Cricket

The Indian Premier League (IPL) is set to kick off its 17th season on March 22, with defending champions Chennai Super Kings (CSK) taking on Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) in Chennai. Ahead of the tournament, former India and CSK batsman Ambati Rayudu has shared his thoughts on the upcoming extravaganza.Rayudu, who has played for both Mumbai Indians and CSK, believes that it will be a challenging task for Hardik Pandya to lead Mumbai Indians, given the different setups of Gujarat Titans and Mumbai Indians. He suggests that Pandya should have played for Mumbai Indians for a year before taking over the captaincy, especially considering Rohit Sharma's continued role as India's captain.Rayudu also expressed his admiration for Rohit Sharma, stating that he believes Sharma can continue playing in the IPL for the next 5-6 years. He added that if Sharma desires to captain a team, he has ample opportunities available to him.Rayudu went on to express his desire to see Rohit Sharma play for CSK in the future. He said, "I want Rohit Sharma to play for CSK in 2025. If MS (Dhoni) retires, then Rohit can lead as well."Rohit Sharma is the fourth-highest run-getter in IPL history, with 6211 runs from 243 matches. Mumbai Indians will begin their IPL campaign against Gujarat Titans on March 24.

India's resounding 4-1 series victory over England in the recently concluded five-match Test series was a testament to the team's resilience and the exceptional leadership of Rohit Sharma. After losing the opening Test in Hyderabad, India staged a remarkable comeback, winning the remaining four matches to clinch the series.Rohit Sharma, who took over the captaincy from Virat Kohli, played a pivotal role in India's triumph. Not only did he lead from the front with his batting, scoring 400 runs in five Tests, but he also displayed astute leadership qualities.In the crucial Rajkot Test, where India were struggling at 33/3 in the first innings, Rohit played a captain's knock, scoring a magnificent 133 off 196 deliveries. His partnership of 204 runs with Ravindra Jadeja rescued India from a precarious position.India's head coach, Rahul Dravid, praised Rohit's contribution, saying, "It has been a pleasure watching him bat since I saw him as an 18-year-old. It is always pleasing to the eye. But I think he has added a lot of steel and grit to that. Sometimes, we forget that a little bit. Look at his numbers. He was shy enough not to mention the critical situation where he won the toss in Rajkot, and we were 3 down in the first hour. You need somebody to step up and get a hundred, and the captain does that for you."Rohit's leadership was also evident in his ability to motivate his team and create a positive atmosphere within the squad. Despite the challenges they faced, India remained focused and determined throughout the series.India's victory was a collective effort, with contributions from all members of the team. However, Rohit Sharma's leadership and batting prowess were undoubtedly key factors in their success.

Indian cricket captain Rohit Sharma's leadership style has earned him immense admiration from his teammates. His jovial nature and camaraderie with the younger players are often captured in viral videos on social media.Following India's emphatic 4-1 Test series victory over England in Dharamsala, Rohit took some of the team's rising stars out for a casual outing. He shared a picture of the gathering on Instagram, featuring Sarfaraz Khan, Dhruv Jurel, Shubman Gill, and Yashasvi Jaiswal.Rohit's witty caption, "Garden mein ghoomne wale bande," drew laughter from former India cricketer Yuvraj Singh and current star Suryakumar Yadav. Yuvraj reacted with a laughing emoji, while Suryakumar quipped, "Gill and Jaiswal definitely."Beyond the lighthearted moments, Rohit also addressed his future in cricket. He stated that he would retire the moment he felt he could no longer contribute to the team. "One day, when I wake up and feel, I am not good enough then I will retire straightaway," Rohit said.He praised the team's performance against England, emphasizing the importance of teamwork and the resilience of the young players. "When you win a Test like this, everything has to fall in place. At some stage people are gonna (go) and people are gonna come and we know that," Rohit said."These (young) guys are maybe short of experience, they have played a lot of cricket and I can stand here and see that these guys responded pretty well under pressure. The credit goes to the entire team and it was pleasing to see."Rohit will now shift his focus to the upcoming IPL 2024 season with the Mumbai Indians. His leadership and experience will be crucial as the team aims to regain its past glory.

Sarfaraz Khan's Helmet Saves Him from Injury, Thanks to Rohit Sharma's Timely AdviceDuring the fourth Test match against England in Ranchi, young Indian cricketer Sarfaraz Khan narrowly escaped a potentially serious injury thanks to the timely intervention of his captain, Rohit Sharma. Khan was fielding without a helmet at silly point when Sharma noticed and immediately instructed him to put on the safety gear."Aye bhai, hero nahi banne ka (hey brother, don't be a hero here)," Sharma advised.Khan heeded his captain's advice and resumed play with a helmet. This proved to be a wise decision, as in the subsequent match against England in Dharamsala, Khan was fielding at short leg with his helmet on when a short ball from Kuldeep Yadav was flicked hard by Shoaib Bashir. The ball struck Khan's helmet with significant force, but the protective gear prevented any injury.Sharma's foresight and Khan's compliance with his instructions underscore the importance of safety in cricket. Fielding close to the batter without a helmet can be extremely dangerous, as a mistimed shot or a deflection can cause serious injury.In the same match, Ravichandran Ashwin achieved a remarkable milestone by taking a five-wicket haul in his 100th Test match. Ashwin's performance was instrumental in India's emphatic innings and 64-run victory, which handed England their heaviest defeat in the "Bazball" era.Kuldeep Yadav was named player of the match for his seven-wicket haul, including a five-wicket haul in the first innings. India's victory secured crucial World Test Championship points and capped off an action-packed five-match series.

India's head coach Rahul Dravid has praised Rohit Sharma's leadership style, which he believes has fostered a positive and supportive environment within the team. Under Rohit's captaincy, India has quietly and effectively neutralized England's aggressive 'Bazball' strategy, securing a convincing 4-1 victory in the five-match Test series.Dravid highlighted the team's ability to adapt and overcome challenges, particularly the return of Ravichandran Ashwin from a personal emergency. Ashwin's willingness to contribute despite his personal circumstances showcased the character and resilience of the team.Despite speculation about the exclusion of players like Ishan Kishan and Shreyas Iyer from the Indian team, Dravid emphasized that no one is out of contention. He acknowledged the importance of player selection and the need to consider the team's overall balance.Dravid also commended the improvement of Kuldeep Yadav, who has emerged as a valuable asset with his left-arm wrist spin and batting contributions. The coach recognized the challenges Yadav has faced in competing with established players like Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja.In response to concerns raised by all-rounder Shardul Thakur about the hectic Ranji Trophy schedule, Dravid emphasized the need to listen to player feedback and consider ways to manage the domestic schedule more effectively.Dravid's comments reflect his belief in the importance of leadership, teamwork, and player development. He has fostered a culture where players feel valued and supported, which has contributed to India's recent success on the field.

Rohit Sharma: Playing the Best Cricket of His Life, Says He'll Retire When He's Not Good EnoughFormer England batter Geoffrey Boycott may have suggested that Rohit Sharma is past his prime, but the Indian skipper has emphatically declared that he is currently playing the best cricket of his life.Leading his team in the absence of stalwarts Virat Kohli and KL Rahul, Rohit guided India to a dominant 4-1 victory in the five-match Test series against England. In the decisive Dharamsala Test, India inflicted an innings and 64 runs defeat on the visitors, wrapping up the match within three days.Reflecting on his own performance, Rohit asserted that he will not hesitate to retire the day he feels he is no longer up to the mark. "One day, when I wake up and feel, I am not good enough then I will retire straight away," he said. "But in the last few years, I am playing the best cricket of my life."Head coach Rahul Dravid echoed Rohit's sentiments, praising the skipper's exceptional leadership and ability to bail the team out of difficult situations. "Rohit Sharma has been exceptional in this series," Dravid said. "In Rajkot, when we were 3 down inside the first hour, we needed someone to get us that hundred. In Ranchi also, he batted amazingly."Rohit also highlighted the importance of nurturing young players, especially in the absence of senior stars. "When you win a Test, everything has to fall into place," he said. "Lot of things we did right through the match. [Absent stars] At some stage, people are going to go, we know that. All these guys are short on experience but they've played a lot of cricket. We have got to nurture them and make them understand the game.""When put under pressure, they responded pretty well," Rohit added. "Credit goes to the entire team for that. We talk about scoring runs, but it is as important to take 20 wickets to win the Test match. Everyone, all the bowlers came and responded. They wanted to make a difference with the ball in hand."

India's emphatic innings and 64-run victory over England in the fifth and final Test in Dharamsala has solidified their dominance atop the World Test Championship (WTC) standings. The comprehensive win sealed a 4-1 series triumph for India, further extending their lead in the WTC table.After securing the top spot last week, India's massive victory in Dharamsala earned them 12 crucial points, boosting their point percentage from 64.58 to 68.51. New Zealand, the two-time WTC finalists, now sit in second place with a point percentage of 60, while Australia remains third with 59.09.England, on the other hand, suffered their heaviest defeat under the "Bazball" era and their fourth consecutive loss against India. The defeat dropped their point percentage from 19.44 to 17.5, leaving them eighth in the standings.Kuldeep Yadav's five-wicket haul and centuries from Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill in the first innings laid the foundation for India's victory. Veteran spinner R Ashwin then starred on the third day, claiming his 36th five-wicket haul in his landmark 100th Test.After taking a commanding 259-run lead, India dismissed England for 195 in their second innings late on the third day. Kuldeep was named Player of the Match for his five-wicket haul in the first innings, while young opener Yashasvi Jaiswal received the Player of the Series award for his 712 runs in the series.India's victory in Dharamsala further cements their status as one of the world's leading Test teams. With the WTC final scheduled for June 2023, India will be eager to maintain their position at the top of the standings and secure a berth in the prestigious event.

England's dismal performance in the fifth Test against India has drawn criticism from former England captain Geoffrey Boycott. After England's victory in the first Test, Boycott had questioned the age and ability of India's captain, Rohit Sharma. However, Sharma has silenced his critics with a string of impressive performances, including two centuries in the series.Boycott's comments, published in a column for the Telegraph, had sparked outrage among Indian social media users. He had written, "Their captain Rohit Sharma is nearly 37 and past his best. He makes pretty cameos but has only scored two Test hundreds at home in four years."Boycott's assessment of Sharma's abilities has been proven wrong by the Indian captain's recent performances. In the second Test, Sharma scored a century and a fifty, while in the third Test, he scored another century. His tally of 400 runs in the series is the fourth-highest among all players.Sharma's resurgence has been a major factor in India's dominance in the series. After losing the first Test, India has come back strongly to win the second and third Tests. England, on the other hand, has struggled to find consistency and has been outplayed by India in all departments of the game.Boycott's comments have been met with derision by Indian fans, who have taken to social media to express their support for Sharma. Many have pointed out that Sharma's recent performances have proven Boycott's assessment to be inaccurate.The Indian captain's form has been a major boost for India, who are now on the verge of winning the series. With two Tests remaining, India needs just one more win to secure a series victory. England, on the other hand, faces an uphill task to salvage something from the series.

India's captain, Rohit Sharma, was forced to sit out the third day of the fifth Test against England in Dharamsala due to a stiff back. Jasprit Bumrah, the designated vice-captain, took over the leadership responsibilities.Rohit's absence was a significant blow to India, as he has been in excellent form throughout the series. He has scored centuries in two of the last three Tests and played a crucial role in establishing India's advantage in Dharamsala.With Rohit out of action, India's top-order batsmen stepped up to the plate. Yashasvi Jaiswal and Shubman Gill both scored half-centuries, while Hanuma Vihari and Rishabh Pant made valuable contributions.India's bowlers also performed well, with Mohammed Siraj and Ravichandran Ashwin taking three wickets each. England were bowled out for 245, giving India a lead of 259 runs.India's victory in Dharamsala gives them an unassailable 3-1 lead in the series. It is a remarkable achievement, considering that they lost the first Test in Hyderabad.However, India's victory has been overshadowed by a spate of injuries. Mohammed Shami, Virat Kohli, KL Rahul, Ravindra Jadeja, R Ashwin, and Rajat Patidar have all missed matches due to various ailments.With the IPL just around the corner, India will be hoping that their injured players can recover in time. The IPL is a grueling tournament, and India will need all of their best players available if they want to win the title.