Cricket

Mumbai Indians' captain Hardik Pandya made a bold move by fielding Arjun Tendulkar, the son of legendary cricketer Sachin Tendulkar, in the team's final match of the IPL 2024 against Lucknow Super Giants. Arjun, who replaced star pacer Jasprit Bumrah in the final eleven, made his IPL debut in this match.Arjun, known for his curved run-up and a genuine outswinger, has the ability to swing the ball late and at a significant pace. Mumbai Indians recognized his all-around capabilities and signed him at the base price of Rs 20 lakh in the 2021 auctions. Ahead of the 15th season, Mumbai Indians retained Arjun for Rs. 30 lakhs.Arjun's journey from a young fan waving the MI flag in the stands to proudly donning the MI jersey is a testament to his enduring connection with the Blue and Gold. As the son of arguably the greatest cricketer, Sachin Tendulkar, and an icon of Mumbai Indians, Arjun has evolved into a dependable all-rounder.Tall, quick, and adept at both batting and bowling swing, Arjun initiated his domestic career with Mumbai before transitioning to Goa in 2022, where he assumed the role of leading the attack in first-class cricket.In his IPL debut, Arjun bowled two overs and conceded 18 runs without taking a wicket. However, his inclusion in the team is a significant moment for both Arjun and Mumbai Indians. It marks the beginning of a new chapter in Arjun's cricketing career and adds another layer to the legacy of the Mumbai Indians franchise.

The eternal debate between Sachin Tendulkar and Virat Kohli, two of cricket's greatest legends, has once again ignited with former English cricketer David Lloyd's recent comments. Lloyd, known as 'Bumble', weighed in on the discussion during an interaction on talkSPORT Cricket, sparking a flurry of reactions.For a Test Playing XI, Lloyd unequivocally chose Tendulkar. "In Test cricket, Sachin," he declared. "The other guy is incredible, Virat Kohli. Dangerous. Would take the game away. Exciting player. But if I had a choice in a Test match between Sachin Tendulkar and Brian Lara, I would have Lara. He could hit the ball in places that weren't even invented, and could do it all very naturally. A different animal, Lara."Lloyd's preference for Tendulkar in Test cricket stems from his consistent performance and unwavering temperament. "He was on an even keel all the time, Tendulkar. Didn't really take chances," Lloyd observed. "So in Test match, between him and Kohli, two fabulous players. It's not really an argument, Sachin."However, for an all-format XI, Lloyd's choice shifted to Kohli. "Virat Kohli," he stated. "Sachin was sublime. All is right with the world, but I like a bit of rock and roll. We're talking about two of the greatest players there's ever been. We're trying to look at T20s and ODIs, you could easily go for Kohli."Lloyd's reasoning for favoring Kohli in all formats lies in his versatility and adaptability. "Kohli's era, with its emphasis on T20 cricket and the rigorous schedule of modern tournaments like the IPL, showcased his versatility and adaptability," he explained.The debate between Tendulkar and Kohli is likely to continue for years to come, as both players have left an indelible mark on the game. Tendulkar, with his longevity, consistency, and unmatched records, remains a revered figure in cricket. Kohli, with his aggressive style, leadership qualities, and ability to perform across formats, has established himself as a modern-day great.

Sachin Tendulkar's Timeless Brilliance: Facing the Best of the Modern EraSachin Tendulkar, the legendary cricketer, continues to inspire awe and admiration even after his retirement. A recently resurfaced video from the ICC archives has reignited memories of his unparalleled mastery, showcasing his iconic shots against formidable bowlers of the modern era.Throughout his illustrious career, Tendulkar faced a formidable array of bowling talent, from the sheer pace and swing of Wasim Akram to the mesmerising leg-spin of Shane Warne. His ability to adapt to various bowling styles and conditions was unmatched, as evidenced by his battles against the likes of James Anderson's swing and Allan Donald's raw pace.In a novel idea, the ICC created a captivating video three years ago, featuring Tendulkar facing off against the finest fast bowlers of this era: Kagiso Rabada, Hasan Ali, Jofra Archer, Pat Cummins, and Mustafizur Rahman. Through seamless editing, the video merges Tendulkar's iconic shots with the challenges posed by contemporary pacers.Tendulkar's trademark strokes, such as the elegant straight drive, the authoritative backfoot punch, the graceful cover drive, the aggressive pull shot, and the commanding square cut, are a spectacle for the viewers. Each shot serves as a reminder of his unparalleled skill and mastery over the game, even against the best bowlers of his time.The video not only celebrates Tendulkar's legacy but also showcases his timeless brilliance. It captivates cricket enthusiasts worldwide and reignites fond memories of his illustrious career. Tendulkar's ability to adapt and excel against the best of the best is a testament to his greatness and continues to inspire generations of cricketers.

Sachin Tendulkar: The God of Cricket Celebrates 51st BirthdayOn April 24, 2023, India's batting legend Sachin Tendulkar turns 51. His journey from a 16-year-old prodigy to the most celebrated cricketer of all time is a testament to his unwavering determination and exceptional talent.Tendulkar's international debut against Pakistan in 1989 marked the beginning of an illustrious career that spanned over two decades. He quickly established himself as a prolific run-scorer, amassing an unprecedented 100 international centuries. His batting prowess was such that even the legendary Sir Don Bradman acknowledged his uncanny resemblance to the Australian maestro.Tendulkar's crowning achievement came in 2011 when he led India to victory in the Cricket World Cup under the captaincy of MS Dhoni. This triumph fulfilled a lifelong dream for the batting icon.Throughout his career, Tendulkar shattered numerous batting records. He holds the distinction of being the highest run-scorer in both Tests (15,921 runs) and ODIs (18,426 runs). His 51 Test centuries and 49 ODI centuries remain unmatched.In 2012, Tendulkar retired from ODI cricket, and a year later, he bid farewell to all forms of the game after playing his 200th Test. His 664 international appearances yielded a staggering 34,357 runs, a testament to his longevity and consistency.Tendulkar's retirement left a void in the cricketing world, but his legacy continues to inspire generations of players. His unwavering determination, exceptional skills, and humble demeanor have made him an icon not only in India but globally.

Tilak Varma, the young Mumbai Indians batter, has etched his name in the annals of IPL history by becoming the second-fastest Indian batsman to reach the 1000-run milestone. Varma achieved the feat in just 33 innings, following in the footsteps of legendary Sachin Tendulkar and Ruturaj Gaikwad, who jointly held the record at 31 innings.Varma's exceptional talent and prowess with the bat were on full display during his innings against Rajasthan Royals in Jaipur. Despite Mumbai Indians losing two early wickets, Varma joined Suryakumar Yadav in the middle and played a fine knock of 65 off 45 balls, guiding his team to a respectable total of 179/9.Varma's knock was a testament to his composure and ability to handle pressure situations. He played with maturity beyond his years, hitting five fours and three sixes to keep the scoreboard ticking. His innings helped Mumbai Indians stay in the game and gave them a fighting chance against a strong Rajasthan Royals side.Beyond his individual achievement, Varma's feat also highlights the bright future that lies ahead for him. At just 21 years and 166 days, he is the third youngest Indian to reach the 1000-run mark in the IPL, behind only Rishabh Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal.Varma's rapid rise in the IPL is a testament to his hard work, dedication, and natural talent. He has shown that he has the potential to become one of the best batsmen in the world, and his achievement is a major milestone in his promising career.

Cricket enthusiasts were delighted when a viral image of three Indian cricket legends—MS Dhoni, Sachin Tendulkar, and Rohit Sharma—surfaced online. The iconic trio was captured together in a restaurant, sparking speculation about a potential advertising shoot.Dhoni, the former Chennai Super Kings captain, recently relinquished his captaincy role to Ruturaj Gaikwad ahead of the IPL 2024 season. Meanwhile, Hardik Pandya replaced Rohit Sharma as captain of the Mumbai Indians after being acquired in a deal with the Gujarat Titans.Tendulkar, who retired from international cricket in 2013, is currently serving as a mentor for the Mumbai Indians. Despite his retirement, he remains an influential figure in the sport.Rohit Sharma, the current Indian captain, has expressed his unwavering commitment to cricket and his desire to lead India to a World Cup victory. He also mentioned his aspirations to compete in the World Test Championship final in 2025.The viral image of Dhoni, Tendulkar, and Sharma together highlights the enduring legacy of these cricket icons. Their presence in the IPL continues to captivate fans and maintain the league's glamorous appeal.

Sachin Tendulkar's Rebirth: The Day He Opened for IndiaMarch 27, 1994, marked a pivotal moment in the illustrious career of Sachin Tendulkar. On this day, 30 years ago, the legendary batter accidentally opened for Team India in an ODI against New Zealand in Auckland. The decision by skipper Mohammad Azharuddin to send Tendulkar to the top of the order proved to be a game-changer.Tendulkar, who had previously played 69 ODIs and scored 1758 runs at an average of 30.84, grabbed the opportunity with both hands. He smashed 82 runs off just 49 balls, hitting 15 fours and two sixes at a strike rate of 167.35. His blistering knock helped India chase down New Zealand's target of 143 in just 24 overs, winning by 7 wickets.This match marked the beginning of Tendulkar's dominance as an opener. He went on to open the innings in 344 ODIs, amassing 15,310 runs at an average of 48.29. A staggering 45 of his 49 ODI centuries came while opening the batting.Tendulkar's partnership with Sourav Ganguly became one of the most formidable opening pairs in ODI cricket history. Between 1996 and 2007, they shared the crease in 136 innings, remaining undefeated twice. They amassed a staggering 6,609 runs at an impressive average of 49.32, with the highest partnership of 258 runs. Their partnership included 21 century stands and 23 fifty-plus partnerships, solidifying their status as one of the most prolific opening pairs in the game.Tendulkar's opening exploits not only transformed his own career but also had a profound impact on Indian cricket. He became a symbol of hope and inspiration for a nation that was hungry for success on the international stage. His ability to dominate the opposition from the very first ball set the tone for India's aggressive approach to ODI cricket.

Cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar has heaped praise on former Indian skipper MS Dhoni, describing him as "intuitive, instinctive," and a natural leader. Tendulkar revealed that he had recommended Dhoni for the captaincy in 2007, recognizing his exceptional qualities.After India's disappointing performance in the 2007 50-over World Cup, Tendulkar was offered the captaincy. However, he declined due to his physical condition. Instead, he suggested Dhoni's name to then BCCI president Sharad Pawar."I said, 'My body is in terrible shape, I do not think a captain who will now and then go to the dressing room and have his ankle strapped or some treatment on his shoulder and all that, it is not the right thing to happen to our team,'" Tendulkar recalled.Tendulkar had observed Dhoni's leadership skills firsthand while fielding in the slips. "Invariably, I would ask him, 'What would you have done right now?' And the answers were balanced. He is very intuitive; he is instinctive, and the awareness of that given moment is remarkable," Tendulkar said."His mind is very stable, he is calm, he is instinctive, and he makes the right decisions. At that time, I recommended him to the BCCI President and said, 'I see leadership qualities in him, so you should consider him,'" Sachin added.Dhoni's legacy as a captain is unparalleled. He is the only captain to have won all three major ICC titles: the T20 World Cup, the Cricket World Cup, and the Champions Trophy. Additionally, he has led Chennai Super Kings (CSK) to five IPL titles and two Champions League T20 titles.Despite stepping down as CSK captain this season, Dhoni's influence remains evident. In their IPL opener against Royal Challengers Bangalore, he was seen actively assisting new captain Ruturaj Gaikwad in setting field positions.CSK's next match will be against last year's runners-up, the Gujarat Titans, in Chennai on March 26.

Mumbai's Musheer Khan has etched his name in cricket history by becoming the youngest Mumbai batsman to score a century in a Ranji Trophy final, breaking the record previously held by the legendary Sachin Tendulkar.The 19-year-old left-handed batsman showcased his talent and potential during the final against Vidarbha, scoring a remarkable 136 off 326 deliveries, adorned with 10 boundaries. Musheer's stellar performance played a pivotal role in propelling Mumbai to a commanding lead of over 500 runs in the final.Musheer's journey to this historic achievement has been marked by consistent performances throughout the Ranji Trophy. In the crucial semi-final encounter against Tamil Nadu, he contributed a vital 55, setting the stage for Mumbai's victory with his resilient batting.Prior to his exploits in the Ranji Trophy, Musheer showcased his talent on the international stage, delivering notable performances in the Under-19 World Cup and Youth ODIs. With an impressive track record and promising potential, Musheer Khan emerges as a bright prospect for Indian cricket, following in the footsteps of his elder brother Sarfaraz Khan, who recently made his international debut with a string of impressive performances against England.