Cricket

Rahul Dravid's Calm and Correct Coaching Style Leads India to T20 World Cup GloryFormer India head coach Lalchand Rajput has lauded Rahul Dravid's unique coaching style, attributing the team's recent T20 World Cup triumph to his calm and composed approach."Rahul Dravid's coaching is very silent and correct," Rajput told ANI. "We call him the Wall of Cricket. When one wins the World Cup, any person jumps up with joy. He danced yesterday and showed that he has another side also."India's victory in the summit clash against South Africa was a testament to Dravid's astute leadership. The team displayed remarkable resilience and composure under pressure, with Arshdeep Singh, Jasprit Bumrah, and Hardik Pandya delivering exceptional performances in the death overs.Virat Kohli and Axar Patel also played crucial roles with the bat, guiding India to a competitive total. This win marks the end of India's 11-year ICC trophy drought, with their last triumph being the Champions Trophy in 2013.Dravid's calm and collected demeanor has been a key factor in India's success. He has instilled a sense of discipline and focus in the team, while also fostering a positive and supportive environment."He is a very calm and composed coach," Rajput said. "He doesn't get excited or angry. He always keeps his cool and that reflects in the team's performance."Under Dravid's guidance, India has developed a winning mentality and a never-say-die attitude. The team's ability to perform under pressure and execute their plans effectively has been a hallmark of their recent success.Dravid's coaching style has also been praised by former players and experts. Former India captain Sunil Gavaskar believes that Dravid's calm and composed approach has helped the team to stay focused and disciplined."Rahul Dravid is a very calm and composed coach," Gavaskar said. "He doesn't get excited or angry. He always keeps his cool and that reflects in the team's performance."With Dravid at the helm, India will be looking to continue their winning ways and establish themselves as a dominant force in world cricket.

Rohit Sharma Retires from T20Is After Leading India to World Cup GloryIndian cricket legend Rohit Sharma has announced his retirement from Twenty20 International (T20I) cricket after guiding the Men in Blue to a historic victory in the 2024 T20 World Cup. The 37-year-old skipper, who has been at the helm of India's T20I team since 2021, bows out as the format's all-time leading run-scorer with 4231 runs in 159 matches.Sharma's retirement marks the end of an illustrious T20I career that has seen him shatter numerous records. He holds the distinction of being the only player to score five centuries in T20Is, a testament to his exceptional batting prowess. Under his leadership, India has emerged as a formidable force in the shortest format of the game, winning the 2024 T20 World Cup and reaching the semi-finals of the 2022 edition.In a heartfelt Instagram post, Sharma expressed his overwhelming emotions following India's triumph. "This picture epitomizes how I'm feeling right now. So many words but can't find the right ones to express what yesterday meant to me," he wrote. "But I will, and I will share them, but right now I'm basking in a dream come true for a billion of us."Sharma's retirement has been met with an outpouring of tributes from fans, teammates, and fellow cricketers. Former India captain Virat Kohli hailed Sharma as "a true legend of the game" and praised his leadership qualities. "He has been an inspiration to many young players and has played a pivotal role in India's success in T20 cricket," Kohli said.As Sharma steps away from the international T20I arena, he leaves behind a legacy that will inspire generations to come. His exceptional batting skills, astute captaincy, and unwavering determination have made him one of the most respected and admired cricketers of his era.

As the sun dipped below the horizon in Barbados, the Indian cricket team emerged from their dressing room, their hearts filled with a mix of triumph and relief. They had just etched their names into history by winning the T20 World Cup, a trophy that had eluded them for so long.The victory was a culmination of years of planning and hard work. After the disappointment of losing the 2023 ODI World Cup final, the team management decided to make some bold changes. They promoted Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma to open the batting, added four all-rounders to the squad, and included three left-arm spinners.These unconventional tactics proved to be a masterstroke. Kohli and Sharma provided a solid foundation at the top of the order, while the all-rounders gave the team flexibility and depth. The left-arm spinners, led by Axar Patel, proved to be a potent force, especially in the middle overs.The team's success was also due in no small part to the leadership of Rahul Dravid. The former India captain had never won a World Cup as a player, and he was determined to make amends as a coach. He instilled a sense of belief and unity in the team, and his tactical acumen proved to be invaluable.For some players, the victory was particularly meaningful. Dravid had finally won a World Cup, while Hardik Pandya had overcome personal and professional adversity to play a starring role. And for Kohli, it was a fitting end to his T20 international career.As the team celebrated their victory, they savored the moment, knowing that they had achieved something truly special. They had not only won a World Cup but had also redeemed themselves after the disappointment of the past.

Rahul Dravid's tenure as the Indian cricket team coach culminated in a triumphant farewell as his side emerged victorious in the T20 World Cup 2024 final against South Africa. In a candid post-match interview, Dravid displayed his characteristic wit and humor, joking about his impending unemployment.Dravid's contract with the Indian cricket team expired after the tournament, and he had previously announced his decision not to extend it. In a lighthearted exchange with reporters, he quipped, "Yeah, I will be [able to move on from the victory]. I mean, next week life will be the same for me. I'll be unemployed, that'll be the only difference."Dravid's jovial demeanor drew laughter from the journalists, and he continued, "I am unemployed from next week, any offers?" The search for Dravid's successor is already underway, with former India batter Gautam Gambhir reportedly emerging as the frontrunner.Reflecting on his time with Dravid, Indian captain Rohit Sharma expressed his gratitude and admiration. "I tried to persuade him to stay, but there are obviously various factors he needs to consider. Nevertheless, I cherished the time spent with him," Sharma said."He was my first international captain when I entered the scene in Ireland. I also witnessed his captaincy during my early Test matches. He's been a significant role model for us," Sharma added.Dravid's departure marks the end of an era for Indian cricket. His tenure as coach was characterized by a focus on discipline, teamwork, and player development. Under his guidance, the Indian team achieved notable successes, including a historic Test series victory in Australia in 2020-21.As Dravid embarks on a new chapter in his life, the Indian cricket team will look to build on the foundation he has laid. The search for his successor is a crucial step in ensuring the continued success of the team.

India's T20 World Cup triumph was a collective effort, but seven players stood out as the driving force behind the team's success.Rohit Sharma:Despite a poor IPL season and losing the Mumbai Indians captaincy, Rohit Sharma rose to the occasion as captain. He led the team with composure and executed strategic plans effectively. His aggressive batting, with a strike rate of 157, yielded 257 runs, the highest in the squad.Suryakumar Yadav:Yadav's exceptional catch in the deep against South Africa prevented a potential game-changer. As the world's No. 1 T20 batter, he lived up to expectations with crucial knocks against USA and England. His destructive interventions against Australia and Afghanistan proved invaluable.Hardik Pandya:Pandya's all-round performance was a revelation. Despite a foot injury and controversies surrounding his IPL captaincy, he showcased his irreplaceable value. His electrifying pace and 11 wickets, including key breakthroughs in the final, underlined his importance.Axar Patel:Patel's aggressive batting and sharp left-arm spin provided India with unexpected moments. He dismantled England's top order, contributed with the bat in the final, and took a breathtaking catch to dismiss Australia's Mitchell Marsh.Kuldeep Yadav:Yadav's subtle guile and craft delighted Indian fans. He was at his best in the semi-final against England, breaking their back with his spin. His delivery that bowled Harry Brook around the legs remains a highlight.Jasprit Bumrah:Bumrah's unplayable pace and deception earned him the title of the world's best paceman. He bamboozled batters with his movement, variation, and lethal cocktail of deliveries. His 15 wickets at an astonishing economy rate of 4.2 were a testament to his dominance.Arshdeep Singh:The 25-year-old pacer exploited the uneven pitches in the USA to claim 17 wickets, making him the joint-highest wicket-taker in the tournament. His ability to provide support to Bumrah was crucial to India's success.

Hardik Pandya's journey to becoming an indispensable all-rounder for India has been marked by both triumphs and tribulations. Despite a disappointing IPL 2024 season, Pandya's exceptional performance at the T20 World Cup 2024 cemented his status as a player with no viable alternative.The decision to appoint Pandya as Mumbai Indians captain ahead of the IPL 2024 season raised eyebrows, but his performance on the field left much to be desired. Rumors of a rift with Rohit Sharma and poor form led to speculation about his exclusion from the T20 World Cup squad.However, the selectors stood by Pandya, appointing him vice-captain. This unwavering support proved crucial as Pandya transformed into a different player once he donned the India colors. His gritty performance in the warm-up game against Bangladesh was followed by an impressive bowling display in the group stage, including three wickets against Pakistan.Pandya's batting also came to the fore in the Super 8 matches, with important knocks against Afghanistan and Bangladesh. His quickfire innings against Australia and England proved equally valuable.In the final against South Africa, Pandya emerged as the match-winner with his bowling. His perfect slower delivery dismissed Heinrich Klaasen, and Rohit Sharma entrusted him with the responsibility of bowling the final over.Months of speculation and criticism culminated in this moment, and Pandya delivered. Suryakumar Yadav's stunning catch dismissed David Miller, and Pandya dismissed Kagiso Rabada to etch his name in Indian cricket history.Pandya's journey to becoming an indispensable all-rounder has been a testament to his resilience and determination. Despite facing adversity, he has consistently risen to the occasion, proving that there is truly no alternative to his unique combination of skills.

Former India batter Sanjay Manjrekar has sparked controversy after failing to mention star batter Virat Kohli in his post celebrating the team's T20 World Cup triumph. Manjrekar credited captain Rohit Sharma, head coach Rahul Dravid, and chief selector Ajit Agarkar for the team's success, but his omission of Kohli, who was named 'Man of the Match' in the final, has drawn criticism from fans.Kohli's exclusion from Manjrekar's post is particularly notable given his significant contributions to the team's victory. After a slow start to the tournament, Kohli stepped up when it mattered most, scoring a crucial 76 in the final against South Africa. His innings helped India post a competitive total and ultimately secure the title.Kohli's performance in the tournament was a testament to his resilience and determination. Despite facing criticism for his recent form, he remained focused and delivered when his team needed him most. His innings in the final was a reminder of his class and ability to perform under pressure.Manjrekar's omission of Kohli from his post has raised questions about his objectivity as a commentator. Fans have accused him of bias and hypocrisy, pointing out that he had previously criticized Kohli's captaincy and form.The controversy surrounding Manjrekar's post has overshadowed the team's historic victory. India ended a 13-year wait to win an ICC title, and the players deserve to be celebrated for their achievement. However, the omission of Kohli from Manjrekar's post has cast a shadow over the celebrations and raised questions about the commentator's motives.

Indian Cricket Team's Return Delayed by Hurricane BerylThe Indian cricket team's triumphant return to India has been temporarily halted due to the impact of Hurricane Beryl. The team, led by Rohit Sharma, recently emerged victorious in the T20 World Cup, bringing an end to an 11-year drought for an ICC championship.Hurricane Beryl, which originated in the Atlantic, has intensified into a Category 4 storm with maximum sustained winds reaching 210 kmph. The hurricane is currently located approximately 570km east-southeast of Barbados and is expected to strengthen further. As a result, the airport in Bridgetown, where the Indian team is currently based, is expected to cease operations in the evening.The Indian team's original travel itinerary involved taking an Emirates flight from New York, with a stopover in Dubai. However, given the current circumstances, a source informed PTI that the revised plan is to arrange a charter flight to bring the team back to India."The team was supposed to leave from here (Bridgetown) to New York and then reach India via Dubai. But now the plan is to get a charter flight straight from here to Delhi. A meeting with the Prime Minister Narendra Modi is also being considered," a source said.The Indian delegation, comprising players, coaching staff, family members, and officials, totals around 70 individuals. The team's return to India is eagerly anticipated by fans and officials alike, who are keen to celebrate their historic victory.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has announced a generous bonus of INR 125 crore (approximately USD 15 million) for the victorious Indian squad that triumphed in the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2024. The announcement was made by BCCI Secretary Jay Shah in a post on social media, a day after India's thrilling seven-run victory over South Africa in the final in Barbados."I am delighted to announce prize money of INR 125 Crores for Team India for winning the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2024," Shah wrote. "The team has showcased exceptional talent, determination, and sportsmanship throughout the tournament. Congratulations to all the players, coaches, and support staff for this outstanding achievement!"In addition to the BCCI's bonus, the International Cricket Council (ICC) has also awarded a cash prize of USD 2.45 million to the World Cup winners. Each team that won a match in the tournament (excluding the semi-finals and finals) received an additional $31,154. The ICC's cash prize is the highest in the history of the men's T20 World Cup, representing an increase of USD 850,000 from the USD 1.6 million won by England in 2022.Overall, all participating teams received more prize money from this tournament than in previous editions. The total prize money for the tournament has more than doubled from USD 5.6 million in 2022 to USD 11.25 million this year, resulting in increased awards for all 20 teams.South Africa, as runners-up, received USD 1.28 million (up from USD 800,000 in 2022), while the losing semi-finalists, Afghanistan and England, each received USD 787,500 (up from USD 400,000 in 2022).The Indian team's victory in the T20 World Cup is a testament to their hard work, dedication, and exceptional talent. The team's performance throughout the tournament has been a source of pride for the nation and has further cemented India's status as a cricketing powerhouse.