Cricket

Indian cricket team spinner Kuldeep Yadav's fiery response to an online troll has sparked a buzz on social media. A year after India's heartbreaking loss to Australia in the ODI World Cup 2023 final, Kuldeep was targeted by a user on X (formerly Twitter) for his wicketless performance in the match.The troll's harsh criticism prompted Kuldeep to hit back with a sarcastic reply. "Yes, so, what's bothering you so much? Did you get money to write such beautiful words, or do you have a personal hatred for me?" Kuldeep wrote.Kuldeep's response has garnered widespread attention and support from fans and fellow cricketers. Many praised him for standing up to online abuse and for his witty retort.As India prepares for the highly anticipated Border-Gavaskar Trophy against Australia, former India captain Sourav Ganguly has shared his thoughts on the team's chances and the significance of the series.Reflecting on India's recent 0-3 series loss to New Zealand, Ganguly acknowledged the challenge ahead but expressed optimism about India's prospects. He emphasized the importance of the India-Australia and India-England series, noting their high excitement levels among cricket fans."I think for me, at the moment, India-Australia, India-England are two of the best series in world cricket. Obviously, Ashes is there. But I think these two series will be keenly watched and going through social media, through news and all, I can feel there is a lot of excitement in Australia. Rightfully so for five test matches, Kohli and Rohit may not be going back to the country again after this, there is enough in this series. It is going to be a fascinating series and I am looking forward to it," said Ganguly.Ganguly expressed regret over not being able to work on the series due to other commitments but emphasized his enthusiasm for watching the matches."I wish I could be there to work on the series, but my other commitments are stopping me from doing it. It is going to be a great series and I will be up in the morning to watch the action from Perth. I know it is not an early morning wake-up time, not at 5.30 because of time differences, and that should help!"

Former Indian captain Sourav Ganguly has expressed confidence in the team's preparedness for the upcoming Test series against Australia, dismissing concerns about the team being "undercooked." Ganguly believes that the team's recent Test experience and the nature of the pitches in Australia will favor India.Ganguly acknowledged the unexpected nature of India's recent Test series loss to New Zealand but emphasized the challenging nature of the pitches. He stressed the need for India to return to playing on balanced cricket tracks that foster both batting and bowling skills, suggesting that over-reliance on rank turners could hinder players' confidence and adaptability in different conditions.Despite the setback of Shubman Gill's thumb fracture, Ganguly remains confident in the team's ability and mental strength to move past their recent shock loss. He believes that other batters will step up in the absence of Rohit Sharma and Gill during the first Test.Ganguly also highlighted the importance of playing Nitish Kumar Reddy in conditions that suit his skill set, suggesting that he could provide a proper balance to the side. He also felt that Mohammed Shami should have traveled to Adelaide and played the second Test, which is a day/night game.Ganguly's confidence in the team stems from their recent Test experience and the nature of the pitches in Australia. He believes that the team has the ability to perform well and is confident that they will be competitive in the upcoming series.

Virat Kohli, the talismanic Indian batter, has endured a dismal year in 2023, failing to cross the 100-run mark in six innings against New Zealand. As he embarks on a tour of Australia, a country where he has enjoyed success in the past, former India captain Sourav Ganguly has expressed confidence in Kohli's ability to regain his form and lead the team to victory.Ganguly believes that this could be Kohli's last tour of Australia, given his age and the team's future plans. He emphasized the importance of this series for Kohli, who will be eager to make a statement and prove that he is still a force to be reckoned with."He is a champion batter," Ganguly said. "He has had success in Australia in the past. He will want to make this series count, and he will also know this could be the last time he is touring Australia to play Test cricket. So, in every sense, this is a massive series for Kohli."Kohli's struggles in New Zealand have been attributed to the challenging pitches, which did not favor batting. Ganguly believes that the conditions in Australia will be more conducive to Kohli's style of play."In Australia, he will enjoy the conditions," Ganguly said. "There will be good pitches. I am backing Virat to deliver in Australia in this series."Kohli's record in Australia is impressive, with 1352 runs in 13 Tests at an average of 54.08, including six centuries. He will be hoping to add to that tally and help India secure a series victory Down Under.

Former Indian captain Sourav Ganguly has hailed Rishabh Pant as the next-best red-ball batter after Virat Kohli, predicting a significant impact from the wicketkeeper-batter in the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy against Australia.Pant's aggressive approach, coupled with his exceptional talent, has made him a formidable force in Test cricket, particularly against Australia. His fearless batting in the fourth Test in Brisbane in 2021 played a pivotal role in India's historic victory, earning him the moniker "Toota Hai Gabba Ka Ghamand."Ganguly, who has witnessed Pant's growth firsthand during their time together at Delhi Capitals in the IPL, believes the 25-year-old is a "generational talent" in red-ball cricket. "He is India's next-best red-ball batter after Kohli and could have a huge impact in the series," Ganguly said.Pant's recent performances in Test matches against Bangladesh and New Zealand have showcased his ability to score runs consistently. In five matches, he amassed 422 runs at an average of 46.88 and a strike rate of 86.47.In the opening Test against New Zealand in Bengaluru, Pant's scintillating 99, supported by Sarfaraz Khan, provided a glimmer of hope for India when they were struggling.Ganguly emphasized that while Pant still needs to improve his game in white-ball cricket, his talent in red-ball cricket is undeniable. "Look at the innings he has played in England, Australia, and South Africa, and you will know, he is a generational talent in red-ball cricket," Ganguly said.With the Border-Gavaskar Trophy set to begin on Friday in Perth, all eyes will be on Pant to continue his impressive form and make a significant contribution to India's quest for a third consecutive World Test Championship final appearance.

Sachin Tendulkar's Unwavering Resilience: A Tale of Courage and DeterminationFormer Indian cricket captain Sourav Ganguly recently shared an inspiring anecdote about the legendary Sachin Tendulkar, highlighting his extraordinary resilience and unwavering determination.During the 2003 World Cup, India, led by Ganguly, reached the final against Australia. Tendulkar, known as the "Master Blaster," emerged as the tournament's highest run-scorer with an impressive 673 runs.In a recent event, Ganguly was asked to name a living person he most admires. Without hesitation, he named Tendulkar. Ganguly then recounted an incident that showcased Tendulkar's remarkable toughness."I have seen him close and I have seen him get hit in the rib cage by Shoaib Akhtar," Ganguly revealed. "He did not make any noise, got runs, and the next morning, he had a double fracture."Ganguly's account left fans awestruck. Tendulkar's ability to endure pain and continue playing despite a serious injury is a testament to his unwavering commitment to the game."I heard a sound and I went on to ask him, 'Are you okay?' He said, 'Yeah, fine.' Next morning, he had two fractures but he scored runs for India," Ganguly added.Tendulkar's resilience extended beyond physical injuries. In 2003, he was wrongly given out leg-before-wicket (LBW) by umpire Steve Bucknor in a crucial match against Australia. Despite the setback, Tendulkar remained focused and continued to perform at the highest level.Tendulkar's unwavering determination and ability to overcome adversity have made him an inspiration to countless cricket fans around the world. His legacy as one of the greatest cricketers of all time is not only due to his exceptional batting skills but also his indomitable spirit and unwavering resilience.

Former Indian captain Sourav Ganguly has strongly advocated for the inclusion of seasoned spinner Ravichandran Ashwin in the playing XI for the opening Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy against Australia in Perth. Ganguly believes that Ashwin's experience and skill make him the best choice for the role, despite his recent struggles in home conditions.Ashwin has been a subject of debate among cricket experts and fans, with some questioning his place in the team after being sidelined in crucial matches, including the World Test Championship final in 2023. However, Ganguly maintains that Ashwin remains India's premier spinner and should be an automatic selection."There is no debate. Ashwin must play. Your best spinner must play. In Test cricket, play specialists," Ganguly said. "Also, against the number of left-handers in the Australian line-up, Ashwin is certain to have an impact."Ganguly acknowledges the presence of other talented spinners in the Indian squad, such as Ravindra Jadeja and Washington Sundar, but believes that Ashwin's experience and ability to bowl to left-handers give him the edge."Yes, there is [Ravindra] Jadeja and Washington [Sundar] and both bat well, but you must go in with your best spinner in the first Test. Play with specialist batsmen and bowlers, and that's where Ashwin is my choice," he added.Ashwin's recent form in home Tests against New Zealand has been underwhelming, with the off-spinner failing to take a single wicket in two innings. However, Ganguly believes that Ashwin's overall record and his ability to adapt to different conditions make him the best choice for the Perth Test."He's a world-class spinner. He's got a lot of experience. He's bowled well in Australia before. So, I think he's the best choice for the first Test," Ganguly said.The Indian team management will have a tough decision to make in selecting the playing XI for the Perth Test, with several players vying for spots in the batting and bowling departments. However, Ganguly's strong endorsement of Ashwin suggests that the veteran spinner is likely to be given the nod ahead of his younger rivals.

Former Indian captain Sourav Ganguly has come to the defense of India's head coach Gautam Gambhir, urging patience and support ahead of the crucial Border-Gavaskar Trophy against Australia.Gambhir's tenure as coach has been met with mixed reactions, particularly after India's recent Test series loss to New Zealand and ODI defeat to Sri Lanka. However, Ganguly believes it's premature to judge Gambhir's performance, given his short time in the role."All I will say is let him be," Ganguly told Revsportz. "I saw some criticism of what he said in the press conference. It is the way he is. Just because he has lost three Test matches and a one-day series against Sri Lanka, the straight talk has not been looked at nicely. But that is the way he is. Let's give Gambhir a chance."Gambhir's outspoken nature has drawn attention, particularly his comments about Australian cricket legend Ricky Ponting. Ponting had expressed concerns over Virat Kohli's Test form, prompting Gambhir to suggest that Ponting focus on his own team.Ganguly defended Gambhir's direct approach, arguing that it could be beneficial in the high-stakes series against Australia. "Ultimately, you have to go and play the game hard," he said. "That is the way it is and it has happened for ages against Australian cricket teams. That makes this series even more competitive and more followed by people."India needs a 4-0 series victory to directly qualify for the World Test Championship (WTC) final. Ganguly believes that Gambhir's combative style could be an asset in this challenging endeavor."I think he is a good coach," Ganguly said. "He has got a good cricketing brain. He is a fighter. He is a winner. He has got a lot of experience. I think he will do well for India."

The legendary bond between Sachin Tendulkar and Sourav Ganguly has left an indelible mark on Indian cricket. Despite their contrasting personalities, these two icons shared a deep respect for each other's skills and contributions to the team.Ganguly, the former Indian captain, often credited Tendulkar as a calming influence and a constant support during his tenure. When faced with challenges, Sachin stood by him, providing both moral and tactical support. Similarly, Ganguly acknowledged Sachin's strategic insights, referring to him as the "team's think tank."Their camaraderie extended beyond the field, as they often faced off against the fiery Pakistani pacer Shoaib Akhtar in high-octane matches. Tendulkar and Ganguly, with their contrasting styles, neutralized Akhtar's threat by rotating the strike and counter-attacking. Their left-right combination forced Akhtar to adjust his line and length constantly, reducing his effectiveness.In a viral video, Ganguly expressed his admiration for Tendulkar, recalling an incident where Sachin suffered a double fracture in his rib cage after being hit by Akhtar. Despite the pain, Tendulkar continued to bat, showcasing his unwavering determination.Akhtar, too, has repeatedly expressed admiration for both Sachin and Sourav, calling them two of the best players of his era. He described Sachin as "calm and calculating," while Ganguly was "gritty and gutsy," praising both as challenging opponents for different reasons.The battles between Sachin, Sourav, and Shoaib represent the golden era of India-Pakistan cricket, marked by intensity, skill, and mutual respect. These encounters were more than just cricket-they were a spectacle of sportsmanship and passion, making them unforgettable for fans.Tendulkar and Ganguly's partnership defined an era of Indian cricket where the team started believing in its ability to dominate globally. Their friendship and on-field success continue to inspire young cricketers worldwide, serving as a testament to the power of teamwork and mutual respect.

India's upcoming tour of Australia holds immense significance as the team aims to regain its dominance Down Under. Former captain Sourav Ganguly, who led India to a memorable 1-1 draw in Australia in 2003-04, shared his insights on the team's preparations, the challenges they face, and the potential of the next generation of players.Ganguly expressed concern over India's recent 0-3 home defeat against New Zealand, emphasizing the need for introspection and a shift in mindset. He criticized the excessive use of rank turners in India, arguing that they hinder the development of batters and spinners alike.Regarding the transition to Australian conditions, Ganguly stressed the importance of adjusting to pace and bounce. He believes that the team's previous experience in Australia will be beneficial, but they must focus on hard practice and a clear game plan.Ganguly highlighted the significance of setting the tone early in the series, particularly in the first Test in Perth. He emphasized the need for senior batters like Virat Kohli and Rishabh Pant to take responsibility and inspire the team.On the topic of the next generation of players, Ganguly expressed confidence in the abilities of Shubman Gill and Pant. He believes they have the potential to emerge as senior batters and lead the team in the future.Ganguly acknowledged the changing nature of the game, with batters now adopting an aggressive approach. However, he emphasized the importance of adaptability and the ability to perform under pressure.Regarding the uncertainty over Rohit Sharma's availability, Ganguly expressed his belief that the team can cope with his absence. He highlighted the presence of experienced batters who can step up and set the tone.Finally, Ganguly discussed the team's bowling attack, praising the performances of Mohammed Shami and the potential of playing two spinners. He emphasized the need for a balanced approach, considering both batting stability and bowling strength.