Cricket

Rohit Sharma's Test debut, which was long overdue, marked a significant moment in Indian cricket history. The highly talented batsman, who had already established himself in white-ball cricket, finally made his Test debut in November 2013 against the West Indies at Eden Gardens in Kolkata.This debut coincided with the farewell series of batting legend Sachin Tendulkar, who was retiring after a record-breaking career spanning 24 years. The focus was on Tendulkar's farewell rather than individual performances, but Rohit made his delayed Test debut count by scoring a magnificent hundred (177).Rohit's 177 was one of the highest scores by an Indian on debut, and it underscored his potential to succeed in the longest format of the game. In the second Test, played at Tendulkar's home ground in Mumbai, Rohit again went on to hit a hundred - this time an unbeaten 111 as India won by an innings and 126 runs.Rohit's Test debut marked a symbolic transition in Indian cricket. While the country was bidding farewell to its greatest-ever batsman, Rohit's entry into Test cricket hinted at the emergence of another extraordinarily gifted player. Rohit, already successful in limited-overs cricket, showed his ability to adapt to Test cricket, and over the years, he would go on to become one of the key players for India in all formats.This moment in cricket history was significant, as it represented both the end of an era and the beginning of a new one for Indian cricket. Rohit Sharma's Test debut, delayed by a freak injury and overshadowed by Tendulkar's farewell, marked the arrival of a new star in Indian cricket.

Arjun Tendulkar, the son of legendary cricketer Sachin Tendulkar, has made a strong statement ahead of the upcoming first-class season with a match-winning nine-wicket haul in Goa's innings and 189-run victory over hosts Karnataka in the Dr (Capt) K Thimmappiah Memorial Tournament.In the first innings, Karnataka was dismissed for a paltry 103, with Arjun claiming 5/41 in 13 overs. Goa then posted a formidable 413, thanks to a century from Abhinav Tejrana (109) and a solid 69 from Manthan Khutkar.In the second innings, KSCA XI showed some improvement but were eventually bowled out for 121, with Arjun taking 4/46 in 13.3 overs. His match haul of 9/87 in 26.3 overs was instrumental in Goa's comprehensive victory.Arjun, who will turn 25 next week, has now played 49 competitive games across three formats at the senior level, claiming 68 wickets. In 13 first-class matches, he has taken 21 wickets.Arjun's performance has drawn comparisons to his illustrious father, who is widely regarded as one of the greatest batsmen of all time. However, Arjun's journey has been marked by both challenges and opportunities.He has previously trained under former India player Yograj Singh, the father of Yuvraj Singh. Yograj has praised Arjun's potential but also emphasized the importance of proper guidance and support."Arjun Tendulkar came to you for training. How do you see his future?" Yograj was asked in an interview."Have you seen diamond in a coal mine? Woh Koyla hi hai..nikalo patthar hi hai, kisi tarashgir ke haath me dalo to chamak ke duniya ko kohinoor ban jata hai (It is coal that is rock when taken out from a mine, but if it is given in proper hands, it goes on to become Kohinoor. It is priceless. But if that same diamond reaches a person who does not know its worth, he destroys it. I don't say it myself that Yograj Singh is a great character, Yuvraj Singh says it, 'there is magic in my dad's hand, he made me what I am.' Earlier, I was abused 'Hitler, Dragon Singh, I hate my father'. Everybody hated me in my home. My relatives said, I should not have been a father," Yograj Singh replied."But he walked his path. And by God's Grace you got Yuvraj Singh."Arjun's performance in the Dr (Capt) K Thimmappiah Memorial Tournament suggests that he is on the right track. With his talent and determination, he has the potential to follow in his father's footsteps and make a significant impact on the cricketing world.

The Multan Declaration: A Moment of Tension Between Dravid and TendulkarIn 2004, during the first Test of India's historic series against Pakistan in Multan, an unforgettable incident occurred that left a lasting impact on the relationship between two cricketing legends: Rahul Dravid and Sachin Tendulkar.With India's score at 675/5, Dravid, standing in as captain for the injured Sourav Ganguly, made the surprising decision to declare the innings, leaving Tendulkar stranded on 194 not out. The decision was based on strategic reasons, as Dravid believed it would give India the best chance to capitalize on the deteriorating pitch and the tired opposition.However, the declaration left Tendulkar visibly unhappy. Former India opener Aakash Chopra, who was part of that match, recalled the atmosphere in the dressing room after the call was made. "Paaji wasn't happy that day," Chopra said. "I think I saw him unhappy for the first time. I never saw him lose temper, and he didn't exactly lose temper that day but he was visibly unhappy. Something wasn't right."Chopra also suggested that the decision to declare the innings may have been made by the team management, and not solely by Dravid. "Rahul did call, but Dada (Ganguly) was part of the dressing room that day too," said Chopra. "He wasn't playing in that game, but he was in dressing room and I'm sure he was part of the think-tank. It wasn't the captain's decision alone."Dravid later admitted that he would not have declared had he known the match would end within four days. However, Chopra believes that Dravid's decision was made with the best intentions. "With Rahul, it is possible that in heat of the moment, you agree or disagree," said Chopra. "But you don't doubt his decision. You know that even if he was at a similar position, he would've taken the same decision."The Multan Declaration remains a significant moment of tension between Dravid and Tendulkar in the minds of fans. It highlights the complexities of captaincy and the challenges of balancing individual aspirations with team goals.

On September 16, 1996, India and Pakistan faced off in the inaugural ODI of their bilateral series in Toronto, Canada. However, the match holds a unique distinction that may never be surpassed: a meager crowd of just 750 witnessed the encounter.Despite Toronto's substantial South Asian population, the rain-interrupted game failed to attract a significant audience. Those who opted to stay home due to the weather forecast missed out on a memorable performance by Sachin Tendulkar.After a delayed start and a reduced match format of 33 overs per side, India captain Tendulkar elected to bowl first. Pakistan's openers, Saeed Anwar and Aamer Sohail, provided a solid start with a 44-run partnership. However, Javagal Srinath's incisive fast bowling proved too much for the Pakistani batsmen, claiming three wickets for 23 runs.Anil Kumble continued the onslaught with his spin, taking three wickets for 32 runs. Only Ijaz Ahmed (35) offered any resistance for Pakistan, while Venkatesh Prasad chipped in with two wickets (2 for 38). Pakistan's total of 170 for 9 seemed modest.India's chase was anchored by Tendulkar's brilliant 89 off 89 balls. He forged a crucial 108-run partnership with Rahul Dravid (39), effectively neutralizing Pakistan's bowling attack. Mohammad Azharuddin's unbeaten 30 off 29 balls provided the finishing touches, guiding India to an eight-wicket victory with 3.1 overs to spare.Despite the presence of legendary pacers Wasim Akram and Waqar Younis in Pakistan's bowling lineup, they were unable to contain Tendulkar's brilliance. The match remains a testament to the enduring legacy of one of cricket's greatest batsmen.

Sachin Tendulkar, the legendary Indian cricketer, possessed an unparalleled repertoire of shots that showcased his technical brilliance and adaptability. His shot-making was a symphony of flawless technique, impeccable timing, and an uncanny ability to neutralize even the most fearsome bowlers.Tendulkar's technique was a masterclass in balance, footwork, and head position. He meticulously positioned his body before executing each shot, ensuring optimal power and control. His compactness at the crease allowed him to play both on the front and back foot with equal ease, making him a formidable force in both defense and attack.One of Tendulkar's signature shots was the uppercut, which he popularized during the latter stages of his career. This audacious stroke involved slicing a short-pitched delivery over the slips or third-man boundary. It became a potent weapon against fast bowlers, allowing Tendulkar to turn their pace to his advantage.Tendulkar's cut shot against fast bowlers like Brett Lee and Shoaib Akhtar was a testament to his exceptional hand-eye coordination and quick reflexes. Lee and Akhtar were among the fastest bowlers of their era, regularly bowling over 150 kmph. However, Tendulkar's impeccable footwork and technique enabled him to execute the cut shot with precision, often sending the ball racing past backward point or gully.Against Lee's express pace, Tendulkar would use the late cut to exploit the width provided by the bowler. His quick feet allowed him to get inside the line of the ball and play it late, ensuring that it cleared the fielders and reached the boundary.Shoaib Akhtar's menacing speed and aggression posed a different challenge, but Tendulkar's cut shot proved equally effective. He would often use the cut to exploit the gaps between point and gully, placing the ball with precision and control.One of the most iconic moments in cricket history occurred during the 2003 World Cup when Tendulkar uppercut a short-pitched delivery from Akhtar over third man for a six. This audacious shot showcased his ability to use pace to his advantage and remains etched in the minds of cricket fans worldwide.Tendulkar's shot-making was not merely a display of technical prowess but also a reflection of his immense mental strength and adaptability. He possessed the ability to assess the situation and execute the appropriate shot with precision and confidence. This versatility made him one of the most complete and successful batsmen in cricket history.

The 1999 Kolkata Test between India and Pakistan remains etched in cricket history as one of the most iconic and controversial matches ever played. The incident that marred the spirit of the game was the controversial run-out of Indian batting legend Sachin Tendulkar, involving Pakistani fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar.The Test, initially scheduled as the series finale, was designated as the opening match of the inaugural Asian Test Championship. Pakistan set a daunting target of 279 for India, who made a promising start, reaching 143/2. However, the fourth afternoon witnessed an unfortunate incident that overshadowed the match.Tendulkar, batting on 7, played a shot towards deep midwicket and completed two runs, reaching the milestone of 5000 Test runs. As he attempted a third run, substitute fielder Nadeem Khan's direct hit found the stumps. Under normal circumstances, it would have been an easy third run, but Tendulkar collided with Akhtar, who was positioned near the stumps.The collision forced Tendulkar outside his crease, and despite replays suggesting he might have been inside at the moment of impact, on-field umpire Steve Bucknor referred the decision to third umpire KT Francis. After a lengthy deliberation, Francis declared Tendulkar out, a decision that sparked outrage among Indian fans.The crowd at Eden Gardens erupted in anger, throwing objects onto the field and halting the game. Security forces intervened, and police were deployed to clear the stands. Tendulkar's dismissal ignited fury among the fans, who felt their greatest hope had been unfairly removed.After a period of uncertainty, the umpires escorted the players off the field for an early tea break. It was only due to the appeals of Tendulkar and ICC president Jagmohan Dalmiya that the game resumed.The match continued in an eerie atmosphere, with India's batting lineup struggling without Tendulkar. Pakistan eventually won the Test by 46 runs, but the controversy surrounding Tendulkar's run-out overshadowed the result.

Sachin Tendulkar's remarkable cricketing career in Australia is a testament to his exceptional talent and unwavering determination. As an 18-year-old prodigy, Tendulkar arrived in Australia in 1991, already showcasing his batting prowess. His performances against the formidable Australian bowling attack, particularly in the fifth Test at the WACA Ground in Perth, cemented his status as one of the greatest batsmen of all time.On a notoriously bouncy pitch, Tendulkar faced a relentless barrage from the likes of Craig McDermott, Merv Hughes, and Shane Warne. Despite the hostile conditions, Tendulkar displayed an array of shots, including elegant cuts and powerful pulls, to reach his third Test century. His innings of 148 not out was a masterclass in batting, showcasing his ability to adapt to challenging conditions and dominate the best bowlers in the world.Tendulkar's rivalry with Australian legends like Warne, Glenn McGrath, and Brett Lee added another layer to his legacy. Warne famously described bowling to Tendulkar in India as his "worst nightmare," a testament to the Indian maestro's ability to counterattack even the most skilled bowlers.Tendulkar's performances in Australia solidified his place among cricket's all-time greats. His ability to dominate on challenging pitches earned him immense respect, even among Australian fans. His legacy as one of the greatest batsmen to ever grace the game is forever etched in the annals of cricket history.

Sachin Tendulkar's unbeaten 241 against Australia in the 2003-04 Sydney Test is widely regarded as one of the greatest innings in Test cricket history. Not only was it a monumental knock in terms of volume, but it also showcased Tendulkar's exceptional discipline, control, and adaptability.Prior to the Sydney Test, Tendulkar had endured a challenging period in Test cricket, going through 13 innings without reaching a century. He had repeatedly fallen to deliveries pitched outside the off stump, particularly when attempting his signature cover drive.Determined to break this pattern, Tendulkar made a bold decision before the Sydney Test: he would eliminate the cover drive from his repertoire. This was a significant sacrifice, as the cover drive had been one of Tendulkar's most productive shots.However, Tendulkar recognized that his cover drive was becoming a liability against the Australian bowlers, who were exploiting his tendency to play it. By eliminating this shot, Tendulkar effectively nullified his primary scoring area on the off-side.Instead, Tendulkar focused on accumulating runs through leg-side strokes, flicks, and deft placements. He patiently wore down the formidable Australian bowling attack, which included greats like Brett Lee, Jason Gillespie, and Nathan Bracken.Tendulkar's innings was a masterclass in patience, technique, and temperament. He demonstrated his ability to adapt and evolve his game under pressure, showcasing his mental fortitude and tactical acumen.The result was a monumental knock that played a pivotal role in India amassing a massive total of 705/7 declared. Tendulkar's unbeaten 241 helped India secure a draw in the match, and his innings remains a testament to the importance of adaptability and self-control in cricket.

Veteran leg-spinner Piyush Chawla, who last represented India in an ODI in 2012, has unveiled his all-time India ODI XI. In an interview with Shubhankar Mishra, Chawla named legendary wicketkeeper-batter MS Dhoni as the captain of his dream team.At the top of the order, Chawla opted for the iconic Sachin Tendulkar and current India skipper Rohit Sharma as openers. Surprisingly, he placed Virender Sehwag at number three, demoting Virat Kohli to the fourth position.In the middle order, Chawla selected Yuvraj Singh and Kapil Dev, the captain of India's maiden ODI World Cup triumph in 1983, as his all-rounders. Dhoni's presence at number six further bolstered the batting lineup.For the bowling department, Chawla chose two spinners, Anil Kumble and Harbhajan Singh, and two pacers, one each from the past and present teams. He picked Jasprit Bumrah to partner 2011 World Cup-winner Zaheer Khan.Chawla also shared his admiration for Rohit Sharma's leadership qualities. "He's not just a captain, he's a leader," Chawla said. "He sets the tone and makes it easy for the other batters. He gives you a free hand."