditions is unmatchable. He will be important for India's World Test Championship bid," the source added.The decisions made by the new management reflect a strategic shift towards grooming future talents ahead of the Champions Trophy. The Sri Lanka tour will provide a valuable opportunity for Axar Patel and Washington Sundar to showcase their skills and stake their claim for a permanent spot in the team.

Ravindra Jadeja, India's star all-rounder, has paid a heartfelt tribute to his late mother, Lata, crediting her as the inspiration behind his remarkable achievements on the cricket field."Whatever I'm doing on the field... it's a tribute to you," Jadeja wrote on Instagram, accompanied by a poignant photo of his mother.Jadeja's mother passed away in 2005, when he was still a budding cricketer. Her loss left an indelible mark on the young player, but it also fueled his determination to succeed."I remember her every day," Jadeja said in an interview. "She was my biggest supporter, and I know she would be proud of what I've achieved."Jadeja's achievements are indeed impressive. He has played a pivotal role in India's recent triumphs, including the ICC Champions Trophy 2013 and ICC T20 World Cup 2024 titles.In 343 international appearances, Jadeja has amassed 6,307 runs at an average of 32.67, with four centuries and 33 half-centuries. His best score is an unbeaten 175.With the ball, Jadeja has taken 568 wickets at an average of 29.30, with the best figures of 7/42. His all-round abilities make him one of the most valuable players in the Indian team.Jadeja's success is not only a testament to his talent but also to his unwavering dedication and hard work. He is known for his meticulous preparation and his ability to adapt to different conditions.Off the field, Jadeja is a humble and down-to-earth individual. He is deeply connected to his roots and is actively involved in philanthropic activities.Ravindra Jadeja's story is an inspiration to aspiring cricketers and anyone who has faced adversity in their lives. It is a reminder that with determination and hard work, anything is possible.

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.

India's T20I Veterans Bow Out, Paving Way for YoungstersIndia's recent T20 World Cup triumph was bittersweet, marked by the retirement of three legendary players: Rohit Sharma, Ravindra Jadeja, and Virat Kohli. While fans mourned their departure, spinner Kuldeep Yadav respects their decision, recognizing it as an opportunity for young talent to shine.Kohli's retirement announcement signaled a changing of the guard in Indian cricket. He expressed his belief that it was time for the younger generation to take the reins, paving the way for a new era. Kuldeep echoed this sentiment, stating that the retirements would create opportunities for youngsters to make their mark in the shortest format of the game.The T20 World Cup final was a testament to the resilience and determination of the Indian team. Despite South Africa's strong start, India's pace attack, led by Arshdeep Singh, Jasprit Bumrah, and Hardik Pandya, held firm, restricting the Proteas to a manageable total.Kuldeep praised the team's approach, saying, "We were desperate to win the World Cup. We achieved what we wanted to." The victory broke India's nearly two-decade-long title drought in the T20 World Cup, a testament to the team's hard work and dedication.As India enters a new era in T20I cricket, the retirements of Sharma, Jadeja, and Kohli will undoubtedly leave a void. However, Kuldeep believes that the younger players are ready to step up and fill their shoes. With their talent and determination, they have the potential to continue India's success in the shortest format of the game.