Cricket

Team India's fielding coach, TK Dilip, has attributed the team's success at the T20 World Cup to their exceptional fielding efforts. He believes that the iconic catch by Suryakumar Yadav to dismiss David Miller in the final was a testament to the team's belief in their abilities.Dilip, who hails from Hyderabad, played a pivotal role in India's fielding prowess. He introduced the fielding medal ceremony after every match, which has become a highly anticipated post-match event. The coach believes that fielding is as important as batting and bowling, and the medal ceremony helps recognize the contributions of fielders.Speaking about the team's mindset, Dilip said, "Everybody believed that we could do magic even in that situation." He emphasized that the team's unwavering belief in their abilities was a key factor in their victory.Dilip also highlighted the importance of adapting to different conditions. He explained that the team had to adjust to various grounds in the US, which presented unique challenges. However, the players' ability to adapt quickly played a crucial role in their success.The fielding coach praised the team's overall fielding performance, citing specific catches that changed the momentum of matches. He mentioned Axar Patel's catch against Australia, Matthew Wade's catch at short third, and Mohammed Siraj's catch at the boundary as examples of the team's exceptional fielding skills.Dilip's contract as India's fielding coach has ended along with that of coach Rahul Dravid and the support staff. He expressed his gratitude for the experience and the opportunity to work with the team. He said, "In my last 2-1/2 years with the team, Virat Kohli, Jadeja and others were still doing what they were doing all these years. Yes, they got better every day. That attitude also rubs on to youngsters."

India's T20 World Cup triumph was a moment to cherish, and the team's unique walk to the podium to receive the trophy added to the occasion's significance. Skipper Rohit Sharma revealed that the distinctive walk was suggested by spin duo Yuzvendra Chahal and Kuldeep Yadav.During an interaction with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Rohit explained that the boys wanted to make the moment memorable. "It was such a huge moment for all of us. We all have been waiting for this for years. So, the boys told me 'Don't go just like that, do something different...'," Rohit said.Prime Minister Modi jokingly asked if it was Chahal's idea, to which Rohit replied with a laugh, "Chahal and Kuldeep." Interestingly, Rohit's walk up to the podium resembled the way Argentina legend Lionel Messi received the FIFA World Cup 2022 trophy.Meanwhile, BCCI secretary Jay Shah's vision and support played a crucial role in Team India's victory. Shah thanked Prime Minister Modi for his unwavering support, saying, "Prime Minister Sir has stood by #TeamIndia through ups and downs and has always encouraged the team to give its best irrespective of the result."Shah's efforts were instrumental in bringing the team back to India after they were stranded in Barbados due to Hurricane Beryl. The squad, along with support staff and journalists, returned to the country on Thursday morning.Following their meeting with Prime Minister Modi, the team headed to Mumbai for an open-top bus parade and a presentation ceremony at the Wankhede Stadium.

Hardik Pandya's remarkable journey from being booed by his own fans to leading India to a T20 World Cup triumph is a testament to his resilience and determination. After enduring a tumultuous Indian Premier League (IPL) season in 2024, where he faced relentless criticism from the crowd, Pandya emerged as a beacon of hope for Indian cricket.Despite the adversity he faced, Pandya remained steadfast in his belief that he would prove his worth through his performances on the field. His unwavering resolve paid off as he played a pivotal role in India's historic T20 World Cup victory in the USA and West Indies.In a heartfelt conversation with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Pandya expressed his gratitude for the support he received from the team and the nation. "The last six months have been a rollercoaster ride," he said. "There were ups and downs, and the public booed me. But I always believed that I would respond through my sport."Pandya's exceptional performances in the T20 World Cup silenced his critics and earned him the admiration of fans across the country. He was instrumental in India's victory, contributing with both bat and ball. His all-round brilliance was a key factor in India's triumph.After returning to India with the World Cup trophy, Pandya and his teammates were greeted with a grand victory parade in Mumbai. The parade culminated at the iconic Wankhede Stadium, where the team was felicitated by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI).In a message to his fans, Pandya expressed his gratitude for their unwavering support. "India, you mean the world to me!" he wrote on social media. "Thank you for all the love. These are moments I will never forget."Hardik Pandya's journey is an inspiration to all aspiring athletes. It demonstrates that even in the face of adversity, perseverance and self-belief can lead to extraordinary achievements.

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.

India's triumph in the T20 World Cup in Barbados last Saturday marked a significant milestone in the nation's cricketing history. It was a testament to the team's unwavering spirit, exceptional talent, and the country's enduring love for the sport.The victory ended a long drought that began after India's Champions Trophy triumph in England in 2013. Rohit Sharma's men remained unbeaten throughout the championship, showcasing their dominance and resilience.India's journey in limited-overs cricket has been a fascinating one. Initially hesitant to embrace new formats, the country gradually embraced ODIs and T20s with the same fervor that characterized its love for Test cricket.In the early days of ODIs, India struggled to find its footing. However, Kapil Dev's iconic 175-run knock against Zimbabwe in the 1983 World Cup transformed the nation's perception of the format. It instilled a belief that no match was lost until the last ball was bowled.This belief was further amplified by the likes of Sachin Tendulkar, Anil Kumble, M.S. Dhoni, Zaheer Khan, Yuvraj Singh, Virat Kohli, and Rohit Sharma. India became a formidable force in ODIs, winning the World Cup in 1983 and 2011.As T20 cricket gained popularity, India initially resisted the format. However, Dhoni's leadership and the success of the Indian Premier League (IPL) changed the country's attitude. India won the inaugural T20 World Cup in 2007, and the format quickly became a fan favorite.Today, India boasts a wealth of talent in both ODIs and T20s. The team has the depth to field multiple units, allowing it to compete effectively in both formats. This strength was evident in the recent T20 World Cup, where India sent a separate team to Zimbabwe while the main squad competed in Barbados.The IPL has played a pivotal role in India's success in limited-overs cricket. It has provided a platform for young players to showcase their skills and has helped to develop a fearless and aggressive approach to batting.India's triumph in the T20 World Cup is a testament to the country's enduring love for cricket. It is a victory that will inspire future generations of players and fans alike.

Former Bangladesh cricketer Nafees Iqbal, brother of star opener Tamim Iqbal, has been hospitalized in Dhaka after suffering a brain haemorrhage in Chattogram on Friday. Nafees, who served as Bangladesh's logistical manager during the recent T20 World Cup, was airlifted to Dhaka in the afternoon and admitted to the High Dependency Unit (HDU) of a private hospital.According to Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) chief physician Debashis Chowdhury, Nafees is out of immediate danger but will require several weeks to fully recover. "Specialists have diagnosed Nafees with cerebral venous thrombosis, which involves blood clots in a specific part of the brain," Chowdhury explained. "His condition is stable, and his vital signs are good. He will remain under observation for a few more days."Nafees had reportedly been experiencing headaches for several days before his collapse. He returned to Bangladesh with the national team last Friday after the T20 World Cup in Australia.BCB officials, including director Jalal Yunus, chief executive Nizamuddin Chowdhury, and players like Mahmudullah, Mushfiqur Rahim, and Mashrafe Mortaza, have visited Nafees in the hospital. Nafees is also the nephew of former Bangladesh captain and current BCB director Akram Khan.Nafees has been the Bangladesh team manager for the past two years. As a player, he represented Bangladesh in 11 Tests and 16 ODIs between 2003 and 2006. He is a prominent figure in domestic cricket, having played 120 first-class matches for Chattogram.The BCB has expressed its support for Nafees and his family during this difficult time. The board is closely monitoring his condition and providing all necessary assistance.

Virat Kohli, the star Indian batter, embarked on a whirlwind journey after India's triumphant T20 World Cup victory. Hours after participating in the team's celebrations in Mumbai, Kohli boarded a flight to London to reunite with his family.The Indian team's journey began with a 16-hour chartered flight from Barbados to New Delhi. Upon arrival, they were greeted by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who felicitated them and shared breakfast with the contingent. The team then flew to Mumbai, where they were met with a rousing reception from fans.Kohli and his teammates participated in an open bus victory parade, with thousands of fans lining Mumbai's Marine Drive to witness the world champions. The parade culminated at Wankhede Stadium, where the BCCI organized a felicitation ceremony. The team received a prize money of Rs 125 crore, as announced after the final.Amidst the celebrations, Kohli made a swift departure for London. As per reports, he boarded a private chartered flight at 3:15 am and arrived in London by 12:45 pm (IST). His wife, Anushka Sharma, had been present at the India vs. Pakistan match in New York but had not attended the rest of the tournament.Kohli's performance in the lead-up to the T20 World Cup final had been underwhelming, but he rose to the occasion when it mattered most. Prior to the final, he had scored only 75 runs. However, in the all-important clash, he played a pivotal role with a 'Man of the Match' worthy 76.Moments after India's victory, Kohli announced his retirement from T20I cricket. However, he will continue to play the longer formats of the game.

England's upcoming T20I series against New Zealand will serve as a crucial test for the team as they prepare for the T20 World Cup in Bangladesh. Captain Heather Knight emphasized that while conditions in England may differ from those in Bangladesh, the team will strive to simulate potential scenarios and combinations.Despite the challenging weather conditions in Southampton, Knight stated that England will focus on playing teams and implementing strategies that they anticipate encountering in Bangladesh. This approach aims to prepare the team for the specific conditions and challenges they may face during the World Cup.England's recent ODI series sweep against New Zealand has instilled confidence in the team, allowing them to maintain an experimental mindset regardless of the pitch or opposition. The team's dominant performances, including a comfortable chase of 212 in Bristol, have showcased their depth and adaptability.Knight revealed that England is nearing the finalization of their squad for the T20 World Cup, with only a few spots remaining to be determined. The selection process has been challenging due to the impressive performances of the players, highlighting the intense competition within the team.Freya Kemp's return as an allrounder and Sophia Dunkley's inclusion in the squad after a disappointing tour of New Zealand earlier this year add depth to England's options. Seamer Lauren Bell's breakthrough performance in Bristol, where she claimed her maiden five-wicket haul, has boosted her confidence and solidified her position in the team.Knight praised Bell's resilience and determination in overcoming a difficult period where she was working on modifying her bowling technique. She believes that Bell's experience will be invaluable for the team going forward.

Hardik Pandya, the Indian all-rounder who played a pivotal role in India's T20 World Cup triumph, has opened up about the challenging six months leading up to the tournament. Despite facing public criticism and boos throughout the previous months, the 30-year-old maintained his composure and let his performance do the talking.Pandya revealed that he had not lost his temper once during the difficult times, which made the victory even more significant. Mumbai Indians fans and social media trolls had been particularly harsh on Pandya during the IPL 2024 season. After a successful two-year stint with Gujarat Titans, which included winning the title in their debut season in 2022, Pandya returned to Mumbai Indians. However, his appointment as captain, replacing Rohit Sharma, led to a massive backlash from fans on social media and in stadiums across India.Despite the criticism, Pandya remained focused on his game and ultimately proved his worth on the international stage. During a meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi at his residence on Thursday, Pandya shared insights about the Indian team's mindset during the World Cup final. Pandya emphasized that the team remained composed and confident in their ability to secure victory, even in challenging moments.Pandya, who faced significant criticism and trolling during the IPL, both personally and professionally, delivered a potentially game-changing performance in the final. His crucial dismissal of Heinrich Klaasen may have been the turning point that propelled India to lift the World Cup trophy."The last 6 months have been very entertaining for me, there have been a lot of ups and downs and the public booed me. A lot of things happened and I always felt that if I give any answer, it would be through sports... So I believed that I would stay strong, will work hard," Hardik Pandya said during an interaction with PM Modi at the Prime Minister's residence in Delhi.India pacer Jasprit Bumrah also got his hands on his first ICC World Cup trophy after India's success in the T20 World Cup final against South Africa in Barbados. During his interaction with PM Modi, the pacer said bowling in crucial and difficult situations helped him gain confidence that he carry forward.Jasprit Bumrah achieved a significant milestone by securing his maiden ICC World Cup title following India's triumphant campaign against South Africa in the T20 World Cup final in Barbados. In a conversation with Prime Minister Modi, Bumrah shared his thoughts on the experience."Whenever I bowl for India, I bowl in very crucial stages. Whenever the situation is difficult, I have to bowl in that situation. So I feel very good when I am able to help the team and if I am able to win the match from any difficult situation, then I get a lot of confidence and I carry that confidence forward as well. And especially in this tournament, there were many situations where I had to bowl tough overs and I was able to help the team and win the match," Bumrah said.