Cricket

MS Dhoni Recounts India's Triumphant T20 World Cup 2024 VictoryFormer Indian cricket captain MS Dhoni has shared his memories of India's dramatic T20 World Cup 2024 triumph, offering a behind-the-scenes glimpse into the emotions he experienced while watching the final from home."We were at home, watching with some friends who came over," Dhoni recalled at a recent event. As the second innings unfolded, most of Dhoni's friends lost hope and left. "They said, 'It's over; come with us.' But I was like, 'In cricket, till it's over, it's not over.'"Even Dhoni admitted he wasn't entirely confident, but he held on to the belief that the opposition's batting depth was vulnerable under pressure. "When the stakes are high, the games are big, you get a chance and want to make the most of it," he explained.India's victory, secured at the Kensington Oval in Barbados against South Africa, marked the end of a 17-year wait for their second T20 World Cup title. Dhoni praised the team's relentless attitude in clutch moments. "Big big congratulations to the guys who were on the field, because that is the kind of energy, motivation, and belief that is needed."The final saw India pull off an improbable comeback against a formidable South African lineup. Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma played pivotal roles in the victory, with both veterans announcing their retirements from T20Is after the match. Hardik Pandya's bowling brilliance and Jasprit Bumrah's pinpoint accuracy sealed the seven-run win, while Suryakumar Yadav's boundary-line catch became an instant highlight.Reflecting on the win, Dhoni summed up India's never-give-up attitude: "It doesn't matter whatever the result may be but till they don't win and it is not called that they have won the game, we need to keep pushing; and that was the attitude."With this victory, India ended their T20 World Cup drought, leaving fans euphoric and giving Rohit and Kohli a perfect farewell in the shortest format of the game.

Indian pacer Mohammed Shami has lauded Rohit Sharma's leadership, highlighting his ability to empower players and recognize their potential. Shami, who has played under Rohit's captaincy in limited-overs cricket, praised his understanding of each player's strengths and his ability to utilize them effectively."Rohit gives players freedom and knows which player can perform best in a given situation," Shami said. "He understands that well since he's played with everyone for so long and knows their abilities."Shami's comments come after Rohit announced his retirement from T20 internationals following India's World Cup triumph. Rohit expressed pride in his T20 journey, having begun his career in the format and achieving the ultimate goal of lifting the trophy.Meanwhile, Shami has assured fans that he has fully recovered from his recent knee issues and is preparing for India's upcoming Test series against Australia. The pacer, who has been managing an ankle injury since last year, confirmed that he is now pain-free and will likely play a few Ranji Trophy matches to regain form ahead of the crucial tour.Rohit had previously expressed concerns about Shami's fitness, but the pacer is confident in his preparation and aims to be at his best for the Border-Gavaskar series, which begins on November 22 in Perth.Shami's return to full fitness is a significant boost for India, who will be looking to retain the Border-Gavaskar Trophy on Australian soil. The pacer's experience and skill will be crucial in India's quest to overcome the challenges of playing in unfamiliar conditions.

India's Triumphant Victory Over Pakistan in the 2022 T20 World Cup: A Memorable EncounterOn October 23, 2022, the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) witnessed an unforgettable clash between arch-rivals India and Pakistan in the ICC Men's T20 World Cup. The match, played in front of a roaring crowd of 90,000, etched itself into the annals of cricket history.India, chasing Pakistan's formidable total of 160, found themselves in a precarious position at 31/4. However, the indomitable Virat Kohli rose to the occasion, delivering a match-winning performance that will forever be remembered.Kohli, with his trademark grit and determination, anchored India's innings, scoring an unbeaten 82 off 53 balls. His two towering sixes in the penultimate over, bowled by Haris Rauf, proved to be the turning point of the match.Kohli's heroics ignited the hopes of millions of Indian fans, who had witnessed their team's struggles in the early stages of the chase. With each shot he played, the crowd erupted in thunderous applause, their spirits soaring.Hardik Pandya, who played a crucial role in India's victory, shared his thoughts on Instagram, posting a picture with the caption: "A game like no other, and one that will stay with me forever. Nothing makes me happier than playing for my country."Kohli's performance in the match was not only a testament to his exceptional talent but also a reflection of his unwavering commitment to the Indian team. His ability to perform under pressure and inspire his teammates is a hallmark of his greatness.The victory over Pakistan was a significant moment for India, not only in terms of the result but also in terms of its impact on the team's morale. It gave them the confidence and momentum they needed to progress through the tournament and ultimately reach the semi-finals.

Virat Kohli's 'Shot of the Century': A Moment Etched in Cricket HistoryTwo years ago, on this day, the cricketing world witnessed a moment of brilliance that would forever be etched in the annals of the sport. Virat Kohli, the Indian batting maestro, executed one of the most stunning shots in cricket history during the India vs Pakistan match at the 2022 T20 World Cup.With India in a precarious position, needing 28 runs off just eight balls, Kohli's performance became a beacon of hope. Pakistan pacer Haris Rauf was bowling exceptionally well, but Kohli turned the tide by smashing two sixes off his deliveries.The first was a breathtaking back-foot punch that soared down the ground, a moment that captured the hearts of fans and analysts alike. However, it was the second six, a tennis-like shot out of the park, that mesmerized every eye.Kohli's unbeaten 83 runs off 52 balls proved pivotal as India secured a thrilling four-wicket victory over their arch-rivals. The shot, dubbed the 'Shot of the Century' by the ICC, became an instant sensation, showcasing Kohli's exceptional talent and unwavering determination.Haris Rauf himself later acknowledged Kohli's extraordinary talent, stating in an interview, "That was his class and the kind of shots that he plays, and the two sixes that he hit, I don't think any other player could hit those kind of shots."Kohli's shot not only won India the match but also cemented his status as one of the greatest batsmen of all time. It was a moment that transcended cricket, becoming a symbol of hope and inspiration for millions around the world.

South Africa's interim coach, Dillon du Preez, has guided the team to the final of the Women's T20 World Cup, but his future in the role remains uncertain. Du Preez, who took over from Hilton Moreeng in May, has expressed reservations about continuing due to his limited experience and the team's need for additional support.Despite his initial hesitation, du Preez has overseen a successful campaign for South Africa. The team reached the final after defeating defending champions Australia in the semi-final, showcasing a fearless and aggressive approach. However, they fell short in the final against New Zealand, highlighting the need for further development.Du Preez has emphasized the importance of creating a positive team culture and providing clear guidance. He has also benefited from the addition of specialized coaches, such as batting coach Baakier Abrahams and spin lead Paul Adams.Despite their success in the World Cup, South Africa has struggled in recent series, winning only one of seven before the tournament. Du Preez acknowledges the need for improvement and believes that the team's high-risk approach will eventually yield positive results.However, du Preez's future remains uncertain. He has expressed a desire to discuss his role with the director of cricket, Enoch Nkwe, upon his return home. Given the upcoming schedule, which includes an all-format tour against England in November-December, it is likely that du Preez will remain in charge until the end of the year.Du Preez's hesitation stems from his limited experience at a high level. After a 14-year provincial cricket career, he coached at the University of the Free State before taking over the women's team in Bloemfontein. While he has developed a coaching style based on his experience and knowledge, he recognizes the need for further development.

New Zealand's cricket teams have etched their names in history with remarkable victories over the weekend. The men's team triumphed in their Test match against India, securing their first Test win on Indian soil in 36 years. Meanwhile, the White Ferns claimed the ICC Women's T20 World Cup title, their maiden triumph in the tournament.Men's Test Victory:In the Test match against India in Bengaluru, New Zealand's bowlers dominated, with Matt Henry and William O'Rourke dismantling the Indian batting lineup. India was bowled out for a mere 46 runs in their first innings, giving New Zealand a significant advantage.Rachin Ravindra, Devon Conway, and Tim Southee contributed crucial runs to New Zealand's total of 402/10. Despite a valiant effort from India's batters, including Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and Sarfaraz Khan, they could only manage 462/10 in their second innings.New Zealand chased down the modest target of 106 runs comfortably, winning by eight wickets. Ravindra was named 'Player of the Match' for his outstanding performance with both bat and ball.Women's T20 World Cup Triumph:The White Ferns made history by defeating South Africa in the final of the ICC Women's T20 World Cup. After being put in to bat, New Zealand posted a competitive total of 158/5, thanks to contributions from Suzie Bates, Amelia Kerr, and Brooke Halliday.South Africa's chase started promisingly, but they lost wickets at regular intervals and were eventually restricted to 126/9. Kerr and Rosemary Mair were the standout bowlers for New Zealand, with Kerr earning the 'Player of the Match' award for her all-round performance.

Sanju Samson, the enigmatic Indian batter, has shed light on his relationship with captain Rohit Sharma and the events surrounding his omission from the playing XI in the 2022 T20 World Cup final.In an interview with journalist Vimal Kumar, Samson revealed that he was initially slated to play in the final against South Africa but was dropped at the last moment. "I had a chance to play the final. I was told to stay ready, and I was ready. But just before the toss, they decided to stick with the same XI," Samson said.Despite his disappointment, Samson praised Rohit's leadership and the manner in which he handled the situation. "During warm-ups, Rohit took me aside to explain the decision. He asked, 'You understood, na?'" Samson shared. "I told him, 'Let’s focus on winning the match first; we can talk later.'"Samson recalled Rohit returning shortly after, sensing his disappointment. "He said, 'I know you’re cursing me in your mind.' I told him that as a player, I wanted to play. It had been my dream to perform in moments like these. Rohit explained his pattern and the reasons behind the decision. I told him I respected his explanation, but I will always carry a regret—that I missed playing a World Cup final under a leader like him," Samson added.Samson admitted that the 10-minute conversation before the toss left a lasting impact. "I thought, in such a high-pressure moment like a World Cup final, the captain would usually focus on the game or the players who are playing. But Rohit took 10 minutes to explain his decision to me before the toss, and then he went for the toss. That gesture won him a place in my heart forever."While Samson has often found himself on the fringes of the national team, he was part of India's squad that won the 2024 T20 World Cup. However, he didn't get a chance to play in any of the eight matches, with Rishabh Pant being preferred as the first-choice wicket-keeper batter.Despite missing out during the World Cup, Samson made a resounding statement in the recent T20I series against Bangladesh. In the second T20I, he hammered a stunning 111 off just 47 balls, leading India to a record-breaking total of 297/6— the highest-ever T20I score by a full-member ICC nation. His blistering knock, featuring 11 fours and eight sixes, was the second-fastest T20I century by an Indian, achieved in just 40 balls.Samson's recent performances have reignited the debate about his place in the Indian team. With his exceptional talent and unwavering determination, he is poised to make a significant contribution to Indian cricket in the years to come.

Alyssa Healy's absence from Australia's T20 World Cup semi-final against South Africa was a major blow to the team's hopes of retaining their title. The captain revealed that she had suffered a ruptured plantar fascia in her foot, an injury that prevented her from taking the field.Healy sustained the injury while running between the wickets during Australia's penultimate group-stage game against Pakistan. Despite the pain, she attempted to play through the discomfort, but the decision was ultimately made to rest her for the semi-final."It's a bit sore," Healy said after the match. "I ruptured my plantar fascia. I completely ruptured one and partially ruptured the other."The injury is a significant setback for Healy, who is one of Australia's most experienced and successful players. Her absence was keenly felt in the semi-final, as South Africa cruised to an eight-wicket victory.Healy's availability for the upcoming WBBL season and India's tour of Australia remains uncertain. She admitted that she is unsure how long she will be sidelined."I don't know yet," she said. "We'll assess that when we get back. WBBL starts next Sunday so we'll reassess that as we go."Despite the disappointment of missing the semi-final, Healy praised her teammates for their efforts throughout the tournament."It was hard to watch, knowing that you can't really go out there and help," she said. "But it was good to see so many positives throughout the tournament. It hasn't ended the way we wanted, but I think we've played some amazing cricket."Healy also expressed her confidence in stand-in captain Tahlia McGrath, who led Australia to victory in their final group game against India."T-Mac's had the opportunity to captain in my absence before and done it outstandingly well," she said. "I can't fault the side at all in their optimism in taking on the challenge."