Cricket

Virat Kohli Expresses Gratitude to PM Modi for Congratulatory Call After T20 World Cup TriumphIndian cricket star Virat Kohli has extended his heartfelt thanks to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for a congratulatory call following the team's historic T20 World Cup victory on Saturday. Kohli, who was named Player of the Match for his match-winning knock of 76 against South Africa in the final, took to social media to express his appreciation for the Prime Minister's kind words and encouragement."Dear @narendramodi sir, thank you so much for your very kind words and your support and encouragement always. It has been a privilege to be a part of this team which has brought the cup home. We are deeply touched & overwhelmed with the happiness it has bought the entire nation," Kohli wrote on Twitter.Earlier in the day, captain Rohit Sharma also thanked Modi for praising Team India for winning the ICC T20 World Cup 2024. "Thank you so much @narendramodi sir for your kind words. The team and I are very proud to be able to bring the cup home and are truly touched by how much happiness it has brought everyone back home," Sharma wrote on Twitter.Following India's victory, PM Modi called the team to congratulate them. He praised Rohit Sharma's leadership and impressive T20 career. Both Rohit and Kohli have announced their retirement from T20 Internationals after India snapped their 11-year ICC trophy drought."Time for the next generation to take the T20 game forward. It's been a long wait for us, waiting to win an ICC tournament. You look at someone like Rohit, he's played 9 T20 World Cups and this is my sixth. He deserves it," Kohli said."That was my last game as well. Honestly, I have enjoyed it since the time I started playing this format. There is no better time to say goodbye to this format. I have loved every moment of it. I started my India career playing this format. This is what I wanted to do. win the Cup and say (goodbye)," said Rohit.The T20 World Cup victory marks a significant milestone for Indian cricket, ending a long wait for an ICC trophy. The team's performance throughout the tournament was commendable, with key contributions from all players. The victory has brought immense joy and pride to the nation, and the players have been hailed as heroes.

Rahul Dravid's tenure as head coach of the Indian cricket team will conclude after the T20 World Cup 2024, prompting the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to initiate the search for his successor. While Gautam Gambhir and WV Raman have emerged as potential candidates, the absence of Dravid's reapplication has raised questions.BCCI Secretary Jay Shah has shed light on Dravid's decision, revealing that the board respected his desire to prioritize family commitments. "He told me that due to family commitments he wants to quit and we respect his decision. I didn't want to force him to extend," Shah stated.Shah lauded Dravid's invaluable contributions to Indian cricket, both as a player and an administrator. "Rahul bhai has served Indian cricket for the past five and half years. He was director of the National Cricket Academy for three years and then for the past two and half years, he served as head coach of Team India," Shah said.He emphasized Dravid's pivotal role in India's recent T20 World Cup triumph, alongside captain Rohit Sharma. "Rahul Dravid's role is as important as Rohit Sharma in this T20 World Cup title triumph. He is a man, who took the team to the 2023 ODI World Cup final and didn't wanted to leave because he wanted to finish the job," Shah added.The BCCI has confirmed that the new head coach will be appointed in time for India's upcoming series against Sri Lanka. "Both coach and selector appointments will be made shortly. CAC has interviewed and shortlisted two names and after reaching Mumbai whatever they have decided we will go by that. VVS Laxman is going to Zimbabwe but a new coach will join from the Sri Lanka series," Shah said.

Pakistan Cricket Legends Laud Kohli and Sharma's Retirement TimingFollowing India's triumph in the T20 World Cup, several Pakistani cricket greats have praised Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma for their impeccable timing in announcing their retirement from the format.Zaheer Abbas, a batting stalwart of yesteryear, expressed his admiration for Rohit Sharma's batting prowess and Kohli's exceptional records. He hailed Rohit's World Cup victory as a testament to his greatness.Javed Miandad, one of Pakistan's greatest batters, commended both players for retiring at the right time. He emphasized that their departure from T20 internationals in glory was a fitting end to their illustrious careers. Miandad also highlighted their role as role models for aspiring cricketers.Legendary pacer Waqar Younis lauded Rohit and Kohli for their ability to deliver in crucial situations and win matches for India. He also praised Jasprit Bumrah's exceptional bowling throughout the World Cup, crediting him as a match-winner for India.Rashid Latif attributed India's success and their three ICC event finals appearances in the past year to the team management's alignment with the players. He praised Rahul Dravid and his support staff for providing clear direction to the team.Shahid Afridi acknowledged Rohit's exceptional leadership and Kohli's consistent performance in big matches. He commended their decision to retire on a high after leading India to the World Cup title.Mohsin Hasan Khan, a former Test batter and chief selector, emphasized the importance of retiring in glory. He expressed his admiration for Rohit's leadership and Kohli's hunger for success. Khan also noted that India had the talent to fill the void left by their retirements.Rohit Sharma's unmatched five centuries in T20Is and two T20 World Cup titles have solidified his status as a legend in the format.

Jasprit Bumrah's heroics propelled India to a thrilling victory in the T20 World Cup 2024 final, etching his name in the annals of cricket history. The 30-year-old pacer's match-winning spell in the dying overs turned the tide in India's favor, snatching victory from the jaws of defeat.India's total of 176/7 in 20 overs seemed within reach for South Africa, especially after a crucial partnership between Quinton de Kock and Heinrich Klaasen. With just five overs remaining, the Proteas needed a mere 30 runs to secure the title.However, Bumrah's introduction into the attack proved to be a game-changer. In the 16th over, he conceded only four runs, followed by a miserly two runs and a wicket in the 18th over. His pinpoint accuracy and variations left the South African batters clueless.In the final over, the Proteas required 16 runs to lift the trophy. Hardik Pandya, India's all-rounder, stepped up to the challenge and defended the target with aplomb. Bumrah's heroics had set the stage for India's triumph.After the match, Mohammed Siraj, India's pacer, hailed Bumrah's brilliance, gifting him a placard that read, "Bumrah - Best bowler on land, air, and water." Siraj's admiration reflected the impact Bumrah had on the game."My only belief was on Jassy (Bumrah) bhai," said Siraj. "He's the only game-changer. Whatever I thought exactly happened. Unbelievable feeling guys, can't explain."Bumrah's exceptional performance throughout the tournament earned him the Player of the Tournament award, with 15 wickets in eight matches. His ability to swing the ball both ways and generate pace made him a formidable force."I don't usually cry after a game, but this feels really special," said Bumrah. "Midway stage we felt we were in trouble, but to pull off a win like this is an unreal feeling. I'm just really over the moon."Bumrah's match-winning spell and India's triumph in the T20 World Cup 2024 will be etched in the memories of cricket fans forever. His exceptional bowling skills and unwavering determination proved to be the difference between victory and defeat.

Former Pakistan all-rounder Shahid Afridi has lauded the leadership of Indian captain Rohit Sharma, crediting his positive attitude for India's triumph in the T20 World Cup. Afridi believes that Rohit's aggressive style of play instills confidence in his team, leading to their success.In contrast, Afridi expressed concerns about Babar Azam's captaincy during Pakistan's disappointing performance in the tournament. He questioned the decision-making process and suggested that the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) should empower the national selection committee to appoint the team captain.Afridi emphasized the importance of a strong foundation at the grassroots level for Pakistan cricket. He believes that investing in youth development will produce better players in the future.Afridi's comments come after India's thrilling seven-run victory over South Africa in the T20 World Cup final. Rohit Sharma played a crucial role in India's success, leading from the front with his aggressive batting and positive body language.Afridi's analysis highlights the importance of leadership in sports. A captain who sets a positive example and instills confidence in his team can make a significant difference in their performance.

South Africa's women's cricket team has received a major boost with the return of all-rounder Chloe Tryon for the upcoming T20I series against India. Tryon has been sidelined since April due to a back injury but has now recovered and is eager to make her comeback.Tryon's inclusion in the squad is a significant development for South Africa, as she brings a wealth of experience and versatility to the team. She is a hard-hitting batter, a skillful bowler, and a reliable fielder. Her return will provide the Proteas with much-needed depth and balance.Interim head coach Dillon du Preez expressed his delight at Tryon's return, saying, "She brings a lot of experience to the team and we can't wait to see her back on the field."The T20I series against India will be a crucial opportunity for South Africa to fine-tune their preparations for the upcoming T20 World Cup in Bangladesh. The Proteas will be looking to build on their recent performances, which have included a 3-0 ODI series defeat to India and a hard-fought draw in the ongoing one-off Test in Chennai.The squad for the T20I series includes a mix of experienced players and rising stars. Captain Laura Wolvaardt will lead the team, while other key players include Anneke Bosch, Tazmin Brits, Marizanne Kapp, and Ayabonga Khaka.South Africa will play three T20Is against India in Chennai on July 5, 7, and 9. The Proteas will be determined to put in strong performances and gain valuable experience ahead of the T20 World Cup.

Robin Uthappa's Emotional Tribute to India's T20 World Cup TriumphFormer Indian batter Robin Uthappa has expressed his heartfelt emotions in a moving tribute to the Indian team's victory in the 2024 T20 World Cup. Uthappa, who was part of India's maiden T20 World Cup-winning squad in 2007, couldn't control his tears as he recalled the struggles and hardships faced by the players in the past year.India's triumph in Barbados ended a 13-year wait for an ICC title. However, the journey to the top was not without its challenges. The team had lost back-to-back finals in the World Test Championship and ODI World Cup.Uthappa, in a discussion with veteran India off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin, highlighted the constant trolling and criticism that each player had to endure. "I was so full of emotions, you would've found me in tears," Uthappa said. "I went through each player individually, and what they have been through. I apologize in advance if I get emotional on this show, but when you go through each player individually, and what they've been through over the past 4-5 years -- trolling, criticism -- and you've been part of it as well, so you know what it feels like."Uthappa emphasized that every cricketer in India faces harsh trolling and criticism at some point in their careers. "I could feel the emotions of each player individually," he said. "I cried for the first 20 minutes after the victory. I went and bowed before god, saying thank you. As a cricketer who has represented India, thank you. This victory was so special because it was long incoming."Uthappa also praised the role of coach Rahul Dravid, who he described as an "absolute mentor." "We say a 50-year-old man celebrate like a kid when the World Cup trophy was given to him," Uthappa said. "This is the beauty of the sport. I am so grateful to god for everyone. All of the players deserve to win the World Cup."

India's Triumphant Captain Rohit Sharma Celebrates T20 World Cup Victory on Barbados BeachOn the heels of India's exhilarating victory in the 2024 T20 World Cup, skipper Rohit Sharma took a moment to bask in the glory on the picturesque beaches of Barbados. The official photoshoot captured the skipper's jubilation as he posed with the coveted trophy, a testament to India's second triumph in the tournament's history.India's victory was hard-fought, with the team overcoming a spirited South African side in a thrilling final at the Kensington Oval on June 29. After posting a challenging 176 for 7, thanks to Virat Kohli's 76 and Axar Patel's 47, India's bowlers stepped up to defend the total.Hardik Pandya, Jasprit Bumrah, and Arshdeep Singh combined to restrict South Africa to 169/8, with Pandya claiming three wickets and Bumrah and Singh taking two each. A crucial catch by Suryakumar Yadav on the boundary line to dismiss David Miller proved to be a turning point in the match.The victory marked a significant milestone for Indian cricket, as it was their first T20 World Cup triumph since the inaugural edition in 2007 under MS Dhoni's leadership. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) shared images of Sharma's photoshoot on social media, captioning it with a message of pride and accomplishment: "A billion dreams, a billion emotions, and a billion smiles! Mission accomplished. World Cup conquered. We are World Champions. Hey, Captain! You've done it."Sharma's leadership and the team's collective effort played a pivotal role in India's success. The victory is a testament to the team's resilience, determination, and unwavering spirit.

Rahul Dravid, India's former head coach, set a final goal for star batter Virat Kohli after the team's triumph in the T20 World Cup. Dravid urged Kohli to conquer the World Test Championship, referencing Kohli's impressive collection of limited-overs global trophies."All three white ticked off, one red to go. Tick it," Dravid told Kohli, referring to Kohli's victories in the T20 World Cup, ODI World Cup, and Champions Trophy. Dravid repeated warmly, "Go tick it."Dravid's tenure as India's coach ended on a high note after his appointment in 2021. India secured their second T20 World Cup title by defeating South Africa by seven runs, the first being in 2007 under Mahendra Singh Dhoni.India's cricket achievements include ODI World Cup victories in 1983 and 2011, along with Champions Trophy titles in 2002 and 2013.The celebratory video also featured Suryakumar Yadav, who made a remarkable catch to dismiss David Miller in the final. Yadav expressed his overwhelmed feelings, saying, "No feelings right now, I don't know what to say."Pacer Arshdeep Singh proudly showed polaroid photos taken before and after the final, illustrating his belief in the team's success. "This is what belief can do," he said.With India celebrating this significant achievement, the focus now shifts to future goals, inspired by the legacy of its cricketing legends.