Cricket

Riyan Parag, the rising star from Assam, is poised to make his international debut for Team India in the upcoming T20I series against Zimbabwe. The all-rounder, who has been a standout performer for Rajasthan Royals in the Indian Premier League (IPL), is determined to inspire aspiring cricketers from his home state.Parag believes that his international journey can serve as a roadmap for young players in Assam, demonstrating that even those from smaller states can achieve their dreams. He acknowledges that people from his region often limit their aspirations, but he aims to change that perception.Reflecting on his breakthrough IPL season, Parag credits his improved performances to a shift in mindset and a relentless pursuit of self-improvement. After facing criticism and self-doubt, he dedicated himself to analyzing his game, seeking solutions, and expanding his knowledge of cricket.The Rajasthan Royals management's decision to promote Parag to the number four batting position proved pivotal. He responded with a remarkable season, amassing 573 runs in 16 matches with an impressive average of 52.09 and a strike rate of over 149. His consistent batting played a crucial role in RR's qualification for the playoffs.Parag's transformation required significant sacrifices and a commitment to fitness. He underwent rigorous training sessions at the Rajasthan Royals Academy, pushing himself beyond his comfort zone. He also made conscious choices regarding his diet and sleep habits, recognizing the importance of maintaining peak physical condition.The all-rounder attributes his newfound maturity and improved batting form to the pain he experienced during his struggles. He realized the need to block out external noise and focus on his own expectations. Parag credits his support system, including his family and the Rajasthan Royals management, for helping him navigate the challenges.Parag's relationship with RR skipper Sanju Samson has also been instrumental in his growth. Samson's trust and guidance have allowed Parag to develop his leadership skills and gain valuable experience on the field.As Parag embarks on his international career, he is eager to make a positive impact and inspire future generations of cricketers. He believes that his journey can serve as a testament to the power of perseverance, self-belief, and the unwavering support of those around him.

Rahul Dravid's heartfelt farewell speech after India's T20 World Cup triumph in Barbados was a testament to the team's resilience and the sacrifices made by everyone involved. Dravid, who had initially planned to step down after the ODI World Cup heartbreak, was persuaded by skipper Rohit Sharma to continue until the T20 World Cup.Dravid's decision proved to be a masterstroke as India overcame a challenging chase by South Africa to secure a memorable victory. In his speech, Dravid praised the team's fighting spirit and the unwavering support they received from their families and coaches."The comeback the way you did, the way you fought, the way we worked as a team, the resilience," Dravid said. "There've been disappointments over the years. We have come close but we have never been able to cross the line, but what this bunch of boys has done, what all of you have done, what everyone in the support staff has done, the hard work that we have put in, the sacrifices that we have made, the whole country is really really proud of each and every one of you and what you have achieved."Dravid also acknowledged the sacrifices made by the players' families and the support staff, who have played a crucial role in their success. "So many of your family is back home. Just think about all the sacrifices each and every one of them has made since the time you were kids to be here in this dressing room today," he said.Dravid expressed his gratitude to Rohit Sharma for his support and guidance as captain. "Ro, thank you so much for making that call to me in November and asking me to continue," he said. "I think it's such a privilege and a pleasure to work with each of you but also to Ro, thanks for the time."Dravid emphasized the importance of teamwork and the collective effort that led to India's triumph. "It's not about any individual, it's about a team," he said. "We have won this as a team, we did everything we could for the last month as a team. It's about all of us."Dravid's speech was a fitting tribute to the team's hard work and dedication, and it will undoubtedly serve as an inspiration for future generations of Indian cricketers.

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.

Team India's triumph in the T20 World Cup 2024 has brought immense joy to the nation, healing the wounds of the ODI World Cup 2023 final defeat. Under the leadership of Rohit Sharma, India emerged victorious in the tournament, defeating South Africa by seven runs in a thrilling final.Throughout the tournament, India showcased exceptional performance, remaining unbeaten in all eight matches. Pacer Jasprit Bumrah played a pivotal role in India's success, delivering magnificent spells that propelled the team to victory in crucial games.After clinching the World Cup, celebrations erupted at the Kensington Oval in Bridgetown. Amidst the jubilation, Bumrah's wife, Sanjana Ganesan, who is also an ICC presenter, conducted an on-field interview with her husband.During the interview, Bumrah maintained a professional demeanor, answering all questions with composure. However, as soon as the interview concluded, he couldn't contain his emotions and embraced Sanjana in a tight hug.This heartwarming moment between the couple left fans delighted. Bumrah and Ganesan are known for sharing such "couple goals" moments with their fans.Bumrah's outstanding performance in the tournament earned him the Player of the Tournament award, with 15 wickets in eight matches. He played a crucial role in India's victory in the summit clash against the Proteas."Usually, I try to keep my emotions in check, but today, the emotions are taking over," said Bumrah during the post-match presentation. "I don't usually cry after a game, but this feels really special.""My son and family are here, and I could do something special for India. We've been working hard towards this, and we've come close and fallen short last time, but we were able to go through this time," he added.India's victory in the T20 World Cup 2024 is a testament to the team's hard work, dedication, and resilience. It is a moment of pride for the nation and a fitting tribute to the memory of the late BCCI President, Sourav Ganguly, who passed away earlier this year.

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.

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.

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.

Virat Kohli's Stellar Performance Leads India to T20 World Cup Victory, Anushka Sharma Pens Heartfelt TributeFollowing India's triumphant victory in the T20 World Cup, Bollywood actress Anushka Sharma expressed her immense pride and love for her husband, star batter Virat Kohli. In a touching Instagram post, Sharma hailed Kohli as "my home" and celebrated his exceptional performance in the tournament.Kohli, who was a member of the 2011 ODI World Cup-winning team, played a pivotal role in India's second T20 World Cup triumph. In the final against South Africa, he scored a magnificent 76 off 59 balls, including six fours and two sixes, helping India post a competitive total of 176 for seven.After leading the Men in Blue to victory and being named Player of the Match, Kohli announced his retirement from T20 Internationals. Anushka, who was cheering for her husband from home in India, took to Instagram to share her joy and admiration."AND... I love this man @viratkohli. So grateful to call you my home - now go have a glass of sparkling water for me to celebrate this!" she captioned a photo of Kohli holding the trophy.In a separate post, Anushka congratulated Team India on their incredible achievement. "Our daughter's biggest concern was if all the players had someone to hug them after she saw them cry on tv..... Yes, My darling, they were hugged by 1.5 billion people. What a phenomenal victory and what a legendary achievement!! CHAMPIONS - CONGRATULATIONS!!" she wrote.The couple, who have a three-year-old daughter named Vamika and a four-month-old son named Akaay, have been married since 2017. Their love and support for each other has been evident throughout Kohli's illustrious career.

Rahul Dravid's tenure as India's head coach, which culminated in a glorious T20 World Cup triumph, will be remembered as a masterclass in managing a high-profile team with finesse and humility.Dravid's appointment in 2021 was met with high expectations, as he was tasked with matching the legacy of his predecessor, Ravi Shastri. While Dravid may not have had the opportunity to lead India to a Test series win in Australia, he tamed the Antipodeans at home in different formats. However, a defeat and a drawn Test series against South Africa remained a blemish on his record.Beyond these routine challenges, Dravid faced unique hurdles in managing a dressing room filled with superstars. He navigated the delicate task of phasing out senior batters Virat Kohli, Ajinkya Rahane, and Cheteshwar Pujara, while simultaneously nurturing young talent.Dravid's ability to gauge people and situations was evident in his handling of the team. He created a balanced atmosphere with captain Rohit Sharma, allowing players to excel. Mohammed Siraj's transformation into an all-format bowler under Dravid's tutelage is a testament to his coaching acumen.However, Dravid's tenure was not without its controversies. The exclusion of Shreyas Iyer and Ishan Kishan from the BCCI central contract raised eyebrows. Nonetheless, Dravid's unwavering belief in building a wider pool of young players, including Shubman Gill, Kishan, Yashasvi Jaiswal, and Suryakumar Yadav, ultimately paid dividends.Despite the World Cup victory, Dravid's legacy will extend beyond the trophy. His ability to handle a team of high-profile individuals with grace and humility will serve as a benchmark for future coaches.