Cricket

Barinder Sran, the left-arm fast bowler who represented India in six ODIs and two T20Is, has announced his retirement from international and domestic cricket at the age of 31.Sran's international career was brief but memorable. He made his ODI debut in January 2016 against Australia in Perth, taking 3 for 56. He also played in the white-ball tour of Zimbabwe in June 2016, where he made his T20I debut and took 4 for 10 in the second game in Harare.Sran's journey to international cricket was a remarkable one. He started out as a boxer at the Bhiwani Boxing Club in Haryana before switching to cricket after seeing a Kings XI Punjab advertisement calling youngsters to take part in a trial.Despite not getting an IPL contract initially, Sran's talent was evident. He was picked up by Rajasthan Royals at the 2015 IPL auction and made his ODI debut for India a year later with only eight List A matches under his belt.Sran's retirement marks the end of a promising career. He was a talented bowler who represented India with distinction. He will be remembered for his brief but impactful international career and his journey from village cricket to the highest level.

Will Pucovski, once hailed as a rising star in Australian cricket, has been forced to retire at the tender age of 26 due to persistent head injuries and concussions. The decision, recommended by a panel of medical experts, marks a sad end to a promising career that was marred by a series of setbacks.Pucovski's struggles with head injuries began early in his career. In 2017, he suffered a concussion while playing for Victoria's Under-19 team. Despite this setback, he made his first-class debut in 2017 and quickly established himself as a prolific run-scorer. However, his progress was repeatedly interrupted by head injuries.In 2021, Pucovski made his Test debut against India in Sydney. Despite a promising start, he was forced to retire hurt after being struck on the helmet by Navdeep Saini. The injury sidelined him for six months and also contributed to mental health issues.In March 2024, Pucovski suffered another concussion during a Sheffield Shield match. The blow ruled him out of the rest of the Australian summer and forced him to withdraw from a contract with Leicestershire for the English summer.The latest concussion proved to be the final straw for Pucovski. After consulting with medical experts, he made the difficult decision to retire from the game. In his career, he played 36 first-class matches for Victoria, scoring 2,350 runs at an average of 45.19 with seven centuries.Pucovski's retirement is a reminder of the serious risks associated with head injuries in sport. It also highlights the importance of mental health support for athletes who suffer from these injuries. While his career may have been cut short, Pucovski's legacy will serve as a cautionary tale about the dangers of concussions and the need to prioritize player safety.

Dinesh Karthik, the former Indian wicketkeeper-batsman, has announced his participation in the upcoming edition of the Legends League Cricket (LLC), following in the footsteps of Shikhar Dhawan. Karthik, who retired from all forms of cricket in June, will now embark on a new chapter in his illustrious career.Known for his explosive middle-order batting, agile wicket-keeping skills, and recent success as a commentator, Karthik's entry into the LLC marks a fresh start. The 39-year-old expressed his excitement about joining the league, stating, "Playing at the Legends League Cricket is definitely something I am looking forward to after my retirement. I am up to the task both mentally and physically and look forward to playing the brand of cricket I have always enjoyed."Throughout his career, Karthik represented India in 180 matches across three formats, accumulating 3,463 runs and 172 dismissals. In the Indian Premier League (IPL), he had a remarkable journey spanning 17 years, amassing 4,842 runs in 257 matches and representing six different franchises.Raman Raheja, Co-founder of LLC, welcomed Karthik to the league, saying, "We are very excited to have Dinesh Karthik join us. His flair and his penchant to finish matches and entertain the crowd will undoubtedly add value to the Legends League Cricket."The upcoming season of the LLC is scheduled to kick off in September 2024, featuring a roster of retired cricket icons. The LLC auction will take place on August 29 in New Delhi, where franchises will compete for the top players from both Indian and international cricket.Karthik's participation in the LLC is a testament to his continued passion for the game and his desire to entertain fans once again. His presence in the league will undoubtedly add excitement and star power to the competition.

Indian cricket star KL Rahul has candidly shared his thoughts on the fleeting nature of an athlete's career and his plans for life after retirement.Rahul, who has faced challenges in recent times with the Lucknow Super Giants in the IPL and the Indian cricket team, acknowledges the limited shelf life of an athlete. "There is a fear and realization that the shelf life is really small for an athlete," he said.At 30 years old, Rahul has begun to envision the end of his playing days. "I could see the end of the tunnel," he said. "All I have done all my life is 'Cricket, Cricket, Cricket,' without imagining this comes to an end."Recognizing the financial implications of retirement, Rahul has started exploring business ventures and investments. "I know there will be a huge dip in the amount I earn after I retire," he said. "I am trying to set up a few things before I retire so that when I retire that transition from an athlete to doing something in business will be smooth."Rahul's introspection highlights the challenges faced by athletes as they approach the end of their careers. While the allure of the game remains strong, the realization of its finite nature can trigger anxiety and a sense of urgency to secure their future.Rahul's candidness serves as a reminder that even the most successful athletes must plan for life beyond their playing days. By embracing this reality and taking proactive steps, they can ensure a smooth transition into the next chapter of their lives.

Legendary Indian opener Sunil Gavaskar has expressed his disappointment over Shikhar Dhawan's retirement from all formats of cricket, stating that the sport will be "poorer" without him. Gavaskar believes that injuries may have played a role in Dhawan's decision to step away from the game.Dhawan, affectionately known as "Gabbar," was a prolific run-scorer across formats for India and in domestic leagues. He made significant contributions to India's cricketing success over the years, amassing 6,793 runs in 167 ODIs, 2,315 runs in 34 Tests, and 1,759 runs in T20Is.Gavaskar noted that Dhawan's retirement is a reminder of the challenges faced by opening batters, who can be dropped from the team after a lean series or tournament. He also acknowledged that injuries have been a part of Dhawan's career in recent years, which may have influenced his decision to quit while still enjoying the game.Dhawan played a crucial role in several tournaments for India, including the victorious 2013 Champions Trophy campaign in England. He was also the leading run-scorer for India in numerous other major tournaments, such as the 2014 Asia Cup, 2015 ODI World Cup, 2017 Champions Trophy, and 2018 Asia Cup.Apart from his contributions with the bat, Dhawan also led India on occasions when senior players were unavailable. In domestic leagues, he represented several teams in the Indian Premier League (IPL), including Delhi Capitals, Mumbai Indians, Deccan Chargers, Sunrisers Hyderabad, and Punjab Kings. Dhawan is the second-highest run-getter in the IPL, only behind Virat Kohli.Gavaskar believes that Dhawan can still bring joy to fans in various roles, such as through the Legends Cricket League and philanthropic ventures. He also noted that retired cricketers today have more opportunities to stay connected with the game.Dhawan's retirement marks the end of an era for Indian cricket. His cheerful demeanor and positive attitude will be missed by teammates and fans alike. However, his legacy will continue to inspire future generations of cricketers.

Shikhar Dhawan, the former Indian opener, has embarked on a new chapter in his illustrious career by joining the Legends League Cricket (LLC) just days after announcing his retirement from international and domestic cricket. Dhawan, renowned for his explosive batting and vibrant personality, has established himself as a modern-day white-ball great.Dhawan's transition into the LLC marks a significant milestone in his career. As quoted from a press release by LLC, he expressed his enthusiasm about joining the league: "Taking on this new chapter with Legends League Cricket feels like the ideal progression after my retirement. My body is still conditioned for the demands of the game, and while I'm at ease with my decision, cricket is an inseparable part of who I am, it will never go out of me. I'm eager to regroup with my cricketing friends and continue to entertain my fans as we create new memories together."Throughout his career, Dhawan has achieved remarkable feats, including being named Player of the Tournament in the 2013 ICC Champions Trophy. He has amassed over 6,793 runs in One Day Internationals (ODIs) at an impressive average of 44.1, 27.92 in T20Is, and with a strike rate of 91.35. His contributions to the Indian cricket team and the Indian Premier League (IPL) have solidified his status as a cricketing icon. In his career spanning over a decade, he played 269 matches scoring 10, 867 runs at an average of 40.Raman Raheja, Co-founder of Legends League Cricket, welcomed Dhawan to the league, stating, "We are thrilled to have Shikhar Dhawan join us. His experience and flair will undoubtedly enhance the competition and entertain fans. We look forward to seeing him in action alongside other cricket legends. This will further enhance our position as the 2nd innings for legendary Cricketers."Dhawan's move to Legends League Cricket after retirement follows the footsteps of other cricketing superstars, including Aaron Finch, Martin Guptill, and Hashim Amla, who joined the league right out of retirement. The Legends League Cricket is set to commence its next season in September 2024, featuring a lineup of retired cricketing greats competing in a series of thrilling matches. Dhawan's participation is expected to draw significant attention, as fans are eager to witness his skills on the field again.

Shikhar Dhawan, the swashbuckling Indian opener, has announced his retirement from international cricket, bringing an end to a glittering career that spanned over a decade. Former Indian cricket team head coach and director Ravi Shastri paid a heartfelt tribute to Dhawan, expressing his gratitude and admiration for the cricketer's impactful career.Dhawan, fondly known as "Shiki Boy," made his international debut in 2010 and quickly established himself as a formidable force in the Indian batting lineup. Known for his aggressive style of play and ability to score runs at a rapid pace, Dhawan played a pivotal role in India's success in various ICC tournaments and Asia Cups.One of Dhawan's most memorable performances came in the 2013 ICC Champions Trophy, where he was the leading run-scorer and played a crucial role in India's triumph. He also played a key role in India's victory in the 2016 Asia Cup, scoring a match-winning century in the final against Bangladesh.In addition to his international exploits, Dhawan was also a prolific run-scorer in the Indian Premier League (IPL). He is the second-highest run-getter of all time in the IPL, with over 6,700 runs to his name. He won the IPL title with Sunrisers Hyderabad in 2016 and was a key member of the Delhi Capitals team that reached the final in 2020.Dhawan's retirement marks the end of an era in Indian cricket. He was a beloved figure among fans and teammates alike, known for his infectious enthusiasm and positive attitude. His contributions to Indian cricket will be remembered for years to come.

Virat Kohli Lauds Shikhar Dhawan's Legacy as India's Dependable OpenerFormer Indian skipper Virat Kohli has paid a heartfelt tribute to Shikhar Dhawan, who recently announced his retirement from all forms of cricket. Kohli hailed Dhawan as one of India's most dependable openers, whose passion, sportsmanship, and signature smile will be dearly missed.Dhawan, fondly known as 'Gabbar,' has had an illustrious career, amassing 10,867 runs in 34 Tests, 167 ODIs, and 68 T20Is. He is the 12th highest run-scorer for India in international cricket, with 24 centuries and 79 fifty-plus scores.Kohli highlighted Dhawan's fearless debut and his rise to becoming one of India's most reliable openers. He credited Dhawan for giving countless memories to cherish, both on and off the field."Your passion for the game, your sportsmanship, and your trademark smile will be missed, but your legacy lives on," Kohli wrote on social media.Dhawan's most notable achievement came in the 2013 Champions Trophy, where he was named the player of the tournament for scoring the most runs (363). Along with Kohli and Rohit Sharma, he formed an unmatched triumvirate in the international white-ball formats from 2013 to 2019.Kohli and Dhawan shared a deep bond, both on and off the field. They hail from the same region in West Delhi and came through the system at almost the same time. They were teammates for the Indian team for almost a decade.Kohli expressed his gratitude to Dhawan for all the memories and wished him luck in his future endeavors. "Thank you for the memories, unforgettable performances, and always leading with your heart. Wishing you the best in your next innings, off the field Gabbar!" he added.Shikhar Dhawan's retirement marks the end of an era for Indian cricket. His contributions to the team have been immense, and his legacy as a dependable opener will forever be etched in the annals of Indian cricket history.

Shikhar Dhawan, India's prolific opening batsman, has bid farewell to international and domestic cricket, marking the end of an illustrious career spanning over a decade. In a heartfelt video message, Dhawan expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to represent his country and the unwavering support he received throughout his journey.Dhawan's international debut came in 2010 against Australia in Visakhapatnam, and he quickly established himself as a formidable force in the Indian batting lineup. Over the course of his career, he amassed an impressive 10,000 runs across all formats, including 24 centuries—17 in ODIs and 7 in Tests.One of Dhawan's most memorable performances came during the 2013 ICC Champions Trophy, where he emerged as the tournament's leading run-scorer. His exceptional batting, which included two centuries and one fifty, played a pivotal role in India's triumph.Dhawan's retirement marks the end of an era for Indian cricket. He was a key member of the team that won the 2013 Champions Trophy and the 2011 Cricket World Cup. His aggressive batting style and ability to score runs at a rapid pace made him a fan favorite.In his retirement message, Dhawan expressed his gratitude to his family, coaches, teammates, and fans for their unwavering support. He acknowledged the sacrifices he had made along the way but emphasized that he was at peace with his decision.Dhawan's retirement leaves a void in the Indian cricket team, but his legacy will continue to inspire future generations of players. His exceptional talent, unwavering determination, and infectious enthusiasm have made him one of the most beloved cricketers in India.