Cricket

Former Indian all-rounder Dodda Ganesh has been entrusted with the responsibility of reviving the fortunes of Kenyan cricket. The 51-year-old has been appointed as the head coach of Kenya's men's cricket team, with the primary objective of guiding them through the Africa Qualifiers for the 2026 T20 World Cup.Ganesh, who represented India in four Tests and an ODI, brings a wealth of experience to the role. Despite limited success at the international level, he enjoyed a successful first-class career with Karnataka, amassing over 2000 runs and claiming 365 wickets.Kenya's cricket team has experienced a decline in recent years, failing to qualify for the T20 World Cup since 2007. Ganesh's appointment marks a significant step in their efforts to regain their former glory. The team will face Papua New Guinea, Qatar, Denmark, and Jersey in the ICC Division 2 Challenge League in September, followed by the T20 World Cup Africa Qualifiers in October.The 2026 T20 World Cup will be jointly hosted by India and Sri Lanka, providing Kenya with an opportunity to showcase their resurgence on the global stage. Ganesh expressed his excitement about the new role, stating, "Privileged to be named the head coach of the Kenya cricket team."Ganesh will be supported by former Kenyan internationals Lameck Onyango and Joseph Angara, who will serve as his deputies. The trio will work together to develop a competitive team capable of challenging for a place in the 2026 T20 World Cup.

Former India head coach Rahul Dravid has heaped praise on skipper Rohit Sharma, describing him as a "fantastic leader" and a privilege to work with. Dravid's comments come after Rohit's successful tenure as India's T20I captain, during which he led the team to the ICC T20 World Cup title in 2022.Rohit's impressive record in white-ball cricket speaks volumes about his prowess as a batsman. With 14,846 runs, three double hundreds, 33 hundreds, and 87 fifties in ODIs and T20Is combined, he is one of the most prolific run-getters in limited-overs cricket.Beyond his batting prowess, Rohit has also proven to be an astute captain. He overtook MS Dhoni as the most successful T20I captain with 49 wins in 62 matches, leading India to the ICC T20 World Cup title after a thrilling win over South Africa in the final.Dravid believes that Rohit's leadership qualities have been instrumental in his success. "People really gravitated towards him, the team," Dravid said. "I think that makes a big difference."Dravid also praised the humility and work ethic of India's superstar players, including Virat Kohli, Jasprit Bumrah, and Ravichandran Ashwin. "A lot of these superstars are actually very humble about their preparation," Dravid said. "They are humble about their work ethic. And that is why they are superstars."Dravid's tenure as India head coach was marked by success, including the ICC T20 World Cup trophy and a runners-up finish in the 50-over World Cup. He also guided India to the final of the ICC World Test Championship.

Pakistan's disappointing performance at the T20 World Cup 2024 has raised concerns about the team's unity and integrity. However, Test captain Shan Masood has dismissed allegations of match-fixing, emphasizing the players' commitment to winning matches for Pakistan.Masood acknowledged the team's struggles at the World Cup but stressed the need to move forward. He expressed confidence in the players' integrity, stating that he cannot question their intentions.The Test captain also hailed Arshad Nadeem's historic Olympic gold medal, calling him a "national hero." Masood suggested that Nadeem's achievement serves as an inspiration for the team to strive for greater glory.Despite their World Cup setback, Pakistan remains in contention for a spot in the World Test Championship final. With two wins from five Tests, they have a point percentage of 36.66%. If they win all their remaining matches, they will end up with a point percentage of 77.38% and secure a place in the final.Pakistan's upcoming schedule includes home series against Bangladesh, England, and West Indies, as well as a tour of South Africa. These matches provide an opportunity for the team to improve their ranking and qualify for the WTC final.Masood's comments and the team's upcoming fixtures highlight the importance of unity and determination as Pakistan aims to regain its status as a top cricketing nation.

Shivam Dube's resurgence in international cricket has been a testament to his determination and the transformative power of a supportive environment. After a promising start in 2020, Dube's career stalled, but a move to Chennai Super Kings in the IPL proved to be a turning point.Under the guidance of Mahendra Singh Dhoni and Stephen Fleming, Dube was assigned a specific role: to neutralize spin in the middle overs. With a stable position in the upper middle order, he received the confidence and belief that he could dominate with his power and timing. The backroom staff invested countless hours in honing his range-hitting prowess, and the results were spectacular.In the 2022 IPL season, Dube amassed 289 runs at an average of 28.90 and a strike rate of 156.22. His consistent performances earned him a recall to the Indian team for the T20 World Cup in 2023. While he didn't have many opportunities to showcase his batting skills, his combined returns of 47 runs (undefeated) in 35 balls in two events earned him a shot against Afghanistan.Dube responded with aplomb, scoring an unbeaten 60 in Mohali and 63 not out in Indore. His power-hitting had stormed him into contention for a place in the T20 World Cup in the Americas, where he battled for the middle-order slot/finisher's role with Rinku Singh.Despite the introduction of the Impact Player in the IPL, which has stunted the growth of Indian all-rounders, Dube's selection for the World Cup was a testament to his pure batting prowess. He showcased another facet of his batting – the ability to adapt to the situation.On a challenging surface at the Nassau County International Cricket Stadium in New York, Dube played a measured innings of 31 off 35, helping India overcome a precarious position against the United States. As the tournament moved to the Caribbean, Dube's power-hitting returned, with vital contributions against Bangladesh, Australia, and South Africa.Dube's reintegration into the one-day format is seen as a middling long-term option, as an insurance for Hardik Pandya. However, his performances in the ongoing ODI series against Sri Lanka have shown his potential. He picked up his maiden wicket and almost took India past the finish line with a quickfire 25 off 24.Dube's journey is a reminder that even after setbacks, hard work and the right environment can lead to a successful comeback. While he may not be the most athletic fielder, his hunger and desire with the bat make him a valuable asset to the Indian team.

Rahul Dravid, the former head coach of Team India, recently attended the Tamil Nadu Premier League (TNPL) 2024 final between Lyca Kovai Kings and Dindigul Dragons at the iconic MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai. Dravid, who guided India to a historic T20 World Cup triumph in 2023, was warmly welcomed by the crowd and shared his fond memories of playing at Chepauk.In an interview with a presenter, Dravid expressed his delight at being back at the ground where he had achieved several milestones in his illustrious career. He recalled playing league cricket with friends, scoring his 10,000th Test run, and winning a World Cup match against Australia at Chepauk.Dravid also spoke about his association with the Tamil Nadu Cricket Association (TNCA) and the impact of playing league cricket in Chennai on his development as a cricketer. He praised the TNPL for providing opportunities to young players and creating a platform for them to showcase their talent."These leagues like TNPL, KPL, have been terrific as they provide a lot of great opportunities to so many young people," Dravid said. "Look at this kind of crowd, for these young boys to be able to play in front of this crowd I think it's just phenomenal and it really gives them a great boost."Dravid also acknowledged the contributions of veteran players like Ravichandran Ashwin, who led the Dindigul Dragons to victory in the TNPL final. He praised Ashwin for his continued excellence and his ability to inspire young players.Dravid's presence at the TNPL final underlined his commitment to the development of cricket in India. His insights and encouragement will undoubtedly motivate the young players who aspire to follow in his footsteps.

Ravi Shastri, India's former head coach, has hailed Jasprit Bumrah's exceptional performance in the T20 World Cup, describing him as a "magician with the ball." Shastri highlighted two pivotal moments in India's triumph: their victory over Pakistan in the group stage and their unexpected win against South Africa in the final.In the India-Pakistan clash, Bumrah's dismissal of Mohammad Rizwan turned the tide in India's favor, as Pakistan was comfortably placed at 80/3. In the final against South Africa, Bumrah's game-changing spell in the 16th over, conceding only four runs and dismissing Marco Jansen, put the Proteas on the defensive.Shastri praised Bumrah's ability to control the flow of the game, comparing him to legendary bowlers like Shane Warne, Wasim Akram, and Waqar Younis. He noted that Bumrah's wicket of Rizwan in the final was crucial, as it shifted the momentum in India's favor.Shastri also lauded Suryakumar Yadav's spectacular boundary catch that dismissed David Miller, bringing South Africa down to 161/7 with five deliveries remaining. He emphasized that Miller's dismissal was a game-changer, as he is known for his big-hitting abilities.Furthermore, Shastri expressed admiration for Rishabh Pant's resilience in returning to top-level cricket after a near-fatal car accident. He praised Pant's exceptional keeping skills, noting that he hardly missed a catch despite the pressure of the tournament.

Joginder Sharma, the unsung hero of India's triumphant 2007 T20 World Cup campaign, recently reunited with the legendary former India captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni, rekindling memories of one of the most iconic moments in Indian cricket history.In that unforgettable match, Dhoni entrusted Joginder with the daunting task of bowling the final over against a formidable Misbah-ul-Haq. The decision raised eyebrows, considering the high stakes and immense pressure. Pakistan required a mere 13 runs to secure victory with one wicket remaining.Despite the intense scrutiny, Joginder displayed remarkable composure and precision. The over commenced with a wide, heightening the tension. However, he quickly regained his composure with a dot ball. Misbah then launched a six off the second delivery, reducing the equation to six runs off four balls.Undeterred, Joginder remained focused. Misbah attempted a risky scoop shot over fine leg on the next delivery, but Sreesanth safely collected the ball. This dismissal sparked jubilant celebrations as India clinched the inaugural T20 World Cup by a narrow margin of five runs.Joginder's calm demeanor and precise execution under immense pressure transformed him into an overnight hero. "I thought I should give the ball to someone who really wants to do well in international cricket. Jogi did a really good job," Dhoni remarked after the match."It's one of the things I will cherish for the rest of my life. I'd like to congratulate the boys and thank them for the response they have given me. No one expected us to win, and the way we played, we deserve a big celebration," the former India skipper added.Dhoni's astute leadership extended beyond the 2007 triumph. He guided India to two more ICC titles: the ODI World Cup in 2011 and the Champions Trophy in 2013. Additionally, India claimed the Test mace under his captaincy.Joginder's reunion with Dhoni serves as a poignant reminder of the camaraderie and resilience that characterized India's historic T20 World Cup victory. It is a testament to the enduring legacy of that unforgettable moment and the enduring bond between two cricket legends.

India's Triumphant T20 World Cup Victory: A Well-Deserved AccoladeIndia's long-awaited T20 World Cup triumph in Barbados marked a historic moment for the nation's cricket. After a 17-year drought, Rohit Sharma's team shattered expectations and brought home the coveted trophy.Australian cricket writers Sam Perry and Ian Higgins, creators of 'The Grade Cricketer Podcast,' hailed India's victory as a testament to their exceptional performance. "India deserved to win the T20 World Cup because they played the very best cricket," Perry asserted.Perry and Higgins attributed India's success to their ability to overcome past World Cup setbacks. "They transcended a lot of their difficulties at previous World Cups to win the tournament," Perry said.The duo's podcast, 'The Grade Cricketer,' emerged from their shared experiences as club cricketers in Australia. "We had dreams of being professional players, but we weren't good enough," Perry explained. "But we picked up a lot of experience that we didn't feel was reflected in cricket media."Through their podcast, Perry and Higgins aim to bring cricket stories to life with humor and authenticity. "We try to reflect some of the difficult experiences that you have playing cricket but are unspoken," Perry said.India's T20 World Cup victory serves as a reminder of the team's resilience and determination. It is a testament to the talent and dedication of the players, as well as the unwavering support of their fans.

Ravi Shastri, the former Indian cricketer and head coach, has hailed Rohit Sharma as one of the greatest Indian captains in history, predicting that his legacy will be cemented after the 2024 T20 World Cup triumph.Since taking over the captaincy in 2021, Sharma has transformed India's fortunes, leading them to the semi-finals of the 2022 T20 World Cup, the finals of the 2023 ODI World Cup, and the World Test Championship. His aggressive playing style and strategic prowess have earned him widespread acclaim.Shastri believes that Sharma's tactical acumen is on par with MS Dhoni, the legendary Indian captain. "As a tactician, he's been an outstanding guy. He'll go down as one of the best captains ever alongside Dhoni," Shastri said.Sharma's exceptional leadership extends to the Indian Premier League, where he has guided the Mumbai Indians to five titles since 2013. His ability to handle pressure and make crucial decisions was evident in India's comeback victory in the 2024 T20 World Cup final against South Africa."Rohit is not far behind and I thought tactically he was just outstanding in this year's (T20) World Cup. Just the calmness, the ability to get a (Jasprit) Bumrah or a (Hardik) Pandya, or even an Axar Patel at just the right time when needed was great to see," Shastri added.Sharma's batting prowess has also flourished under his captaincy, making him a formidable all-rounder. His partnership with head coach Rahul Dravid has been instrumental in India's resurgence, creating a cohesive and successful team environment.As India gears up for the 2024 T20 World Cup, Shastri believes that Sharma's leadership will be crucial in securing the coveted trophy. "If India wins the World Cup, Rohit will be considered one of the greatest Indian captains ever," Shastri concluded.