Cricket

Rahul Dravid's Successful Tenure as India Head Coach Ends, Gautam Gambhir Appointed as SuccessorFormer India captain Rahul Dravid has concluded his highly successful tenure as the Head Coach of the Indian cricket team. Under his guidance, Team India emerged as a dominant force across formats, culminating in their triumph at the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2024 in Barbados.BCCI Secretary Jay Shah expressed his gratitude to Dravid for his exceptional contributions. "Under his guidance, #TeamIndia emerged as a dominant force across formats, including being crowned ICC Men's T20 World Cup champions," Shah tweeted.Dravid's strategic acumen, unwavering commitment to nurturing talent, and exemplary leadership fostered a culture of excellence within the team. He leaves behind a legacy of unity and resilience, with the Indian dressing room standing together through challenges and celebrating each other's successes.Following Dravid's departure, the BCCI has appointed Gautam Gambhir as the new Head Coach. Gambhir, a former India opener, brings a wealth of experience and a deep understanding of the modern cricketing landscape."Modern-day cricket has evolved rapidly, and Gautam has witnessed this changing landscape up close," Shah said. "I am confident that Gautam is the ideal person to steer Indian Cricket forward."Gambhir's appointment marks a new chapter for Indian cricket. His experience as a player, commentator, and mentor will be invaluable as he leads the team into the future.

Gautam Gambhir, a former Indian cricketer and current mentor of the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) franchise, has reportedly expressed his desire to appoint Abhishek Nayar as his assistant coach if he is appointed as the next head coach of Team India.Gambhir, who is considered a frontrunner to replace Rahul Dravid, has a close working relationship with Nayar, who currently serves as his assistant coach at KKR. The duo has reportedly reached a verbal agreement to continue their partnership at the national level.Nayar, a former India ODI player, brings a wealth of experience to the table. He has played a key role in KKR's success, helping the franchise win three IPL titles. He also holds the position of director at the KKR academy.Gambhir's desire to bring Nayar on board as his assistant coach is a testament to their strong working relationship and shared vision for Indian cricket. Nayar's experience and expertise would complement Gambhir's leadership and strategic thinking.However, Gambhir has remained tight-lipped about his prospects of becoming the national team's coach. When asked about it last month, he said, "I don't see that far ahead. It is difficult to answer right now. All I can say is that I'm happy being here, just finished a brilliant journey (and) let's enjoy that. I'm in a very happy space right now."Despite his reluctance to discuss his coaching ambitions, Gambhir's desire to bring Nayar on board as his assistant coach is a clear indication of his plans for the future. If he is appointed as the head coach of Team India, Nayar is expected to play a key role in shaping the team's fortunes.

Abhishek Sharma's maiden T20I century against Zimbabwe marked a significant milestone in his career, earning him accolades from former all-rounder Yuvraj Singh. After a disappointing debut, Sharma showcased his batting prowess with a blistering 47-ball century, studded with seven fours and eight maximums.Yuvraj, who mentors Sharma, took to social media to congratulate the youngster, urging him to remain grounded. "Rome wasn't built in a day! Congratulations @IamAbhiSharma4 on the journey to your first International 100! Many more to come," Yuvraj tweeted.In a video call with Sharma, Yuvraj expressed his pride and predicted more centuries to come. "I'm very proud. Well done. You deserve it. Many more to come. This is just the start," Yuvraj said.Sharma acknowledged Yuvraj's contributions to his development, both on and off the field. "It is all because of him as well. The hard work he has put on me. Two, three years he's been working really hard on me and everything," Sharma said.Interestingly, Sharma revealed that he used skipper Shubman Gill's bat for his century. "I played with his bat only, which I found very difficult. He didn't even give it to me easily. This has been going on since I was under 14. Whenever I have played from his bat, it's good," Sharma said.Sharma's approach in the match was to capitalize on the overs he felt confident about. "I felt that as soon as I thought that I could go for this bowler, I tried my best in that over. I was in a flow, so I just wanted to go there and express myself," Sharma explained.With the series leveled at 1-1, India will face Zimbabwe in the third T20I on Wednesday, aiming to secure a series victory.

India's triumph at the T20 World Cup 2024 has etched itself into the annals of cricket history as a moment of unparalleled glory. Led by the indomitable Rohit Sharma, Team India remained undefeated throughout the tournament, culminating in a thrilling seven-run victory over South Africa in the grand finale. This victory not only ended India's 11-year ICC trophy drought but also marked a remarkable resurgence for the team.Despite a challenging tournament for star batter Virat Kohli, he rose to the occasion in the final, smashing a match-winning 76 runs and earning the Player of the Match award. Kohli's Instagram post celebrating the victory, featuring him posing with the trophy and his jubilant teammates, has become a viral sensation, garnering over 21 million likes. This post has not only become India's most liked picture on Instagram but also the most liked post in Asia, surpassing the records set by Bollywood stars and Korean pop sensations.Kohli's post has also made him the first Asian to receive over 21 million likes on an Instagram post. In a candid interaction with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Kohli revealed that he had entered the final with zero confidence. However, the unwavering support and motivation from head coach Rahul Dravid and captain Rohit Sharma helped him overcome his doubts.Kohli emphasized the importance of humility and respect for the game, acknowledging that his arrogance had hindered his performance in the past. He expressed his gratitude for being able to contribute to the team's success in such a crucial match.India's victory at the T20 World Cup 2024 is a testament to the team's resilience, determination, and unwavering spirit. It has reignited the passion for cricket in India and inspired a new generation of players.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is considering resting captain Rohit Sharma and star batsman Virat Kohli for the upcoming three-match ODI series against Sri Lanka in August. This decision is driven by the duo's hectic schedule over the past three months, which included the Indian Premier League (IPL) and the T20 World Cup.Sources within the BCCI have indicated that both Rohit and Kohli have requested an extended break to recuperate and prepare for the upcoming international assignments. For Rohit, this break will be his first in nearly six months, having played in every series since the South Africa Test series in December-January.In the absence of Rohit and Kohli, the captaincy responsibilities are likely to fall on either Hardik Pandya or KL Rahul. Pandya, who has captained the Indian team in the past, appears to be the frontrunner for the role. However, Rahul, who recently led the ODI team in South Africa, remains a strong contender.The decision to rest Rohit and Kohli is part of a broader strategy to manage the workload of senior players. India has a packed schedule ahead, including two Tests against Bangladesh, three Tests against New Zealand, and the Border-Gavaskar Trophy against Australia.The BCCI is keen on ensuring that its key players are fresh and ready for these demanding fixtures. The Champions Trophy, scheduled for mid-February, is also a major priority, and the selectors believe that Rohit and Kohli can benefit from a break before that tournament.With Rohit unavailable, Pandya is the most likely candidate to lead the team in Sri Lanka. However, Rahul's recent experience as captain and his strong performances in the ODI format make him a viable option as well. The final decision will be made by the selectors in consultation with the team management.

Rohit Sharma's iconic gesture of hoisting the Indian tricolour on the field in Barbados after India's thrilling T20 World Cup triumph has become a symbol of the team's historic achievement. The image of the Indian skipper planting the flag at the Kensington Oval has captured the hearts of the nation and has become his profile picture on his social media account.Rohit's decision to step down from T20 cricket after leading India to their second T20 World Cup title is a testament to his remarkable leadership. Under his captaincy, India has showcased their dominance by winning 10 consecutive matches, propelling them to the finals of both the World Test Championship and the ODI World Cup in the previous year.Despite their impressive streak, India fell short in the ultimate showdown of each tournament. However, Rohit's legacy as a captain will be defined by his ability to inspire his team to achieve greatness.Rohit's decision to dance his way to the dais to collect the World Cup trophy during the team's interaction with Prime Minister Narendra Modi was a moment of pure joy and celebration. The idea, suggested by Yuzvendra Chahal and Kuldeep Yadav, perfectly captured the team's spirit and the magnitude of their achievement.As Rohit continues to lead India in the ODI and Test formats, the nation will be eagerly anticipating more iconic moments and historic triumphs under his leadership.

Dhruv Jurel, the rising star of Indian cricket, showcased his exceptional skills as a wicket-keeper batsman during India's second T20I against Zimbabwe. On the auspicious occasion of MS Dhoni's 43rd birthday, Jurel executed a brilliant run-out that would have made the legendary wicket-keeper proud.After India posted a formidable 234 runs, thanks to Abhishek Sharma's swashbuckling century, Zimbabwe's chase faltered at 76/6. In the 12th over, Jurel seized his moment. Wellington Masakadza attempted a quick single, but Jurel's lightning-fast reflexes and accurate throw caught him short of the crease.The run-out was a testament to Jurel's exceptional fielding abilities and quick thinking. It was a moment that echoed the brilliance of MS Dhoni, who is widely regarded as one of the greatest wicket-keeper batsmen of all time.Jurel, who plays for Rajasthan Royals in the IPL, is making his T20I debut on the tour to Zimbabwe. His impressive performances have come at a time when India is transitioning to a younger team, following the retirement of senior players like Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and Ravindra Jadeja.Earlier this year, Jurel made his mark in Test cricket, playing the final three Tests in England's tour of India. He impressed with his batting and wicket-keeping skills, winning the Player of the Match award in the fourth Test.While Rishabh Pant remains India's undisputed first-choice wicket-keeper batsman, Jurel's performances are putting him in contention for a regular spot in the team. His ability to contribute with both bat and gloves makes him a valuable asset to the Indian side.Jurel's run-out on Dhoni's birthday was a fitting tribute to the legendary cricketer. It showcased the young wicket-keeper's potential and his determination to follow in the footsteps of his idol.

India's T20 World Cup triumph has been a testament to the unwavering support of the nation's fans, according to star spinner Kuldeep Yadav. In a heartfelt message to his countrymen, Kuldeep hailed the fans as the team's "biggest strength," acknowledging their role in propelling Rohit Sharma's men to victory in the Caribbean.India's 17-year wait for a second T20 World Cup trophy ended on June 29, as they defeated South Africa by seven runs at the Kensington Oval in Bridgetown, Barbados. The victory parade in Mumbai last week drew lakhs of fans onto the streets, a testament to the outpouring of love and support for the team.Kuldeep, who played a crucial role in India's unbeaten run to the title, expressed his gratitude to the fans for their unwavering belief. "Together, we accomplished a dream that we were chasing for long," he wrote on social media. "I would like to thank my teammates, the support staff, media and of course our biggest strength, the fans who kept supporting us throughout the tournament."Despite not featuring in the group-stage matches held in the US, Kuldeep became a regular in the playing eleven once the team qualified for the 'Super 8s'. His left-arm spin proved effective on the slow tracks in the Caribbean, as he replaced paceman Mohammed Siraj in the lineup.Kuldeep's five matches in India's eight-match unbeaten run yielded 10 wickets, with a best of 3 for 19 at an economy rate of 6.95. His contributions were instrumental in India's success, and he expressed his hope that the team had brought joy to the nation."I hope we have entertained you all and given you moments of joy that you, your family and friends will cherish with us for a lifetime," Kuldeep wrote. "The cup is home guys, we all did it."

Mumbai's iconic Wankhede Stadium erupted in a symphony of voices as thousands of jubilant fans gathered to witness Team India's triumphant victory parade following their T20 World Cup triumph. The stadium reverberated with the stirring strains of "Vande Mataram" as the Indian cricket team, led by captain Rohit Sharma, embarked on a victory lap to express their gratitude to the unwavering support of their loyal fans.The atmosphere at Wankhede Stadium was reminiscent of the iconic 2011 ODI World Cup final, where chants of "Vande Mataram" accompanied MS Dhoni's match-winning six against Sri Lanka. The victory parade, which commenced from Nariman Point and culminated at Wankhede Stadium, brought traffic to a standstill as thousands lined the streets to catch a glimpse of their cricketing heroes.For Rohit Sharma, who made his debut as the youngest member of Mahendra Singh Dhoni's historic 2007 squad, leading his own T20 World Champion Indian cricket team on a victory lap at age 37 was a surreal experience. Prior to the victory lap, a viral video on social media captured Virat Kohli instructing Team India players to join in singing "Vande Mataram" with the crowd, sparking speculation about whether it was Kohli's initiative to include the anthem during the victory celebrations.The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) honored the Men in Blue with a prize money of Rs 125 crore for their victorious campaign in the T20 World Cup. Following their monumental contributions to India's second T20 World Cup triumph, skipper Rohit Sharma and superstar Virat Kohli announced their retirements from T20 Internationals. Kohli, awarded player of the match for his sublime 76 in the final against South Africa, was the first to announce his decision, followed shortly by Rohit, who stated that having achieved his goals, it was time to step aside.