Cricket

Former Indian opener Shikhar Dhawan has joined Karnali Yaks for the inaugural season of the Nepal Premier League (NPL). This move comes after Dhawan was released by Punjab Kings (PBKS) ahead of the 2025 IPL mega-auction.Dhawan's decision to join Karnali Yaks marks a new chapter in his illustrious career. The 38-year-old announced his retirement from international and domestic cricket in August 2024, bringing an end to a remarkable journey that saw him represent India across all formats.In his international career, Dhawan was a prolific run-scorer, particularly in ODIs. He amassed 6,793 runs in 167 appearances, including 17 centuries and 39 fifties. His average of 44.1 is a testament to his consistency and ability to score runs at a brisk pace.Dhawan also made significant contributions in Test and T20I cricket. In 34 Tests, he scored 2,315 runs at an average of 40.6, with seven centuries and five half-centuries. In 68 T20Is, he accumulated 1,759 runs at an average of 27.9, including 11 fifties.At the domestic level, Dhawan played 122 First-Class matches and scored 8,499 runs at an average of 44.26. He notched up 25 centuries and 29 fifties, showcasing his ability to dominate bowlers in the longer format.Dhawan's experience and leadership qualities will be invaluable to Karnali Yaks in the NPL. The franchise will be hoping that he can replicate his international success and help them make a strong impact in the tournament.

India's recent 0-3 Test series defeat against New Zealand at home has raised concerns about their chances of qualifying for the World Test Championship Final. Despite the setback, former opener Shikhar Dhawan remains optimistic about India's prospects in the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy against Australia.Dhawan believes that India has a strong chance of completing a hat-trick of series wins in Australia, having triumphed in the previous two tours under Virat Kohli and Ajinkya Rahane. He highlights the experience of Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and Jasprit Bumrah, who have played extensively in Australia and can guide the younger players.Dhawan also praises the confidence and motivation of the current Indian team, which includes a mix of experienced and emerging stars. He believes that the batters are well-prepared to handle the pace and bounce of Australian pitches.Regarding Rishabh Pant, Dhawan notes that the wicketkeeper-batter has returned to the field with renewed gratitude and positivity after his car accident in 2022. He commends Pant's mental strength and his ability to bring joy to fans with his fearless batting.Despite the recent loss to New Zealand, Dhawan remains confident in India's ability to bounce back and secure a historic victory in Australia. He believes that the team has the talent, experience, and determination to overcome the challenges and emerge victorious.

Shikhar Dhawan and Chris Gayle's Dance Moves Delight Cricket FansFormer Indian opener Shikhar Dhawan and Jamaican legend Chris Gayle have showcased their playful side with a lighthearted dance video that has gone viral on social media. The duo, who are currently participating in the Legends League Cricket tournament, delighted fans with their energetic moves.Dhawan, known for his aggressive batting style, and Gayle, the "Universe Boss" of T20 cricket, have a long-standing friendship that was evident in their dance performance. The video, shared by Dhawan on Instagram, features the pair grooving to a catchy tune, with Dhawan adding a touch of Bollywood flair.Their playful dance not only entertained fans but also highlighted the strong camaraderie between the two legends. It was a memorable moment for cricket fans around the world, who have always admired the duo's on-field exploits.Dhawan and Gayle are currently playing for the Gujarat Giants franchise in the Legends League Cricket tournament. This event provides a platform for retired cricket icons to showcase their skills once again. Fans have been thrilled to witness their favorite former players in action, including the likes of Virender Sehwag, Brett Lee, and Kevin Pietersen.Dhawan, 38, announced his retirement from international and domestic cricket in August 2023. He represented India in 34 Tests, 167 ODIs, and 68 T20Is between 2013 and 2022. He was known for his explosive batting and was a key member of India's 2013 Champions Trophy-winning team.Gayle, 43, is one of the most destructive batsmen in T20 cricket history. He has played for several franchises around the world and has been a part of two World Cup-winning teams with the West Indies.The Legends League Cricket tournament provides an opportunity for fans to relive the golden era of cricket and witness the legends of the game in action. The tournament has been a huge success, with fans flocking to stadiums to see their favorite players.

Shikhar Dhawan, the former Indian opener, has revealed that he retired from cricket due to a lack of inspiration to pursue domestic cricket for a place in the national team. Dhawan, who played 34 Tests, 167 ODIs, and 68 T20Is for India between 2013 and 2022, announced his retirement in August 2023.Dhawan stated that he had lost the motivation to play domestic cricket, which he had started at a young age. He felt that continuing to play only in the Indian Premier League (IPL) was not enough to maintain his touch and be considered for national selection."I thought that continuing IPL and just coming up with two, three months of hard work won't be enough for me to go and play," Dhawan said.Dhawan, who captained Punjab Kings in the IPL, realized that practicing for a few months before the tournament would not be sufficient to earn him a national call-up. He also expressed satisfaction with his achievements in his career."I was very happy and satisfied and content with whatever I achieved in my career, and very, very grateful for everything," he said.Dhawan praised Rohit Sharma's leadership as India's captain, highlighting the team's T20 World Cup victory under his guidance. He also acknowledged India's near-miss in the ODI World Cup."We were very close in (winning) the ODI World Cup as well, and now we achieved that goal in T20Is," Dhawan said.Dhawan's retirement marks the end of a successful career for the left-handed opener. He is known for his aggressive batting style and has been a key member of India's limited-overs teams. He holds the record for the highest partnership runs in career for any wicket with Rohit Sharma, having added 5,193 runs in 117 matches.

The Legends League Cricket (LLC) is set to return in 2024 with a star-studded lineup of retired cricketers from India and around the world. The tournament will feature six teams - Southern Superstars, Urbanrisers Hyderabad, Manipal Tigers, Gujarat Giants, India Capitals, and Konark Suryas Odisha - and will showcase some of the biggest names in cricket history.The tournament will begin on September 20th and will feature 25 thrilling matches. Fans will have the opportunity to watch some of their favorite cricketers, such as Shikhar Dhawan, Dinesh Karthik, and Suresh Raina, take to the field once again.Chris Gayle, Irfan Pathan, and Harbhajan Singh are just a few of the other big names that will be participating in the LLC. With such a star-studded lineup, the tournament is sure to be filled with excitement and high-intensity T20 action.

Indian cricket team captain Rohit Sharma's future in the Indian Premier League (IPL) has become a topic of intense speculation following his removal as Mumbai Indians (MI) captain in 2024. The move, which ended Rohit's decade-long tenure at the helm, has sparked rumors that he may join a new team ahead of the 2025 IPL auction.Multiple reports suggest that Rohit's availability in the auction could trigger a bidding war among several franchises eager to secure his services. Punjab Kings Head of Cricket Development Sanjay Bangar has expressed interest in acquiring the star batter, stating that PBKS will "certainly go for him" if he enters the auction."It all depends on whether we have the money in our pockets. If Rohit comes in the auction, I certainly believe, he is going to go for a high price," Bangar said.Meanwhile, Rohit has paid tribute to his long-time opening partner Shikhar Dhawan, who recently announced his retirement from international and domestic cricket. Rohit hailed Dhawan as "The Ultimate Jatt" and credited him for making his cricketing journey easier."From sharing rooms to sharing lifetime memories on the field. You always made my job easier from the other end," Rohit wrote on Instagram.Rohit's future in the IPL remains uncertain, but his availability in the auction is expected to generate significant interest from franchises seeking to bolster their batting lineups. The bidding war for his services could potentially set a new record for player acquisition in the IPL.

In the hallowed halls of Indian cricket, the opening gambit has long been dominated by iconic figures like Sunil Gavaskar, Virender Sehwag, Sachin Tendulkar, and Rohit Sharma. However, behind these towering presences, there have been equally indispensable partners who have played a crucial role in shaping the team's success.One such unsung hero is Shikhar Dhawan, who has forged a formidable alliance with Rohit Sharma in limited-overs cricket, particularly ODIs. Dhawan's contributions have often been overshadowed by the brilliance of his illustrious teammates, but his impact on the team's fortunes cannot be understated.Like many of his predecessors, Dhawan had to endure a period of apprenticeship before breaking into the senior India team. Despite being an outstanding under-19 player, he had to wait until 2010 to make his ODI debut against Australia. The occasion was marked by a duck, but Dhawan persevered and eventually made his Test debut against the same opposition in 2013.Dhawan's Test career was marked by a mix of brilliance and inconsistency. His 2,315 runs at an average of 40.61 offered welcome stability, but his tendency to get out early in his innings often cost India valuable wickets. In ODIs, however, Dhawan was a different beast.With his aggressive style of play, Dhawan quickly established himself as a key member of India's ODI team. His ability to score runs at a rapid pace and his penchant for big hits made him a nightmare for opposition bowlers. In 146 ODIs, Dhawan amassed 6,793 runs at an average of 44.11, with 17 centuries and a strike rate of 91.35.Dhawan's partnership with Rohit Sharma was one of the most successful in ODI history. Together, they stitched together 5,148 runs, averaging 45.55, and are placed fourth in the all-time list of opening partnerships. Their chemistry on and off the field was evident, and they played a pivotal role in India's 2013 Champions Trophy triumph.Despite his success in ODIs, Dhawan's Test career never quite reached the same heights. His aggressive approach often led to his downfall, and he struggled to adapt to the demands of the longer format. In 34 Tests, he scored 2,315 runs at an average of 40.61, with seven centuries.In T20Is and the Indian Premier League, Dhawan was also a force to be reckoned with. His ability to score runs quickly and his versatility made him a valuable asset to any team. He was always ready to step up and lead when his fellow batting stars were unavailable.Dhawan's retirement from international cricket in August 2023 marked the end of an era. He will be remembered as a flamboyant opener in ODIs and a reasonably effective one in Tests. His tale will always be a story of respect in retrospect, and his teammates will miss him dearly.

Legendary Indian opener Sunil Gavaskar has expressed his disappointment over Shikhar Dhawan's retirement from all formats of cricket, stating that the sport will be "poorer" without him. Gavaskar believes that injuries may have played a role in Dhawan's decision to step away from the game.Dhawan, affectionately known as "Gabbar," was a prolific run-scorer across formats for India and in domestic leagues. He made significant contributions to India's cricketing success over the years, amassing 6,793 runs in 167 ODIs, 2,315 runs in 34 Tests, and 1,759 runs in T20Is.Gavaskar noted that Dhawan's retirement is a reminder of the challenges faced by opening batters, who can be dropped from the team after a lean series or tournament. He also acknowledged that injuries have been a part of Dhawan's career in recent years, which may have influenced his decision to quit while still enjoying the game.Dhawan played a crucial role in several tournaments for India, including the victorious 2013 Champions Trophy campaign in England. He was also the leading run-scorer for India in numerous other major tournaments, such as the 2014 Asia Cup, 2015 ODI World Cup, 2017 Champions Trophy, and 2018 Asia Cup.Apart from his contributions with the bat, Dhawan also led India on occasions when senior players were unavailable. In domestic leagues, he represented several teams in the Indian Premier League (IPL), including Delhi Capitals, Mumbai Indians, Deccan Chargers, Sunrisers Hyderabad, and Punjab Kings. Dhawan is the second-highest run-getter in the IPL, only behind Virat Kohli.Gavaskar believes that Dhawan can still bring joy to fans in various roles, such as through the Legends Cricket League and philanthropic ventures. He also noted that retired cricketers today have more opportunities to stay connected with the game.Dhawan's retirement marks the end of an era for Indian cricket. His cheerful demeanor and positive attitude will be missed by teammates and fans alike. However, his legacy will continue to inspire future generations of cricketers.

Shikhar Dhawan, the former Indian opener, has embarked on a new chapter in his illustrious career by joining the Legends League Cricket (LLC) just days after announcing his retirement from international and domestic cricket. Dhawan, renowned for his explosive batting and vibrant personality, has established himself as a modern-day white-ball great.Dhawan's transition into the LLC marks a significant milestone in his career. As quoted from a press release by LLC, he expressed his enthusiasm about joining the league: "Taking on this new chapter with Legends League Cricket feels like the ideal progression after my retirement. My body is still conditioned for the demands of the game, and while I'm at ease with my decision, cricket is an inseparable part of who I am, it will never go out of me. I'm eager to regroup with my cricketing friends and continue to entertain my fans as we create new memories together."Throughout his career, Dhawan has achieved remarkable feats, including being named Player of the Tournament in the 2013 ICC Champions Trophy. He has amassed over 6,793 runs in One Day Internationals (ODIs) at an impressive average of 44.1, 27.92 in T20Is, and with a strike rate of 91.35. His contributions to the Indian cricket team and the Indian Premier League (IPL) have solidified his status as a cricketing icon. In his career spanning over a decade, he played 269 matches scoring 10, 867 runs at an average of 40.Raman Raheja, Co-founder of Legends League Cricket, welcomed Dhawan to the league, stating, "We are thrilled to have Shikhar Dhawan join us. His experience and flair will undoubtedly enhance the competition and entertain fans. We look forward to seeing him in action alongside other cricket legends. This will further enhance our position as the 2nd innings for legendary Cricketers."Dhawan's move to Legends League Cricket after retirement follows the footsteps of other cricketing superstars, including Aaron Finch, Martin Guptill, and Hashim Amla, who joined the league right out of retirement. The Legends League Cricket is set to commence its next season in September 2024, featuring a lineup of retired cricketing greats competing in a series of thrilling matches. Dhawan's participation is expected to draw significant attention, as fans are eager to witness his skills on the field again.