Cricket

Rohit Sharma, the enigmatic Indian skipper, has expressed his unwavering commitment to white-ball cricket despite retiring from T20Is. His sights are firmly set on adding the coveted World Test Championship (WTC) trophy to India's illustrious cabinet.After India's triumph at the T20 World Cup in June, Rohit and Virat Kohli announced their retirement from the shortest format. However, BCCI secretary Jay Shah confirmed Rohit's appointment as India's captain for the Champions Trophy in 2023.In a recent interview, Rohit declared his intention to continue playing white-ball cricket. "I am not going to stop because I am looking forward to achieving more," he said. "When you get the taste of winning games, winning cups, you don't want to stop."Rohit's next challenge will be India's Test swing over the next five months. They will play 10 Tests against Bangladesh, New Zealand, and Australia, all of which are part of the ongoing WTC cycle. India currently leads the WTC standings with six wins, two defeats, and a draw from nine Tests."It's an exciting time for Indian cricket moving forward," Rohit said. "There's some real excitement, good cricket being played as well. But like I said, the next couple of years are exciting ones as well. So hopefully we can go out there and enjoy the game at the same time and then try and make the most of what opportunity lies ahead for us."Rohit's leadership and experience will be crucial as India aims to secure the WTC title. His determination to continue playing white-ball cricket is a testament to his unwavering passion for the game.

Rohit Sharma's Humble Gesture Delights Fans in MumbaiIndian cricket captain Rohit Sharma's popularity among fans is undeniable. His approachable and down-to-earth nature has always resonated with supporters, and a recent incident in Mumbai further cemented his status as a beloved figure.While in Mumbai, Rohit took time out to interact with fans who had gathered to meet him. He graciously posed for pictures, ensuring that everyone had a chance to capture a moment with their idol. However, amidst the excitement, Rohit remained mindful of the potential traffic congestion caused by the gathering.In a video posted on social media, Rohit can be heard gently reminding the fans, "Traffic ho jayega idhar" (There will be traffic here). His concern for the well-being of others, even in such a small gesture, speaks volumes about his character.After ensuring that everyone was happy, Rohit got into his car and departed, leaving behind a trail of delighted fans. His humility and consideration left a lasting impression on those present.Rohit's last appearance for India was during the three-match ODI series against Sri Lanka. After a month-long hiatus, he will return to the field to lead India in a two-match Test series against Bangladesh, commencing on September 19. The first Test will be held at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai, while the second match will take place at the Green Park Stadium in Kanpur from September 27 onwards.Rohit's leadership and batting prowess will be crucial for India's success in the upcoming series. His ability to inspire his teammates and guide them to victory has been instrumental in India's recent triumphs, including the T20 World Cup win in Barbados.

Rohit Sharma, the current captain of the Indian cricket team, has established himself as one of the most successful limited-overs leaders in contemporary cricket. His captaincy style has drawn comparisons to legendary figures like MS Dhoni, and he is widely regarded as a tactically astute and composed leader.Rohit's sharp cricketing acumen is evident in his field placements and bowling changes, which often reflect a deep understanding of the game. He is known for his ability to make quick decisions under pressure, adapting his captaincy style to suit the situation. Whether it's being aggressive or defensive, Rohit has shown the ability to put his team in a winning position.Beyond his tactical prowess, Rohit is also known for his calm and composed nature on the field. This quality has been pivotal in Mumbai Indians' success in closely fought matches, as he manages to keep the team focused and composed even in high-pressure situations.Rohit's leadership style extends beyond the field. He has a reputation for managing his players well, giving them confidence and backing them during lean phases. This has allowed several young players to thrive under his leadership, fostering a positive and supportive team environment.In a recent interview, Indian off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin highlighted the key differences between the captaincy styles of Rohit Sharma, Mahendra Singh Dhoni, and Virat Kohli. Ashwin praised Rohit's ability to keep the team environment light and his focus on tactical preparation."Rohit always keeps the environment of the team light," Ashwin said. "He makes an effort to keep it light. And he stays very balanced and tactically he is strong. Both Dhoni and Virat were also tactically strong but Rohit works more on the tactics."Ashwin also noted Rohit's unwavering support for his players. "If he selects a player in the XI, he backs them 100%," Ashwin said. "I have played most of my career with these three captains."Rohit's success as captain is not limited to his franchise team, Mumbai Indians. He has also led India to victories in the T20 World Cup and several other bilateral series, proving his mettle as a natural leader within the squad.Under Rohit's captaincy, Mumbai Indians have won the IPL title five times, making them one of the most successful teams in the history of the tournament. His ability to adapt his captaincy style, manage his players effectively, and maintain a positive team environment has been instrumental in his success as a leader.

Gautam Gambhir, the former Indian cricketer and current head coach of the Indian men's cricket team, recently unveiled his all-time India XI, sparking both admiration and debate among fans. The team, which features a blend of legendary players and modern-day greats, notably excludes some of India's most prominent current stars.Gambhir's opening duo comprises himself and Virender Sehwag, two aggressive and prolific batsmen who formed a formidable partnership during their playing days. At number three, he has placed Rahul Dravid, the former Indian captain and current head coach of the National Cricket Academy.The middle order boasts an array of batting stalwarts. Sachin Tendulkar, the "God of Cricket," occupies the number four spot, followed by Virat Kohli, the current Indian captain and one of the greatest batsmen of all time. Yuvraj Singh, the swashbuckling all-rounder, and MS Dhoni, the legendary wicketkeeper-batsman, complete the batting lineup at numbers six and seven, respectively.In the bowling department, Gambhir has opted for a spin-heavy attack. Anil Kumble, the former Indian captain and one of the greatest leg-spinners of all time, is placed at number eight, followed by Ravichandran Ashwin, the current Indian off-spinner.For the pace bowling unit, Gambhir has selected Irfan Pathan, a left-arm seamer known for his all-round abilities, and Zaheer Khan, a left-arm pacer who was a key member of India's 2011 World Cup-winning team. Notably absent from the list is Jasprit Bumrah, the current Indian pace spearhead and one of the most feared bowlers in world cricket.Gambhir's decision to snub Rohit Sharma, the current Indian ODI captain and one of the most prolific batsmen in limited-overs cricket, has raised eyebrows. Similarly, the omission of Kapil Dev, the legendary all-rounder who captained India to its first World Cup victory in 1983, has also sparked discussion.Despite the absence of these star players, Gambhir's all-time India XI remains a formidable lineup, showcasing the depth and talent that Indian cricket has produced over the years. It is a testament to the country's rich cricketing history and the abundance of exceptional players who have graced the game.

Rohit Sharma, the Indian cricket team's captain, is renowned for his calm demeanor and exceptional cricketing intellect. However, he also has a playful reputation for being forgetful. This quirky trait has been humorously highlighted by several cricketers, including Virat Kohli, who has mentioned Rohit's tendency to misplace items.Despite his forgetfulness, Indian umpire Anil Chaudhary asserts that Rohit possesses a sharp and intelligent cricketing mind. "Rohit may seem casual, but he's a very smart player," Chaudhary said. "His game sense is very good."Chaudhary also praised Rohit's batting skills, saying that he has an incredible "ball-sense." "He knows exactly when to move forward on a ball," Chaudhary said. "Look at his short-arm pull shot. Unbelievable!"Chaudhary recalled a match where Rohit scored over 200 runs, smashing bowlers all around the park. "The balls that were yorkers for others, he was hitting those for sixes," Chaudhary said. "He's in a different class.""On the day he's in his flow, he's a one-man army," Chaudhary said. "His batting is of a different class. When he's batting, it feels great to watch."

Jonty Rhodes Weighs in on Rohit Sharma's Potential Move to Lucknow Super GiantsWith the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 mega auction on the horizon, speculation has been rife regarding the future of India captain Rohit Sharma. Rumors have suggested that Sharma may depart from his long-time franchise, Mumbai Indians, and join the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG).Jonty Rhodes, the fielding coach for LSG, has commented on these rumors, expressing his admiration for Sharma's abilities but emphasizing that his presence is not essential for the team's success."I mean, for a long time at Mumbai Indians, I felt I had the best job in the world. I got to watch Rohit Shama practice and play cricket. He is so elegant," Rhodes told ANI.However, Rhodes believes that LSG's focus should be on maintaining team balance rather than relying solely on individual star power."I mean, there's the balance of teams, who's in the side. I love watching Rohit Sharma bat, but I'm not saying he must come in and replace, and then suddenly we change our setup. So whatever, as I said, whatever happens, who is ever there? I'll be doing my best to support," he added.Rhodes also addressed the uncertain future of LSG captain KL Rahul, who has reportedly been reprimanded by franchise owner Sanjiv Goenka."Well, luckily, hypothetically, or in real life, that's as a fielding coach. I don't have to worry about that just now," he said.Beyond his coaching role, Rhodes has also been named the brand ambassador for the inaugural season of the Pro Cricket League (PCL). He remains committed to personal growth and improving his skills as a human being."I think what a learning curve is seeing if I can sit off the field. As a coach, you don't get involved during the game, but it leads to a part of the buildup, part of the preparation. So I will have to see if I have got the patience to be able to sit and watch the whole thing to still be able to do a little bit of coaching, but yeah, a very new role, and it's a part of evolving as an individual. As a cricket player, you always evolve. You have to work on your technique and your skills, so yes, I'm trying to improve my skills as a human being," he stated.

With a packed Test schedule looming, Indian captain Rohit Sharma is diligently preparing to maintain his fitness. Exempted from the Duleep Trophy, Rohit has been engaging in rigorous workouts under the guidance of assistant coach Abhishek Nayar.India's Test calendar includes 10 matches between September and January, starting with a two-Test series against Bangladesh in September-October. This will be followed by a three-Test series against New Zealand and a grueling five-Test Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Australia.To ensure his readiness for this demanding schedule, Rohit has been focusing on his physical conditioning. Images circulating on social media show him running in a park and posing in a gym alongside Nayar and Dhawal Kulkarni.While most of India's Test regulars will participate in the Duleep Trophy, Rohit, Virat Kohli, Jasprit Bumrah, Ravindra Jadeja, and Ravichandran Ashwin have been exempted. Kohli has been spending time with his family in London during his break from cricket.Rohit's dedication to fitness is crucial for India's success in the upcoming Test season. His leadership and batting prowess will be vital as the team aims to perform well in the World Test Championship cycle and retain the Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Australia.

Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma: A Pakistani Invitation for a Farewell TourVirat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, two of the most celebrated batters in modern cricket, have a massive fan following worldwide. However, Pakistan remains the only country where they have never played an international match. The political tensions between India and Pakistan have prevented bilateral cricket series since 2012-13.Former Pakistan wicketkeeper-batter Kamran Akmal has extended an invitation to Kohli and Sharma to visit Pakistan before they retire. Akmal believes that the love and appreciation they would receive in Pakistan would be unparalleled."Virat and Rohit should visit Pakistan before they retire," Akmal told Times of India. "These two are stars of world cricket, traveling across the globe to play the game. Every single fan loves them. They have a massive fan base due to their batting and match-winning performances. The fan following they will experience in Pakistan will surpass anything they've seen elsewhere."Kohli toured Pakistan in his U-19 days, but he was not as well-known then. Akmal believes that Kohli's popularity in Pakistan would be immense."Virat is a role model for many around the world, Rohit is the World Cup-winning captain, and Bumrah is currently the best pacer in the world," Akmal added. "When players like Virat, Rohit, and Bumrah visit Pakistan, it will evoke unique feelings in every fan."Akmal also claimed that Pakistani fans love Indian players more than their own players."If Virat visits Pakistan now, he will truly see his popularity here," Akmal said. "He will receive a different kind of support in Pakistan. No cricketer is more popular than Virat in Pakistan; he has a bigger fan-following than any other cricketer in the world. Pakistani fans love Virat, Rohit, and Bumrah more than any of their own cricket team players."

In the hallowed halls of Indian cricket, the opening gambit has long been dominated by iconic figures like Sunil Gavaskar, Virender Sehwag, Sachin Tendulkar, and Rohit Sharma. However, behind these towering presences, there have been equally indispensable partners who have played a crucial role in shaping the team's success.One such unsung hero is Shikhar Dhawan, who has forged a formidable alliance with Rohit Sharma in limited-overs cricket, particularly ODIs. Dhawan's contributions have often been overshadowed by the brilliance of his illustrious teammates, but his impact on the team's fortunes cannot be understated.Like many of his predecessors, Dhawan had to endure a period of apprenticeship before breaking into the senior India team. Despite being an outstanding under-19 player, he had to wait until 2010 to make his ODI debut against Australia. The occasion was marked by a duck, but Dhawan persevered and eventually made his Test debut against the same opposition in 2013.Dhawan's Test career was marked by a mix of brilliance and inconsistency. His 2,315 runs at an average of 40.61 offered welcome stability, but his tendency to get out early in his innings often cost India valuable wickets. In ODIs, however, Dhawan was a different beast.With his aggressive style of play, Dhawan quickly established himself as a key member of India's ODI team. His ability to score runs at a rapid pace and his penchant for big hits made him a nightmare for opposition bowlers. In 146 ODIs, Dhawan amassed 6,793 runs at an average of 44.11, with 17 centuries and a strike rate of 91.35.Dhawan's partnership with Rohit Sharma was one of the most successful in ODI history. Together, they stitched together 5,148 runs, averaging 45.55, and are placed fourth in the all-time list of opening partnerships. Their chemistry on and off the field was evident, and they played a pivotal role in India's 2013 Champions Trophy triumph.Despite his success in ODIs, Dhawan's Test career never quite reached the same heights. His aggressive approach often led to his downfall, and he struggled to adapt to the demands of the longer format. In 34 Tests, he scored 2,315 runs at an average of 40.61, with seven centuries.In T20Is and the Indian Premier League, Dhawan was also a force to be reckoned with. His ability to score runs quickly and his versatility made him a valuable asset to any team. He was always ready to step up and lead when his fellow batting stars were unavailable.Dhawan's retirement from international cricket in August 2023 marked the end of an era. He will be remembered as a flamboyant opener in ODIs and a reasonably effective one in Tests. His tale will always be a story of respect in retrospect, and his teammates will miss him dearly.