Cricket

India's T20 World Cup Triumph Celebrated at Ambani Sangeet CeremonyIndia's triumphant T20 World Cup team was honored at the sangeet ceremony of Anant and Radhika Ambani in Mumbai. Captain Rohit Sharma, Hardik Pandya, and Suryakumar Yadav were recognized for their exceptional contributions to the team's victory.Led by Rohit Sharma, India secured a thrilling seven-run victory over South Africa in the final in Barbados. The win marked India's first global tournament triumph since the 2013 Champions Trophy.Nita Ambani and Akash Ambani, the hosts of the sangeet ceremony, celebrated the achievements of the Indian cricketers. They acknowledged the team's hard work, dedication, and resilience throughout the tournament.Rohit Sharma expressed his gratitude for the recognition and praised the team's efforts. "The team and I are very proud to be able to bring the cup home and are truly touched by how much happiness it has brought everyone back home," he said.Hardik Pandya, who played a crucial role with both bat and ball, echoed Rohit's sentiments. "It was an incredible experience to be part of this team and contribute to our victory. We are grateful for the support we received from our fans and the entire nation," he said.Suryakumar Yadav, who emerged as one of the tournament's standout performers, expressed his joy at being honored. "It's a great feeling to be recognized for our achievements. We worked hard as a team and it's wonderful to see our efforts being appreciated," he said.The Indian team's victory in the T20 World Cup has brought immense joy to the nation. The players' recognition at the Ambani sangeet ceremony further highlights the significance of their achievement and the pride they have brought to India.

Rahul Dravid, the former Indian cricket team head coach, recently reflected on his tenure with the team, sharing his experiences and insights in a heartfelt video released by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI).Dravid, who had a stellar playing career but never won a World Cup, guided India to the top of the Test and ODI rankings during his coaching stint. The icing on the cake was the T20 World Cup title victory in 2022."Coaching is not just about coaching cricket," Dravid said. "It's about building connections with people and creating an environment that allows success." He emphasized the importance of fostering a safe and supportive atmosphere where players can thrive without fear of failure.Dravid expressed his admiration for Rohit Sharma, who retired from T20Is after the World Cup triumph. "I've really enjoyed working with Rohit," he said. "To see him grow as a person and a leader has been a real tribute to him."He also praised Virat Kohli, who also retired from T20Is, for his professionalism and commitment. "His desire to improve is simply fascinating for me to watch," Dravid said.Reflecting on his coaching journey, Dravid highlighted the connections he built with the players and staff. "The friendships that I've built will last long after I forget some of the good results and bad results," he said.Dravid's tenure was marked by both successes and setbacks. He acknowledged that not all results were favorable, but emphasized that they are part and parcel of being a coach."I've really enjoyed myself," Dravid said. "I loved connecting with the team and the players. I've got to know them a little more, personally, and it's been quite fantastic."Former India batsman Gautam Gambhir is reportedly set to succeed Dravid as the Indian team coach.

India's T20 World Cup triumph was a moment to cherish, and the team's unique walk to the podium to receive the trophy added to the occasion's significance. Skipper Rohit Sharma revealed that the distinctive walk was suggested by spin duo Yuzvendra Chahal and Kuldeep Yadav.During an interaction with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Rohit explained that the boys wanted to make the moment memorable. "It was such a huge moment for all of us. We all have been waiting for this for years. So, the boys told me 'Don't go just like that, do something different...'," Rohit said.Prime Minister Modi jokingly asked if it was Chahal's idea, to which Rohit replied with a laugh, "Chahal and Kuldeep." Interestingly, Rohit's walk up to the podium resembled the way Argentina legend Lionel Messi received the FIFA World Cup 2022 trophy.Meanwhile, BCCI secretary Jay Shah's vision and support played a crucial role in Team India's victory. Shah thanked Prime Minister Modi for his unwavering support, saying, "Prime Minister Sir has stood by #TeamIndia through ups and downs and has always encouraged the team to give its best irrespective of the result."Shah's efforts were instrumental in bringing the team back to India after they were stranded in Barbados due to Hurricane Beryl. The squad, along with support staff and journalists, returned to the country on Thursday morning.Following their meeting with Prime Minister Modi, the team headed to Mumbai for an open-top bus parade and a presentation ceremony at the Wankhede Stadium.

India's triumph in the T20 World Cup in Barbados last Saturday marked a significant milestone in the nation's cricketing history. It was a testament to the team's unwavering spirit, exceptional talent, and the country's enduring love for the sport.The victory ended a long drought that began after India's Champions Trophy triumph in England in 2013. Rohit Sharma's men remained unbeaten throughout the championship, showcasing their dominance and resilience.India's journey in limited-overs cricket has been a fascinating one. Initially hesitant to embrace new formats, the country gradually embraced ODIs and T20s with the same fervor that characterized its love for Test cricket.In the early days of ODIs, India struggled to find its footing. However, Kapil Dev's iconic 175-run knock against Zimbabwe in the 1983 World Cup transformed the nation's perception of the format. It instilled a belief that no match was lost until the last ball was bowled.This belief was further amplified by the likes of Sachin Tendulkar, Anil Kumble, M.S. Dhoni, Zaheer Khan, Yuvraj Singh, Virat Kohli, and Rohit Sharma. India became a formidable force in ODIs, winning the World Cup in 1983 and 2011.As T20 cricket gained popularity, India initially resisted the format. However, Dhoni's leadership and the success of the Indian Premier League (IPL) changed the country's attitude. India won the inaugural T20 World Cup in 2007, and the format quickly became a fan favorite.Today, India boasts a wealth of talent in both ODIs and T20s. The team has the depth to field multiple units, allowing it to compete effectively in both formats. This strength was evident in the recent T20 World Cup, where India sent a separate team to Zimbabwe while the main squad competed in Barbados.The IPL has played a pivotal role in India's success in limited-overs cricket. It has provided a platform for young players to showcase their skills and has helped to develop a fearless and aggressive approach to batting.India's triumph in the T20 World Cup is a testament to the country's enduring love for cricket. It is a victory that will inspire future generations of players and fans alike.

Rohit Sharma, the Indian cricket team captain, has jokingly threatened to drop Suryakumar Yadav from the playing XI if he had dropped the crucial catch that dismissed David Miller in the 2024 T20 World Cup final.Yadav's spectacular catch at long-off in the first ball of the final over proved to be a game-changer. With South Africa needing 16 runs in six balls, Miller's dismissal effectively ended their hopes of victory."After Surya caught the ball, he told me that the ball sat in his hand. Thank goodness it did. Otherwise, I would have sat him out," Rohit quipped during a meeting with Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde on Friday.Yadav's catch required exceptional athleticism and quick thinking. Miller had swung hard at Hardik Pandya's delivery, and Yadav had to first take the catch, then throw it up, and finally run back from outside the boundary ropes to collect it.India eventually won the final by a narrow margin of seven runs, despite South Africa needing just 30 runs in 30 balls at one point.Chief Minister Shinde announced a prize of Rs 11 crore for Team India, in addition to the Rs 125 crore reward announced by the BCCI.

Maharashtra CM Announces Rs 11 Crore Reward for T20 World Cup-Winning Indian Cricket TeamMaharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde has announced a cash reward of Rs 11 crore for the Indian cricket team that triumphed in the T20 World Cup. The announcement was made during a felicitation ceremony held in the central hall of the Vidhan Bhavan (state legislature complex) in Mumbai.Four Mumbai players from the victorious team – captain Rohit Sharma, Suryakumar Yadav, Yashasvi Jaiswal, and Shivam Dubey – were honored at the event. CM Shinde expressed his elation over the team's victory, particularly highlighting the remarkable catch taken by Suryakumar Yadav in the final match against South Africa.Shinde also acknowledged the contributions of support team members Paras Mhambre and Arun Kanade, who were also felicitated. He commended the Mumbai Police for their effective crowd management during the team's victory parade in south Mumbai on Thursday.The chief minister's announcement of the cash reward is a testament to the state's pride in the team's achievement. The victory has brought immense joy and inspiration to the people of Maharashtra and the entire nation.

Sunil Gavaskar, the legendary Indian batsman, has heaped praise on Rohit Sharma's captaincy after India's triumph at the T20 World Cup. Rohit's leadership has earned him a place among the elite group of Indian captains to lift a World Cup, joining Kapil Dev and MS Dhoni.Gavaskar believes that Rohit's captaincy was the standout performance for India in the tournament. He highlighted Rohit's composure and body language, even in tense situations. "Rohit's captaincy is something that has to be admired because never once during tense situations did his body language go down," Gavaskar said.The former India captain pointed to Rohit's handling of the team when India faced adversity. "The way he handled the situation when it was not looking good for India, that is deserving of the highest praise," Gavaskar added.Rohit's leadership was instrumental in India's success. He guided the team to victory in the final against Pakistan, a match in which Virat Kohli played a starring role with the bat. Jasprit Bumrah, who was named Player of the Tournament, was also a key contributor with his exceptional bowling performances.At the felicitation event in Mumbai, Rohit expressed his gratitude to the fans and dedicated the trophy to the entire nation. "This trophy is for the entire nation. Along with all the players who have represented the country, we want to dedicate it to our fans, who have waited for 11 years," Rohit said.Gavaskar's praise for Rohit's captaincy is a testament to the impact he has had on the Indian team. Rohit's leadership has helped India achieve success on the international stage and has cemented his place as one of the most successful captains in Indian cricket history.

Team India captain Rohit Sharma's triumphant return home after India's T20 World Cup victory was marked by a heartwarming welcome from his childhood friends and family members.Upon arriving at his residence on Thursday, Rohit was greeted with a surprise celebration organized by his loved ones. In a viral video, his friends and family can be seen saluting him, mobbing him, and lifting him on their shoulders. India batter Tilak Varma was also present at the scene, adding to the joyous atmosphere.Rohit's return home was a culmination of a remarkable journey that saw him lead India to their second T20 World Cup title. The team's victory parade in Mumbai was met with an enthusiastic reception from fans, who lined the streets to celebrate the team's triumph.The BCCI also hosted a special felicitation ceremony at the Wankhede Stadium, where the board distributed prize money of Rs 125 crore to the team. The players and support staff members then departed for their respective homes, carrying with them the memories of their historic victory.Rohit's homecoming was particularly poignant as he recalled being a part of the 2007 T20 World Cup win parade in Mumbai as an up-and-coming star. He expressed his happiness at being able to lead the team to victory and bring joy to the people of India."2007 was a different feeling. We started off in the afternoon and this is in the evening. I cannot forget 2007, as it was my first World Cup. This is a little more special because I was leading the team. So it is a very proud moment for me. This is going to be mad. You can make out the excitement and it shows how much it means not just to us but also to the entire nation. It means a lot. So I am very happy that we could achieve something like this for them as well," said Rohit.Rohit's T20I retirement announcement hours after India's victory added a bittersweet note to the celebrations. However, his legacy as a successful captain and a prolific batter will continue to inspire future generations of cricketers.

Rahul Dravid's tenure as India's head coach has been a rollercoaster of emotions, culminating in the team's triumph at the T20 World Cup in Barbados. However, the journey was not without its setbacks, including the disappointing loss in the ODI World Cup final.After the ODI World Cup defeat, Dravid's future as head coach was uncertain. But a phone call from captain Rohit Sharma changed everything. Sharma urged Dravid to continue until the T20 World Cup, a gesture that deeply moved the former Indian cricketer."I wasn't sure if I was going to continue after the 50-Over World Cup," Dravid said. "But for Rohit to pick up the phone and say, 'Rahul, let's have one more crack at it,' was one of the best phone calls I've received in my life."Dravid's decision to stay on proved to be a masterstroke. Under his guidance, India played with renewed determination and resilience, eventually lifting the T20 World Cup trophy. The victory was a culmination of hard work, dedication, and a never-say-die attitude."These boys are like family," Dravid said. "Their level of hard work, resilience, and fighting spirit is incredible. It's been a privilege to coach them."Dravid's admiration for his players was evident in his words. He praised their unwavering commitment to excellence and their ability to overcome adversity. The coach-player bond was a key factor in India's success.As Dravid reflects on his time with the team, he expresses gratitude for the opportunity to work with such talented and dedicated individuals. He also acknowledges the unwavering support of the Indian fans, who played a vital role in the team's triumph."What we've seen today is absolutely phenomenal," Dravid said. "The love of these people and fans is what makes cricket the greatest game in the world."