Cricket

Tamil Nadu's rising star, Shahrukh Khan, has been entrusted with the captaincy of the state's Syed Mushtaq Ali tournament team. The 29-year-old, who has led Lyca Kovai Kings to success in the Tamil Nadu Premier League, expressed his honor and excitement at the opportunity."It's my first time as a captain for Tamil Nadu. I have led in TNPL for several years, but now (I am leading) Tamil Nadu, it is a new thing for me. Obviously, captaining a State team is a privilege," Shahrukh told The Hindu after Tamil Nadu's innings win over Railways in a Ranji Trophy match.Shahrukh emphasized that he is taking the challenge one step at a time, as the domestic red-ball season transitions to white-ball fixtures until late January. He acknowledged that he has not yet given much thought to specific strategies, preferring to focus on the present moment."I haven't thought about anything because the tournament starts in a week's time (November 23). So, I'll start thinking soon about what to do. I don't give anything too much thought. I just think at the right place and at the right time... that is more important," Shahrukh added.Shahrukh's appointment as captain is a testament to his leadership abilities and his impressive performances in domestic cricket. As the tournament approaches, he will be eager to guide Tamil Nadu to success and further enhance his reputation as one of the most promising young players in the country.

Shahrukh Khan, the Tamil Nadu all-rounder, has expressed his contentment with his decision to stay with the Gujarat Titans (GT) franchise ahead of the 2025 Indian Premier League (IPL) season. Khan, who was retained by GT for ₹4 crore, has found a sense of belonging and support within the team."A lot of people have said GT is a really good place to play cricket and I got to experience it last year. The feeling of home that they give is immense. Honestly, I haven't found it anywhere else," Khan told The Hindu after Tamil Nadu's victory over Railways in a Ranji Trophy match.Khan's decision to stay with GT was largely influenced by the camaraderie he shares with head coach Ashish Nehra. "Everybody knows what sort of a character Nehra is. He has a big heart and he is compassionate about the players and around the set-up. That was the reason behind sticking with GT because of the trust that they showed in me," Khan said.Khan's batting prowess has been recognized by GT, who have given him opportunities to bat up the order. In the 2024 IPL season, Khan scored a half-century against Royal Challengers Bangalore when he was sent in at No. 4."GT made me bat up the order against RCB. I wasn't sure about it. I knew that I could bat up the order but I really wasn't ready to go at No. 4 and play. But when they sent me, it was a new role and I understood they valued me. They know what sort of a person I am… So, it is better to stick to the team," Khan said.Khan's recent performance in the Ranji Trophy, where he scored an 86-ball 114 as an opener, further highlights his versatility and adaptability. "The idea was Bala anna's (Balaji). He asked me to go and take on the fast bowlers. I like the ball coming fast because I'm good against the pacers. So, it was his idea completely. Nobody expected it... I don't know what he saw, but whatever he saw clicked for us in this match."Khan's commitment to GT and his belief in the team's culture and support system suggest that he will continue to be a valuable asset for the franchise in the upcoming IPL seasons.

Shah Rukh Khan, the iconic Bollywood superstar and co-owner of the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) franchise in the Indian Premier League (IPL), has been a constant presence at KKR matches, cheering on his team and inspiring fans. Under his ownership, KKR has experienced both triumphs and setbacks, but Khan's unwavering support has made him a symbol of loyalty for the franchise.Khan's global fame has also drawn a vast international fan base to KKR. Australian cricket captain Pat Cummins, who played for KKR from 2014 to 2022, recently revealed in a podcast that he was initially unaware of Khan's celebrity status."The first time I met Shah Rukh Khan, I had no idea who he was," Cummins admitted. "I had never watched a Bollywood film. But I could sense his aura and the respect he commanded from the other players."Cummins praised Khan's leadership style, describing him as "very funny, very cute, and always encouraging us to enjoy ourselves and play with freedom." He contrasted this with other owners who put pressure on their players.Despite his commitment to KKR, Cummins opted out of the 2023 IPL season to focus on national duties and manage his workload. However, he returned to the IPL in 2024, joining the Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) for a record-breaking Rs 20.5 crore.Under Cummins' leadership, SRH reached the final of the 2024 IPL, ultimately losing to KKR. Despite the defeat, Cummins' performance and the team's success showcased his value as a player and leader.Shah Rukh Khan's passion for KKR and his unwavering support for his players have made him an integral part of the franchise. His presence has not only inspired the team but has also drawn a global audience to the IPL, further solidifying the league's status as one of the most popular sporting events in the world.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has announced the retention rules for the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 season. According to the new rules, each team will be allowed to retain a maximum of six players ahead of the auction. However, the uncapped player rule has garnered significant attention, particularly for the Chennai Super Kings (CSK).The uncapped player rule states that any Indian player who has not played an international game in the last five years will be considered an "uncapped player." This includes former CSK captain MS Dhoni, who has not played for India since 2019. As a result, CSK can retain Dhoni for a mere Rs 4 crore, a significant discount from his previous salary.Amidst the ongoing speculation about Dhoni's future in the IPL, Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) owner Shah Rukh Khan's recent comments have gone viral. During an award ceremony, filmmaker Karan Johar teased Khan about retirement, prompting a humorous response from the Bollywood superstar.Khan stated that he and Dhoni are "different kind of legends" who continue to play despite announcing their retirement. He added that Dhoni had initially said he was retiring but ended up playing for another 10 years.Khan's comments have sparked a debate about the nature of retirement for legendary athletes. While some believe that legends should know when to step away, others argue that they should continue playing as long as they are able.The BCCI's retention rules and Khan's comments have ignited discussions about the future of Dhoni and other veteran players in the IPL. It remains to be seen whether Dhoni will continue to play for CSK or if he will announce his retirement before the 2025 season.

Dwayne Bravo, the former West Indies captain and renowned all-rounder, has expressed his gratitude to Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) co-owner Shah Rukh Khan and the management for appointing him as the franchise's mentor. Bravo's appointment extends to KKR's sister franchises in the Caribbean Premier League, Major League Cricket, and ILT20.In a heartfelt video message, Bravo thanked his former team, Chennai Super Kings (CSK), for their support and blessings as he embarks on this new chapter in his coaching career. Bravo, who retired from the IPL in 2021, served as the franchise's bowling coach in the 2022 and 2023 seasons."I want to say a big, big thank you to the Knight Riders family and the management for trusting me, giving me the opportunity to be a part of a very special franchise," Bravo said. "I also want to thank the management and staff of the Chennai Super Kings for giving me the blessings to move on and carry on in my journey."Bravo recalled a message from KKR co-owner Shah Rukh Khan, who encouraged him to continue "partying and winning trophies" in the years to come. "So now, with that being said, I look forward to doing my best and I look forward to doing great things with the team in Purple," Bravo added.Bravo's stint with KKR marks his second coaching role in the IPL. He joined CSK in 2011, retired from the franchise in 2022, and returned in 2023 as the bowling coach. The decorated Caribbean star has lifted four IPL titles with CSK in various roles.With 183 wickets, Bravo is the third-highest wicket-taker in IPL history. He is also the first player to win two purple caps in the tournament, in 2013 and 2015. Bravo's appointment as KKR mentor is a testament to his vast experience and leadership qualities, which are expected to guide the franchise to future success.

Australian cricketer Jess Jonassen has become an internet sensation after imitating Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan's iconic pose during a women's Caribbean Premier League (CPL) match. The incident occurred during the match between Trinbago Knight Riders and Barbados Royals at Brian Lara Stadium in Trinidad on August 22, 2024.After dismissing Aaliyah Alleyne in the 15th over, Jonassen celebrated the wicket by striking the famous pose, which has been immortalized in Khan's films. A video of the moment quickly went viral on social media, garnering widespread attention.The match itself saw Barbados Royals Women emerge victorious by 7 wickets. Opting to bowl first, they restricted Trinbago Knight Riders to a modest total of 113 for 9 in 20 overs. The Royals then chased down the target in 17.1 overs.Meanwhile, in a significant development for Indian cricket, Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) secretary Jay Shah is poised to become the new chairman of the International Cricket Council (ICC). Sources have confirmed that Shah has the backing of cricket boards from England and Australia, giving him the necessary support to replace incumbent Greg Barclay in November.Shah's appointment would mark the third time an Indian has held the top position at the ICC. Jagmohan Dalmiya, Sharad Pawar, N Srinivasan, and Shashank Manohar have all previously served as presidents or chairmen of the organization.

At 37, R Ashwin is expanding his batting range in his first full Tamil Nadu Premier League (TNPL) season. Known for his boundary-hitting prowess down the ground, Ashwin has been working on playing boundary shots square of the wicket, a strategy that has paid off.In Qualifier 2 against Idream Tiruppur Tamizhans, Ashwin dismantled left-arm fingerspinners R Sai Kishore and S Ajith Ram with reverse-sweeps, scoring 28 off nine balls. Overall, he has amassed 200 runs in eight innings at a strike rate of 166.66, with five innings coming at the top or No. 3 for Dindigul Dragons."Everything is work in progress," Ashwin said. "I felt like I needed to widen my game square of the wicket because I know I can hit the ball down the ground. I wanted to explore other options to keep myself interested in the game."Dindigul's rookie left-arm fingerspinner P Vignesh, who missed the Under-19 World Cup cut for India, has impressed with his accuracy and control. In Qualifier 2, he claimed 3 for 8 and the Player-of-the-Match award.Ashwin urged the next generation of cricketers to embrace failures and improve their skills. "Missing the Under-19 cut is not the end of the world," he said. "Failure and success are normal, and people become better only through failures. I hope they're ready to expand their game and find answers to the questions that are going to be asked."Meanwhile, Shahrukh Khan of Lyca Kovai Kings has been working on a technical tweak to improve his game against spin. He has been using a trigger movement where he pushes his weight forward, which has helped him score off both the front and back foot.Shahrukh's overall strike rate against pace in the IPL is 161.11, but it falls to 112 against spin. However, in IPL 2024, he managed to lift his strike rate against spin to 168.75.Despite losing to Dindigul in the league phase, Shahrukh is confident his team can put together their "best cricket" in the final. "We're taking it as just another game," he said. "We still haven't played our best cricket this year, and we will try and do that."

Virat Kohli Surges to Top of India's Most Valued Celebrities, Surpassing Bollywood StarsIndian cricket legend Virat Kohli has ascended to the pinnacle of India's most valuable celebrities, eclipsing Bollywood icons Shah Rukh Khan and Ranveer Singh. According to Kroll's Celebrity Brand Valuation Report 2023, Kohli's brand value has skyrocketed by 29% to an astounding $227.9 million.This remarkable surge has propelled Kohli to the top spot on the list, dethroning Shah Rukh Khan, who previously held the position. The report highlights the growing importance of celebrity endorsements, with the top 20 celebrities experiencing a 14.2% increase in brand endorsements compared to the previous year.Kohli's dominance in the endorsement landscape is evident, with his brand value far exceeding that of his closest rivals. Ranveer Singh, with a brand value of $203.1 million, occupies the second rank, while Shah Rukh Khan has made significant strides to secure the third position with a brand value of $120.7 million.Akshay Kumar remains a formidable force in the industry, holding onto the fourth spot with a brand value of $111.7 million. Alia Bhatt continues to be a prominent figure, maintaining her fifth position with a brand value of $101.1 million.The report also sheds light on the growing influence of television and digital platforms for advertising purposes, contributing to the increased demand for celebrity endorsements. Kohli's dominance in both traditional and digital media has played a significant role in his rise to the top.

Gautam Gambhir and Shah Rukh Khan Reunite at Anant Ambani's Wedding, Showcasing KKR CamaraderieAt the grand wedding ceremony of Anant Ambani and Radhika Merchant in Mumbai, newly appointed Team India head coach Gautam Gambhir and Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) co-owner Shah Rukh Khan shared a heartwarming moment that highlighted their shared history with the KKR franchise.A video that went viral on social media captured the Bollywood superstar giving a warm embrace to the former KKR mentor. The gesture showcased the camaraderie and respect between the two prominent figures, who have played significant roles in the success of the KKR team.As a player, Gambhir led KKR to IPL titles in 2012 and 2014, showcasing his exceptional leadership skills. He then transitioned into a coaching role, guiding the KKR team to another IPL title in 2024. His coaching credentials were evident in the team's impressive performance under his mentorship.However, Gambhir's pursuit of national objectives led him to step away from the KKR franchise. He replaced Rahul Dravid as India's head coach, whose tenure ended with India's triumph in the T20 World Cup in Barbados last month.Gambhir's appointment as head coach marks a new chapter in his illustrious career. He expressed his honor and excitement to serve his country in this capacity, stating, "It is an absolute honor to serve my tricolour, my people, my country."He acknowledged the exemplary run of Rahul Dravid and his support staff, and expressed his commitment to building on their success. Gambhir's tenure will commence with the upcoming tour of Sri Lanka, which is scheduled to begin on July 27.The reunion between Gambhir and Shah Rukh Khan at Anant Ambani's wedding serves as a testament to the enduring bonds forged within the KKR franchise. It also highlights the respect and admiration that exists between these two influential figures in the world of cricket.