Cricket

Virat Kohli's T20 World Cup 2024 journey was a rollercoaster of emotions, culminating in a match-winning performance in the final against South Africa. Despite a disappointing run-up to the final, Kohli's 76-run knock proved pivotal in India's victory.In a candid conversation with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Kohli revealed his lack of confidence before the final. He admitted to struggling with his form and even expressed his concerns to then-head coach Rahul Dravid. Kohli attributed his poor performance to arrogance, stating that he had lost respect for the game."Whenever you feel like 'I can do it,' it's just the arrogance speaking," Kohli said. "If your ego comes up, the game goes away from you. Sometimes, it's important to let that arrogance go off."Dravid and India captain Rohit Sharma played a crucial role in motivating Kohli. They encouraged him to focus on the present and give his all for the team. Kohli's mindset shift paid dividends in the final, as he played a composed and responsible innings."We lived each ball at the end, we can't explain what was going on inside," Kohli said. "We lost hope at one moment, then Hardik took a wicket and then with each ball, we got the energy. I am happy that I was able to contribute to the team in such a big game after a tough time."Kohli's match-winning performance not only secured India's victory but also marked the end of his T20I career. He passed on the baton to the next generation, leaving behind a legacy of excellence and determination.

Suryakumar Yadav's sensational catch in the 2024 T20 World Cup final against South Africa has been the subject of much debate and controversy. A fresh video angle has now emerged, providing a clearer perspective on the incident.In the final over of the match, with South Africa needing 16 runs to win, David Miller hit a wide full toss from Hardik Pandya towards long-off. Suryakumar, positioned at the boundary line, initially caught the ball inside the ropes but realized he had overstepped as he went over the boundary. He then quickly came back in to complete the catch.Initial video angles of the catch sparked claims that it was not a fair catch. However, the new video shows that Suryakumar clearly caught the ball inside the boundary line before stepping over. The video also confirms that the boundary cushion was not deliberately pushed outside during the second innings to give India an unfair advantage.The catch has drawn comparisons to the iconic catch taken by Kapil Dev in the 1983 World Cup final against the West Indies. Dev ran sideways from mid-on to take a blinder off a top-edged shot from Viv Richards.Suryakumar expressed his gratitude for being able to make such a crucial play for his country. "I am just grateful to be in that moment to do something special for the country...god's plan it was," he said.The fresh video angle has put to rest any lingering doubts about the legitimacy of Suryakumar's catch. It was a remarkable display of athleticism and skill that helped India secure a memorable victory in the T20 World Cup final.

South Africa's women's cricket team kicked off their tour of India with a resounding 12-run victory in the opening T20I in Chennai on Friday. The Proteas posted a formidable total of 189 for four, thanks to half-centuries from Tazmin Brits and Marizanne Kapp. India's bowlers struggled to contain the South African batters, while their fielding was also below par.Brits and skipper Laura Wolvaardt provided a solid foundation for South Africa's innings, putting on a 50-run partnership in 43 balls. Brits was particularly impressive, scoring 81 off 56 balls with 10 fours and three sixes. Kapp also played a significant role, contributing 57 off 33 balls.India's poor fielding allowed South Africa to post their highest total in T20Is against India. Wolvaardt, Kapp, and Brits were all dropped at various stages of the innings. The lack of bounce on the pitch also allowed the South African batters to utilize sweep shots effectively.In response, India's openers Shafali Verma and Smriti Mandhana got off to a strong start, putting on a 56-run stand in just 32 balls. However, Verma fell to Ayabonga Khaka in the sixth over, and Mandhana was dismissed by Chloe Tryon in the 10th over.Dayalan Hemalatha and skipper Harmanpreet Kaur then put on a 31-run partnership, but Hemalatha was dismissed by Nadine de Klerk in the following over. Kaur and Jemimah Rodrigues then took the attacking route, putting up a 50-run stand in 38 deliveries.Rodrigues brought up her 11th T20I half-century in just 29 deliveries, but India needed 21 runs off the final six balls. Nonkululeko Mlaba bowled a tight over, conceding only eight runs to seal the victory for South Africa.India's bowlers Pooja and Radha did manage to take two wickets each, but their efforts were overshadowed by their team's fielding lapses and the resilient batting display by South Africa.

Richa Ghosh, India's dynamic wicketkeeper-batter, suffered a concussion during the first T20I against South Africa in Chennai on Friday. The incident occurred in the 16th over of the first innings when Ghosh attempted to catch a top-edged shot from Tazmin Brits. The ball rebounded off her gloves and struck her face, forcing her to leave the field.Ghosh, who was playing her 50th T20I, was initially replaced by uncapped substitute Uma Chetry. However, at the change of innings, batter S Sajana was announced as the official concussion substitute. Sajana would have been eligible to bat if necessary, but the match ended before that with South Africa securing a 12-run victory.The injury to Ghosh is a significant blow to India's hopes in the three-match series. The 20-year-old has been a key player for the team, contributing with both bat and gloves. Her absence will be felt in the remaining matches.In addition to Ghosh's injury, South Africa's Tazmin Brits also suffered a contusion in her right lower leg. Brits had to be stretchered off the field in the second innings after experiencing discomfort. She had earlier top-scored for South Africa with a 56-ball 81 in the first innings.The injuries to both Ghosh and Brits highlight the physical demands of international cricket. The players put their bodies on the line every time they take the field, and injuries are an unfortunate but unavoidable part of the game.

Suryakumar Yadav's extraordinary catch in the T20 World Cup final against South Africa proved to be a pivotal moment in India's title triumph. With South Africa needing 16 runs from the final over, David Miller's powerful shot seemed destined to clear the boundary. However, Yadav's remarkable athleticism and quick thinking saved the day for India.Yadav, positioned at long-on, steadied himself on the ropes as Miller's shot soared towards him. As he reached the boundary, he released the ball just before crossing the line, then swiftly regained his balance and completed the catch. The crowd erupted in a mix of disbelief and jubilation as India's hopes were reignited.Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who hosted the victorious Indian team for breakfast in New Delhi, hailed Yadav's catch as a game-changer. He explained how it transformed the emotions of a billion Indians from despair to elation. Yadav himself expressed his gratitude for being able to make such a significant contribution to his country's victory.The catch not only showcased Yadav's exceptional fielding skills but also his unwavering determination and composure under pressure. It was a moment that will be etched in the annals of Indian cricket history and will forever be remembered as a turning point in the team's World Cup triumph.

Virat Kohli's redemption in the T20 World Cup final against South Africa was a testament to his resilience and unwavering determination. Despite a string of low scores throughout the tournament, Kohli rose to the occasion when it mattered most, guiding India to a memorable victory.In a candid conversation with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Kohli admitted that he had struggled with self-doubt during the World Cup. However, he found solace in the words of his teammate, Rahul Dravid, who assured him that he would deliver when the time came.As India stumbled early in the final, Kohli took charge, anchoring the innings with a masterful 76-run knock. His innings was a perfect blend of aggression and composure, providing the platform for India's eventual triumph.Kohli's performance was a reflection of his unwavering belief in himself and his team. Despite the setbacks he had faced, he never lost sight of his goal. His ability to overcome adversity and perform under pressure is a testament to his mental fortitude.The T20 World Cup victory was a culmination of years of hard work and dedication for Kohli and his teammates. It was a moment of immense pride for the nation, and Kohli's contribution will forever be etched in the annals of Indian cricket history.

Virat Kohli's heart sank as he witnessed South Africa's relentless assault on India's bowlers in the T20 World Cup final. With just 30 runs needed off 30 balls, the Proteas seemed poised to snatch victory from India's grasp. However, Jasprit Bumrah's "phenomenal" performance in the final five overs turned the tide, leading India to an improbable triumph."We felt like it was slipping away," Kohli admitted at the team's felicitation in Mumbai. "But what Bumrah did in those last five overs was truly special."Bumrah's miserly 16th over, conceding just four runs, and his dismissal of Marco Jansen in the 18th over, proved pivotal. India's bowlers had been under immense pressure, but Bumrah's composure and skill brought them back into the game.The victory, India's first World Cup title in 13 years, was celebrated with fervor in Mumbai. Thousands of fans lined Marine Drive as the team's bus made its way to the Wankhede Stadium, which was packed to capacity.Kohli expressed his gratitude for the overwhelming reception. "We'll never forget this," he said. "What we saw on the streets tonight is something I'll never forget."The team's journey to victory had been a rollercoaster of emotions. After winning the World Cup, they were stranded in Barbados due to a hurricane, but the celebrations upon their return to India have been unforgettable.Kohli praised Rohit Sharma's emotional display after the victory. "I've never seen Rohit show so much emotion on the field," he said. "When we were walking up the steps, we were both crying and hugged. That's a special memory."Sharma expressed his relief at ending India's long wait for a global title. "Bringing the World Cup to this country means the world to us," he said. "This is for the people who have supported us for the last 11 years."

Hardik Pandya's journey from being jeered to being cheered by the Wankhede crowd is a testament to his resilience and determination. After facing criticism for his performance as Mumbai Indians' captain in the IPL 2024, Pandya silenced his critics with a match-winning performance in the T20 World Cup final against South Africa.Pandya's all-round performance in the tournament was crucial for India's success. His batting contributions in the lower order were brief but effective, accumulating 144 runs at an impressive strike-rate exceeding 150. His bowling prowess was equally significant, as he consistently provided breakthroughs at critical junctures when his team required them the most. His bowling efforts yielded 11 wickets over the course of the tournament.His best performance came in the final when he triggered a dramatic South African collapse after the Proteas needed 30 runs from 30 balls with Heinrich Klaasen in full flow. Pandya gave the decisive blow by dismissing Klaasen in the first ball of the 17th over.He went on to bowl the tense final over and defended 16 runs to help India pip South Africa by seven runs and win their second T20 World Cup title. On the back of his good performance in the World Cup, Pandya rose two places to become the first Indian to occupy the number one spot in the ICC's T20I all-rounders' rankings on Wednesday.Pandya's turnaround in fortunes is a reminder that even in the face of adversity, perseverance and hard work can lead to success. His performance in the T20 World Cup has not only redeemed him in the eyes of the fans but has also established him as one of the most valuable players in the Indian cricket team.

South Africa's tour of India has been a tale of dominance for the hosts, who have swept the ODIs and Test match. As the series shifts to the T20I format, South Africa will look to salvage some pride and pose a challenge to the formidable Indian team.The Unstoppable MandhanaSmriti Mandhana has been in scintillating form throughout the series, amassing a staggering 492 runs across formats. Her ability to convert starts into big scores has been a key factor in India's success. South Africa will need to find a way to contain her if they want to have any chance of winning.The Wolvaardt-Kapp ThreatLaura Wolvaardt and Marizanne Kapp are South Africa's most dangerous players. Wolvaardt has been in excellent form with the bat, while Kapp is a threat with both bat and ball. India will need to keep a close eye on these two if they want to maintain their dominance.Tryon's ReturnChloe Tryon is back in the South African team after missing the ODI and Test legs of the tour. The all-rounder is a valuable asset to her side, providing both batting and bowling options. Her experience in Indian conditions could also prove to be an advantage.Radha's Road to RedemptionRadha Yadav has been a key performer for India in the shortest format. She has learnt to harness her aggression and has showcased better control and accuracy of late. With South Africa's batting line-up stacked with right-handers, Radha could be a threat on the spin-friendly Chepauk surface.Recent FormIndia come into the series on the back of a 5-0 sweep of Bangladesh, while South Africa have struggled to get more wins in this format. However, the T20I format is unpredictable, and South Africa will be hoping to upset the odds.Pitch and ConditionsThe MA Chidambaram Stadium has traditionally been a high-scoring ground, but the recent Test match saw the Indian spinners dominate. The pitch is expected to be spin-friendly, which could favor India's bowling attack.