Cricket

Jemimah Rodrigues, a key member of the Indian women's cricket team, believes that adaptability and a team-first mentality will be crucial for India's success at the upcoming ICC T20 World Cup. India, who finished runners-up in the 2020 edition, will begin their campaign against New Zealand on October 4.Rodrigues, who scored a half-century in India's first warm-up match against West Indies, emphasized the importance of assessing conditions and playing to the situation. "I just want to keep it simple and do whatever it takes to help the team win," she said. "When I put things in that perspective, it gets the best out of me and motivates me."The 24-year-old also highlighted the need to play to the situation, regardless of the bowler. "It's not about specific bowlers but about playing to the situation," she said. "Bowlers can have off days, and as a batter, I need to assess which bowler to attack and when to hold back."Rodrigues praised the team's blend of youth and experience, with players like Richa Ghosh and Shafali Verma having already played in World Cups. "This team is special," she said. "There's something in this team, a fire to win, and at the same time, an energy and bond that's very special."Speaking about New Zealand legend Sophie Devine, Rodrigues said, "I've always admired her game. We've prepared well to bowl against her, and now it's just about executing our plans."India will also face Australia in the group stage, and Rodrigues believes execution will be key against the former champions. "We've prepared well and put in the work," she said. "Now it's time to execute our plans."Rodrigues also praised senior teammates Smriti Mandhana and Harmanpreet Kaur. "Smriti is young, but she understands the game and her role so well," she said. "Harman di is a big-match player. We want to win it for India and for her."

Rohit Sharma, the former Indian T20I captain, and his teammates from the victorious World Cup campaign will grace the second season of Netflix's 'The Great Indian Kapil Show.' In a promotional clip, Rohit's infamous forgetfulness became the subject of a hilarious question.Archana Puran Singh, an actress on the show, posed the question, "Team India ka Ghajini kaun hai?" (Who is Team India's Ghajini?). The reference to the Bollywood film 'Ghajini,' where the protagonist suffers from short-term memory loss, drew laughter from Rohit's teammates.Rohit, known for his forgetful nature, replied with a chuckle, "Yeh asli title hai mera" (That's my real title). The audience erupted in laughter at the witty response.Rohit's teammates have often shared anecdotes about his forgetfulness, including incidents where he has left behind his phone, iPad, wallet, and even his passport.In the promo, Rohit is joined by Suryakumar Yadav, who succeeded him as India's T20I captain, as well as Arshdeep Singh, Shivam Dube, and Axar Patel. The players appear to be having a jovial time on the comedy show.Rohit is currently leading India in the two-match Test series against Bangladesh, which India leads 1-0.

Jemimah Rodrigues, the 22-year-old Indian batter, has emerged as a key player in the national team and various T20 franchise leagues. Her journey has been marked by challenges and triumphs, shaping her into a resilient and versatile cricketer.Rodrigues' international debut in 2018 was met with high expectations, and she has since navigated numerous obstacles to establish herself as a top-order batter. Her participation in the Kia Super League (KSL) in England proved transformative, not only enhancing her on-field performance but also fostering her independence and maturity.Despite the ongoing debate surrounding club versus country loyalties, Rodrigues embraces the opportunity to play alongside and learn from the best in the world in T20 leagues. She credits her Delhi Capitals captain, Meg Lanning, for instilling in her a sense of calmness under pressure.In the recent Women's Caribbean Premier League (WCPL), Rodrigues played a crucial role in Trinbago Knight Riders' success, showcasing her ability to finish matches. This experience has boosted her confidence ahead of the upcoming T20 World Cup in the UAE.Rodrigues acknowledges that the Indian team is focusing on their own strengths rather than dwelling on their opponents. She recalls the pressure she faced in last year's T20 World Cup semi-final against Pakistan, but credits her faith and the support of her parents for helping her overcome her nerves.In the lead-up to the T20 World Cup, Rodrigues has been working on adapting to the number five batting position, where she aims to make a significant impact for India. She emphasizes the importance of aggression and adaptability in this role.While power-hitting is not her natural game, Rodrigues is developing this aspect of her batting. She draws inspiration from Virat Kohli, who relies on timing and gap-hitting to excel in T20 cricket.The Indian team has prioritized fielding and fitness in their preparations for the T20 World Cup. Rodrigues highlights the role of the support staff in enhancing these skills.Rodrigues dreams of a grand reception in Mumbai if India wins the T20 World Cup. Her name, meaning "dove" in Hebrew, symbolizes her hope for a successful campaign for the Indian team.

The International Cricket Council (ICC) has announced an all-female panel of 13 match officials for the upcoming Women's T20 World Cup, scheduled to take place in the United Arab Emirates from October 3 to 20. Among the appointed officials are two Indian representatives: match referee G.S. Lakshmi and umpire Vrinda Rathi.Lakshmi and Rathi were also part of the match official panel for the previous edition of the tournament held in South Africa in 2023. The current panel comprises three match referees and 10 umpires.For the marquee India vs Pakistan match at the Dubai International Stadium on October 6, Australia's Eloise Sheridan and South Africa's Lauren Agenbag have been appointed as on-field umpires, while Jacquline Williams of the West Indies will serve as the television umpire.The tournament kicks off on October 3 with the opening clash between Bangladesh and Scotland, which will be officiated by Claire Polosak of Australia and Agenbag. India will begin their campaign on October 4 against New Zealand, with Williams and Anna Harris of England as the on-field umpires and Polosak as the TV umpire.New Zealand's Kim Cotton and Agenbag will be the on-field umpires for India's game against Sri Lanka on October 9, while England's Suzanne Redfern will be the TV umpire. Redfern and Cotton will also officiate India's match against defending champions Australia on October 13, with Williams in charge of TV duty.The umpires and match referees for the semifinals and final, to be played on October 17, October 18, and October 20 respectively, will be announced later.The ninth edition of the tournament was initially scheduled to be hosted by Bangladesh but was moved due to political unrest in the country. The tournament will be held across two venues in the UAE - Dubai and Sharjah.

Yuvraj Singh Recounts Heated Exchange with Andrew Flintoff in 2007 T20 World CupFormer Indian all-rounder Yuvraj Singh has shed light on a fiery verbal altercation he had with England's Andrew Flintoff during the inaugural T20 World Cup in 2007. The tournament is etched in cricket history for several memorable moments, including Yuvraj's iconic six sixes off Stuart Broad and the heated exchange with Flintoff.Yuvraj recalled that Flintoff's provocation began after he hit a couple of boundaries off his bowling. "Freddie bowled two good balls, but I hit them for boundaries. When I was walking after taking a single, he said, 'F... shit shots,'" Yuvraj revealed on the Club Prairie Fire podcast.Flintoff's comments ignited a verbal spat between the two players, forcing the umpire to intervene. "He repeated that on my face. I walked towards him; he kind of spat on me. I showed him my bat, saying that you know where it's going to go. It went worse after that. Then the umpire came in," Yuvraj added.Despite the altercation, Yuvraj remained focused and went on to hit six consecutive sixes off Broad in the same over. However, he admitted that he took more satisfaction from hitting Flintoff for a six. "I hit Freddie for a six, I enjoyed it more (than six sixes)," Yuvraj said.Yuvraj's presence in the tournament proved crucial for India's triumph. His former teammate Sreesanth recently stated that India would not have won the inaugural T20 World Cup without Yuvraj's contributions. "Without Yuvraj, I don't think we would have won the World Cup," Sreesanth said.In a thrilling final against Pakistan, India emerged victorious, becoming the first team to clinch the T20 World Cup title. Yuvraj's six sixes and his heated exchange with Flintoff remain iconic moments in the history of the tournament.

Shafali Verma Draws Inspiration from Rohit Sharma's Powerplay Dominance for ICC Women's T20 World Cup 2024As the Indian women's cricket team prepares for the ICC Women's T20 World Cup 2024, star opener Shafali Verma has revealed her admiration for Indian men's team captain Rohit Sharma's explosive batting in the powerplay.Verma, known for her aggressive batting style, believes that Sharma's ability to maximize scoring opportunities during the first six overs is a key learning point for her. "I would choose India's Rohit Sharma because the way he utilizes the Powerplay is memorable to watch," she told Star Sports. "Even in the World Cup, there are 2-3 innings I can recall. I always feel good watching how he makes the most of the Powerplay."Sharma's impressive T20I career, with 4231 runs at a strike rate exceeding 140, serves as a testament to his dominance in the shortest format. His ability to dominate the powerplay overs has been instrumental in India's success in T20 cricket.Verma herself has emerged as a vital cog in the Indian batting lineup. Her career statistics across formats reflect her aggressive approach and ability to score quickly. In T20Is, she averages 25.63 with a strike rate of over 130, showcasing her potential to be a game-changer in the powerplay.The Indian women's team will be hoping to leverage Verma's aggressive batting to their advantage as they aim for their maiden T20 World Cup title. However, consistency remains a key area of improvement, as evidenced by their series losses against Australia and England earlier in the year and their recent Asia Cup final defeat to Sri Lanka.Verma's admiration for Sharma's batting is a reflection of the growing influence of the men's game on the women's game. As the women's game continues to evolve, players like Verma are looking to the best in the men's game for inspiration and guidance.

Yuvraj Singh, the former Indian all-rounder, etched his name in cricket history with his iconic feat of hitting six consecutive sixes in an over against England's Stuart Broad during the inaugural T20 World Cup in 2007. This extraordinary display of power and skill has become a legendary moment in the annals of the sport.In a recent interview on the 'Club Prairie Fire' podcast, Yuvraj recounted the incident, revealing that it was fueled by a verbal altercation with England's Andrew Flintoff. "He kind of spat at me," said Yuvraj. "So I told him, 'You see this bat in my hand, you know where it's gonna go'."The exchange escalated, and Yuvraj's anger found its outlet in the six balls delivered by Broad. "That's when the umpire came in," he recalled.The video of Yuvraj's six sixes has garnered an astonishing 96 million views on the International Cricket Council's (ICC) YouTube channel. When asked if he had ever considered sending the ICC an invoice for the massive viewership, Yuvraj joked, "I would have made a lot of money."Yuvraj's six sixes not only showcased his exceptional batting prowess but also highlighted the intense rivalry between India and England. The match was a high-stakes encounter, and Yuvraj's performance played a pivotal role in India's victory.The left-handed batter, who retired from cricket in 2019, remains one of the most beloved and respected figures in the sport. His six sixes will forever be remembered as a testament to his talent, determination, and the unforgettable moments that cricket can produce.

Harmanpreet Kaur, the torchbearer of Indian women's cricket, is set to make history as she joins an elite group of players to have featured in all nine ICC Women's T20 World Cup editions. The upcoming tournament in the United Arab Emirates will mark her ninth appearance, a testament to her longevity and unwavering commitment to the sport.Kaur's journey to the pinnacle of women's cricket has been marked by both brilliance and resilience. She has been a key figure in India's rise as a global force, combining textbook batting with explosive power-hitting. Her ability to adapt to different roles and situations has made her an invaluable asset to the team.While Kaur's experience is a major asset, her recent form has raised some concerns. She has managed only two half-centuries since the last T20 World Cup, and her strike rate has dipped slightly. However, the Indian captain remains unfazed, confident in her ability to handle the pressure and deliver when it matters most.Kaur's team is a blend of experience and youth, with only three players yet to feature in a T20 World Cup. The squad boasts a wealth of talent, including Smriti Mandhana, Deepti Sharma, and Shafali Verma.India's hopes of lifting their maiden ICC trophy rest heavily on Kaur's shoulders. She has been a source of inspiration for countless young girls and has played a pivotal role in popularizing women's cricket in India. As she embarks on her ninth World Cup campaign, Kaur is determined to leave a lasting legacy and bring glory to her country.

Tazmin Brits, South Africa's opening batter, is embarking on a T20 World Cup journey that transcends the game itself. She plays for her mother, Zeldine, who is battling breast cancer. Despite her mother's absence due to treatment, Brits draws strength from her resilience.Brits' journey has been marked by adversity. She lost her father to Covid-19 in 2021 and suffered a life-threatening car accident in 2011. After contemplating suicide, she found solace in sports, returning to javelin and eventually switching to cricket.Her determination paid off as she made the national team and has become a mainstay at the top of the order. In the past year, she has scored her first and second ODI centuries, five of her 12 T20I fifties, and a maiden domestic T20 hundred.Brits attributes her success to her focus on strike rate, recognizing the need to improve for opportunities in major leagues. She also dreams of competing in the Olympics, with cricket's inclusion in the 2028 Los Angeles Games.Beyond her personal goals, Brits is driven by the desire to win a World Cup for South Africa. She believes it would be a transformative moment for the nation. As a symbol of her commitment, she plans to get a World Cup trophy tattoo if they win.October, the month of the T20 World Cup, also marks Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Brits will honor her mother's fight by dedicating her performances to her.