Cricket

Former Indian cricketer and selector Jatin Paranjape has expressed confidence in Team India's ability to secure a hat-trick of Test series wins in Australia. Paranjape believes that under the leadership of Rohit Sharma, India will continue their dominance in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy and defeat Australia for the third consecutive time on their home turf.The highly anticipated five-match Test series between India and Australia is set to kick off in November. India has previously won back-to-back Test series in Australia, first under Virat Kohli in 2018–19 and then under Ajinkya Rahane in 2020–21.Paranjape predicts a 3-2 or 4-1 victory for India, stating that the team will be "definitely" victorious if injuries do not occur. He also discussed the fitness of Mohammed Shami, suggesting that Akash Deep could replace him if he is unavailable.Regarding Sarfaraz Khan's exclusion from the Test XI against Bangladesh, Paranjape emphasized the intense competition for batting spots. He believes that Khan may be taken to Australia as a reserve player and that he should continue to perform well to earn his chance.For the third opener role, Paranjape considers Shubman Gill and KL Rahul as potential candidates. He also mentioned Prithvi Shaw as a dark horse, highlighting his talent but acknowledging the tough competition.Paranjape advised caution in managing Mayank Yadav's workload, suggesting that he should focus on first-class cricket for the next year or two before being considered for red-ball cricket. He emphasized the importance of bowling to improve and believes that Yadav's strength and conditioning should be prioritized.Despite Australia's recent lack of Test cricket, Paranjape expects both teams to be aggressive and competitive throughout the series. He believes that Pat Cummins' Australia will not be at a disadvantage and that the series will be "fascinating to watch."

Rohit Sharma Prepares for New Zealand Test Series with VigorIndian cricket captain Rohit Sharma has commenced his preparations for the upcoming Test series against New Zealand, scheduled to begin on October 16 in Bengaluru. The Kiwis will play a three-match Test series in India, with the second Test starting in Pune on October 24 and the third in Mumbai on November 1.Sharma, who led India to a triumphant series victory against Bangladesh, is eager to continue his team's winning momentum. In a viral video, the Indian skipper can be seen engaging in stretching and running exercises on a ground, cheered on by onlookers and fans.Sharma has a solid track record against New Zealand, particularly at home. In six Tests against the Kiwis, he has scored a highest of 82 at an average of 53.00. His performances in India have been particularly impressive, as the conditions tend to favor his attacking style of play.Another viral video captures the enthusiasm of fans who thronged to click pictures of Sharma as he returned from practice. The Indian captain's popularity and the anticipation surrounding the Test series are evident in these videos.New Zealand has suffered a setback ahead of the series, with former captain Kane Williamson ruled out of the start due to a groin strain. However, the Kiwis remain a formidable opponent, and Sharma is determined to lead India to victory.The Test series against New Zealand will be a crucial test for Sharma and his team. A strong performance will boost their confidence and solidify their position as one of the top Test nations in the world.

Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli: Football Enthusiasts Beyond the Cricket PitchRohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, two of India's most celebrated cricketers, share a common passion for football. While cricket remains their primary focus, both players have showcased impressive football skills and incorporate the sport into their fitness routines.During warm-ups and charity matches, Rohit Sharma exhibits exceptional ball control and composure. His natural sportsmanship translates into his football style, where he maintains a calm and collected approach, similar to his batting technique.Virat Kohli, known for his rigorous fitness regimen, frequently includes football in his warm-up routines. His quick reflexes, agility, and stamina are evident on the football field. Both Rohit and Virat, along with other Indian cricketers, engage in friendly football games as part of their pre-match preparations. These games provide a fun and engaging way for the team to stay loose and enjoy a different sport.Rohit Sharma has participated in charity football matches, including the "Celebrity Clasico" events organized by Virat Kohli's foundation. In these appearances, he has demonstrated a solid understanding of the game.Virat Kohli's football skills reflect his intense personality, characterized by aggression and energy. His quick footwork and determination make him an active participant in the football games played by the Indian cricket team.Rohit and Virat's passion for football adds a competitive and enjoyable element to their friendship. They utilize the sport to maintain fitness, enhance coordination, and foster teamwork off the cricket field.

India's aggressive batting approach in the second Test against Bangladesh has garnered widespread praise, but former England captain Michael Vaughan's comparison to England's "Bazball" has sparked controversy.Despite rain washing out two and a half days of play, India secured a comfortable seven-wicket victory on the final day. Vaughan's comment, posted on social media, suggested that India was adopting England's ultra-aggressive approach under coach Brendon McCullum.However, Indian batting legend Sunil Gavaskar has taken a sharp dig at certain former experts, without naming anyone, for trying to claim credit for India's current approach. Gavaskar argues that the Indian team has been playing in this manner for the past couple of years, led by captain Rohit Sharma.Gavaskar praised Sharma for his transformative impact on the team's playing style, noting that he has been batting aggressively and encouraging his teammates to do the same. He dismissed the suggestion that India's approach is due to the influence of coach Gautam Gambhir, who has only been in the role for a few months.Gavaskar emphasized that the credit for India's aggressive batting belongs solely to Sharma. He also criticized the tendency to label new approaches with names derived from scandals or other events, such as "this-ball" or "that-ball."

India's T20 World Cup Triumph: Rohit Sharma and Teammates Share Hilarious Moments on 'The Great Indian Kapil Show'India's triumphant T20 World Cup 2024 squad, led by skipper Rohit Sharma, recently graced the stage of 'The Great Indian Kapil Show,' bringing laughter and entertainment to their adoring fans. The team's thrilling seven-run victory over South Africa in the summit clash marked the end of India's 11-year ICC title drought, sparking nationwide celebrations.To commemorate this historic achievement, Rohit, Arshdeep Singh, Suryakumar Yadav, Shivam Dube, and Axar Patel joined host and renowned comedian Kapil Sharma for a series of hilarious activities. One memorable moment occurred when Dube attempted to impersonate star batter Virat Kohli, leaving Rohit to guess the player's identity.Despite Dube's comical performance, Rohit couldn't resist teasing the Chennai Super Kings batter for his lackluster acting skills. "Maaf karna bohot hi ghatiya acting kari," (I'm sorry, but your acting was terrible) Rohit quipped, sending the audience into fits of laughter.Beyond the lighthearted banter, Rohit also shed light on a clever ploy devised by wicket-keeper batter Rishabh Pant during the World Cup final. With South Africa needing 30 runs off 30 balls, Pant feigned a knee injury, prompting a pause in the game. This strategic move disrupted South Africa's rhythm and allowed India to regain control."Pant used his intelligence to pause the game," Rohit explained. "He had his knee taped, which helped slow down the game. At that moment, all a batter wants is the ball to be bowled quickly. But we had to break the rhythm."Rohit acknowledged that Pant's ploy may not have been the sole reason for India's victory, but it certainly played a role in turning the tide in their favor.

Rohit Sharma and MS Dhoni: A Tale of Two CaptainsRohit Sharma and MS Dhoni, two of the most successful captains in Indian cricket history, have led the national team to numerous victories and ICC titles. While Dhoni won three ICC trophies during his tenure, Rohit opened his account with the T20 World Cup triumph in 2024.Over the past year, Rohit's leadership has been highly praised, particularly for his ability to guide the team through challenging situations. However, comparing the two captains is a difficult task, especially for players who have played under both.Shivam Dube, who has played under Dhoni at Chennai Super Kings and Rohit in the Indian team, was recently asked to choose between the two. His response was both diplomatic and insightful."When I am playing for Chennai, MS Dhoni is the best, when I am playing for India, Rohit Sharma is the best," Dube said.This answer highlights the different strengths of each captain. Dhoni is known for his calm demeanor, strategic brilliance, and ability to inspire his players. Rohit, on the other hand, is a more aggressive leader who leads by example and encourages his team to play with freedom.Rohit Sharma, who was also a guest on the show, spoke about the intense pressure during the T20 World Cup 2024 final against South Africa."They had wickets in plenty and a settled batter on the field. We were all tense, freaking out. But at that moment, a captain has to show a strong front for the whole team, signaling that there is no need to panic," Rohit said.He further added that the team expected South Africa to face similar challenges in their batting lineup, which ended at the seventh position."We had to take a wicket at any cost since Klaasen and Miller were playing," Rohit said.It was at this point that Pant went down with an injury concern, and the break in the game helped Team India disrupt South Africa's momentum.The contrasting leadership styles of Rohit Sharma and MS Dhoni have both proven successful for the Indian cricket team. While Dhoni's calm and strategic approach has led to numerous victories, Rohit's aggressive and inspiring leadership has also brought success. Ultimately, the choice between the two captains depends on the specific needs and circumstances of the team.

Pakistan's Shan Masood Urged to Counter England's Tactics with Bold DecisionsFormer Pakistan batsman Basit Ali has advised national team captain Shan Masood to adopt a more aggressive approach in countering England's tactics in the upcoming Test series. Ali's suggestion comes after England announced their playing eleven two days before the start of the first Test in Multan.Ali believes that Masood should have followed England's lead and announced Pakistan's team in advance. "It's still not late," he said. "Do it in the morning after assessing the pitch."Ali drew comparisons with India captain Rohit Sharma, who made bold decisions in the second Test against Bangladesh in Kanpur. Despite rain washing out two days, India counter-attacked in their first innings and declared early to keep the game alive. India eventually won by seven wickets, sweeping the series 2-0."If you want to be brave like Rohit in captaincy, then make decisions," Ali said. "If you take brave calls, then only you will win."Ali emphasized that Masood needs to instill confidence in his players and turn them into match-winners. "You don't have a Virat Kohli, Rishabh Pant, or 'Boom Boom' Bumrah," he said. "So raise the confidence level of those you have with you. Tell them 'you are my match-winner.'"Pakistan will be looking to bounce back from a disappointing 0-2 whitewash at home against Bangladesh. The first Test against England begins in Multan on October 7.

With the Indian Premier League (IPL) mega auction on the horizon, the future of star batter Rohit Sharma at Mumbai Indians (MI) remains uncertain. Last season, MI removed Rohit as captain and appointed Hardik Pandya as his successor, a move that sparked controversy among fans who felt it was disrespectful to Rohit, who had led MI to five IPL titles. Rumors of a rift between Hardik and Rohit further fueled speculation about Rohit's future with the franchise.Amidst the uncertainty, former India batter Mohammed Kaif urged Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) to acquire Rohit in the upcoming auction. However, RCB legend AB de Villiers dismissed the possibility of such a move. "I almost laughed at the Rohit comment," de Villiers said. "It would be a huge story if Rohit moved from Mumbai Indians to RCB. But I don't see it happening. I don't think MI will let Rohit go."De Villiers also expressed his support for Faf du Plessis as RCB's captain for the upcoming season, stating that even Virat Kohli would want the veteran South African to continue. "Age is just a number," de Villiers said. "Faf has been exceptional as a player, and I think Virat will back him with all his experience."

India's triumph at the T20 World Cup under Rohit Sharma's leadership marked a historic moment, bringing home the ICC silverware in the shortest format after a 17-year hiatus. The victory was hard-fought, with South Africa dominating the run-chase in the final until Hardik Pandya's game-changing intervention.The turning point came in the 17th over when Pandya dismissed Heinrich Klaasen, who had been threatening to snatch the game away from India. With the Proteas needing just 40 runs from 24 balls and Klaasen in blistering form, India's hopes seemed to be fading.However, Pandya's strike ignited a shift in momentum. Speaking on the comedy show 'The Great Indian Kapil Show,' Rohit revealed the behind-the-scenes tactics employed by the Indian team to unsettle the South Africans."We all came together and said a few things to their batsmen, which I can't share here, but it was necessary because we had to win at any cost," Rohit said. "Even if we got fined after winning, it didn't matter. I told the boys to say whatever they wanted and we'd handle the umpires and referees later."Pandya's dream spell continued, as he also dismissed David Miller, South Africa's last hope. Suryakumar Yadav's spectacular catch at the boundary sealed the victory for India.Rohit and Virat Kohli subsequently announced their retirement from T20Is, leaving a legacy of success and inspiration for the next generation of Indian cricketers.