Cricket

Gurjapneet Singh, a 25-year-old pacer from Tamil Nadu, has emerged as a rising star in Indian cricket. Despite facing setbacks in his early career, Gurjapneet has persevered and is now making a significant impact in the Ranji Trophy.Born and raised in Ambala, Gurjapneet initially struggled to break into the Punjab age-group team. Undeterred, he relocated to Chennai in search of better opportunities. After initial challenges, he has become a key player for Tamil Nadu, helping them win crucial matches.In a recent Elite Group D match against Saurashtra, Gurjapneet claimed a six-wicket haul, including the prized scalps of Cheteshwar Pujara and Sheldon Jackson. His impressive figures of 14-5-22-6 showcased his exceptional bowling skills.Gurjapneet's journey has been marked by memorable encounters with some of India's top cricketers. During a recent net session with the Indian team, he famously castled Virat Kohli, an incident that left the star batter visibly frustrated. However, Kohli's subsequent advice proved invaluable to Gurjapneet."He told me, when there is no movement, change the angle and try bowling around the wicket. Because with that angle, even if you manage to get slight movement, it will end up troubling most batsmen," Gurjapneet recalled.Gurjapneet also shared his strategy for dismissing Pujara, a renowned batsman. "When you bowl to a legendary batsman like him, you have to be accurate from the word go. So the plan was to push him on the backfoot and then send in a good front foot ball that would make him uncomfortable," he explained.Gurjapneet's success is a testament to his determination and hard work. He has overcome challenges and embraced opportunities, proving that with perseverance and the right guidance, anything is possible.

Virat Kohli vs Mitchell Starc: A Rivalry Renewed in the Border-Gavaskar TrophyThe upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy between India and Australia promises to be a thrilling spectacle, with one of the key battles being the clash between Indian batting maestro Virat Kohli and Australian pace spearhead Mitchell Starc.In their 19 Test innings together, Kohli has dominated Starc, dismissing him once and scoring numerous runs against him. However, Starc remains unfazed and relishes the challenge of facing the Indian star."I enjoy my battles with Virat Kohli," Starc said. "We've played a lot of cricket against one another, and I always have some good battles. I've managed to get him out once or twice, and he's no doubt scored a fair few runs against me, so it's always a good contest and one we both enjoy."Starc also praised India's new head coach, Gautam Gambhir, for his tactical acumen and team-oriented approach."He's a fantastic thinker of the game," Starc said of Gambhir. "He's always thinking about the opponent and how to get them out as a bowling attack or how to score runs as a batting attack. It's not just individual players; it's always about the team focus."Gambhir's leadership will be crucial for India as they aim to retain the Border-Gavaskar Trophy on home soil. The series begins on November 22 in Perth, and Starc believes Gambhir's influence will be evident."The nine weeks that I spent with him were fantastic," Starc said. "In a T20 setup, I know that he's got some good things."With Kohli and Starc set to face off once again, and Gambhir guiding India's fortunes, the Border-Gavaskar Trophy promises to be an unforgettable cricketing experience.

India's head coach Gautam Gambhir has expressed unwavering confidence in Virat Kohli, despite the star batter's recent struggles with form. Gambhir emphasized Kohli's unwavering commitment and hunger for the game, highlighting his consistent performances over a prolonged period."Virat is a world-class cricketer who has performed exceptionally well for a long time," Gambhir said. "His hunger to succeed remains as strong as when he first debuted."Gambhir believes that Kohli's ability to score consistently once he gets going will soon lead to a return to form. "That hunger is what makes him a world-class cricketer," Gambhir said. "I am confident that he will be eager to score runs in the upcoming series against New Zealand and Australia."Gambhir stressed the importance of supporting players throughout the season, rather than judging them based on individual performances. "Everyone has off days," he said. "We need to back our players and select the best playing 11, not drop anyone based on a single game."India is set to play eight Test matches in the near future, and Gambhir believes this period is crucial for the team's performance. "This is an opportunity for the team to perform well in a series of Test matches," he said. "I am confident that everyone is hungry and ready to deliver."India's squad for the three Tests against New Zealand includes Rohit Sharma (C), Jasprit Bumrah (VC), Yashasvi Jaiswal, Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, KL Rahul, Sarfaraz Khan, Rishabh Pant (WK), Dhruv Jurel (WK), Ravichandran Ashwin, Ravindra Jadeja, Axar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj, and Akash Deep.New Zealand's squad includes Tom Latham (C), Tom Blundell (WK), Michael Bracewell (1st Test only), Mark Chapman, Devon Conway, Matt Henry, Daryl Mitchell, Will O'Rourke, Ajaz Patel, Glenn Phillips, Rachin Ravindra, Mitchell Santner, Ben Sears, Ish Sodhi (2nd and 3rd Test only), Tim Southee, Kane Williamson, and Will Young.

Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli Past Their Prime for Border-Gavaskar Trophy, Says Sanjay ManjrekarFormer Indian cricketer Sanjay Manjrekar has expressed concerns about the form of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli ahead of the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy between India and Australia. Manjrekar believes that both players are past their prime in Test cricket and that India will need other players to step up in their absence."Virat and Rohit, both are not in their prime, they are not at the peak of their powers to be fair," Manjrekar said on SportifyWithPRG. "Others like Yashasvi Jaiswal and Shubhman Gill have to rise to the occasion."Kohli and Sharma have both struggled for form in recent Test matches. Kohli managed just 99 runs in four innings in the recent two-match series against Bangladesh, while Sharma scored only 42 runs in two innings.Manjrekar also praised India's bowling attack, but expressed concerns about Australia's current form."India is sorted... As for the Australians, the aura and ability they had in the past, where every game they played, they were like champions, is not there anymore," Manjrekar said.The Border-Gavaskar Trophy will begin on November 22 in Perth. India has won the last four series against Australia, including two victories in Australia.

As the Indian cricket team prepares for their upcoming red-ball assignment against New Zealand, starting October 18, talismanic batter Virat Kohli was spotted at the Mumbai airport. Kohli, as expected, was surrounded by paparazzi upon his arrival.While some photographers clicked pictures, others attempted to engage in casual conversation. As Kohli was leaving, one paparazzi remarked, "BGT mein aag lagani hai (You have to light up the Border-Gavaskar Trophy)." The comment left Kohli momentarily confused."Kismien (what do I have to light up?)" Kohli asked. The paparazzi clarified, "BGT mein (in Border-Gavaskar Trophy)." Kohli nodded and entered his car.Notably, Kohli missed India's home series against England earlier this year due to the birth of his second child. He is expected to be fully available for the BGT assignment, which begins in November.Meanwhile, India captain Rohit Sharma is likely to miss one of the first two Tests of the series due to personal reasons. Sharma has played seven Tests in Australia, scoring 408 runs at an average of 31.38.The Border-Gavaskar series between India and Australia will commence on November 22 with the first Test at Perth. The second Test will be played under lights at Adelaide Oval from December 6 to 10. The third Test will be held at The Gabba in Brisbane from December 14 to 18.The traditional Boxing Day Test will take place at the Melbourne Cricket Ground from December 26 to 30. The series will conclude with the fifth and final Test at the Sydney Cricket Ground from January 3 to 7.

Team India's T20I captain, Suryakumar Yadav, is poised to make history as he stands on the cusp of equaling Virat Kohli's record as the second-fastest batter to reach 2500 runs in T20 Internationals. With just 39 runs separating him from the milestone, Suryakumar has the opportunity to match Kohli's feat in the same number of matches (73).Kohli, who retired from T20Is in 2024, achieved the milestone in a remarkable 73 matches. Suryakumar, on the other hand, has amassed 2461 runs in 72 T20I games, showcasing his exceptional consistency and ability to score runs at a rapid pace.If Suryakumar manages to score 39 runs in the second T20I against Bangladesh, he will etch his name alongside some of the greatest T20I batters in history. The overall record for the fastest to 2500 T20I runs is held by Pakistan's Babar Azam, who reached the milestone in a mere 67 matches.Fastest to 2500 runs in T20Is:1. Babar Azam (Pakistan) - 67 matches2. Virat Kohli (India) - 73 matches3. Mohammad Rizwan (Pakistan) - 76 matches4. Aaron Finch (Australia) - 78 matches5. Martin Guptill (New Zealand) - 86 matchesSuryakumar's impressive T20I career has been marked by his ability to play high-impact innings at crucial moments. In the first T20I against Bangladesh, he played a quick-fire knock of 29 runs off just 14 balls, helping India secure a comfortable seven-wicket victory.With India leading the three-match series 1-0, all eyes will be on Suryakumar in the second T20I on Wednesday. If India manages to secure another win, they will wrap up the series and extend their dominant run following their recent 2-0 Test series sweep against Bangladesh.

Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli: Football Enthusiasts Beyond the Cricket PitchRohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, two of India's most celebrated cricketers, share a common passion for football. While cricket remains their primary focus, both players have showcased impressive football skills and incorporate the sport into their fitness routines.During warm-ups and charity matches, Rohit Sharma exhibits exceptional ball control and composure. His natural sportsmanship translates into his football style, where he maintains a calm and collected approach, similar to his batting technique.Virat Kohli, known for his rigorous fitness regimen, frequently includes football in his warm-up routines. His quick reflexes, agility, and stamina are evident on the football field. Both Rohit and Virat, along with other Indian cricketers, engage in friendly football games as part of their pre-match preparations. These games provide a fun and engaging way for the team to stay loose and enjoy a different sport.Rohit Sharma has participated in charity football matches, including the "Celebrity Clasico" events organized by Virat Kohli's foundation. In these appearances, he has demonstrated a solid understanding of the game.Virat Kohli's football skills reflect his intense personality, characterized by aggression and energy. His quick footwork and determination make him an active participant in the football games played by the Indian cricket team.Rohit and Virat's passion for football adds a competitive and enjoyable element to their friendship. They utilize the sport to maintain fitness, enhance coordination, and foster teamwork off the cricket field.

India's T20 World Cup Triumph: Rohit Sharma and Teammates Share Hilarious Moments on 'The Great Indian Kapil Show'India's triumphant T20 World Cup 2024 squad, led by skipper Rohit Sharma, recently graced the stage of 'The Great Indian Kapil Show,' bringing laughter and entertainment to their adoring fans. The team's thrilling seven-run victory over South Africa in the summit clash marked the end of India's 11-year ICC title drought, sparking nationwide celebrations.To commemorate this historic achievement, Rohit, Arshdeep Singh, Suryakumar Yadav, Shivam Dube, and Axar Patel joined host and renowned comedian Kapil Sharma for a series of hilarious activities. One memorable moment occurred when Dube attempted to impersonate star batter Virat Kohli, leaving Rohit to guess the player's identity.Despite Dube's comical performance, Rohit couldn't resist teasing the Chennai Super Kings batter for his lackluster acting skills. "Maaf karna bohot hi ghatiya acting kari," (I'm sorry, but your acting was terrible) Rohit quipped, sending the audience into fits of laughter.Beyond the lighthearted banter, Rohit also shed light on a clever ploy devised by wicket-keeper batter Rishabh Pant during the World Cup final. With South Africa needing 30 runs off 30 balls, Pant feigned a knee injury, prompting a pause in the game. This strategic move disrupted South Africa's rhythm and allowed India to regain control."Pant used his intelligence to pause the game," Rohit explained. "He had his knee taped, which helped slow down the game. At that moment, all a batter wants is the ball to be bowled quickly. But we had to break the rhythm."Rohit acknowledged that Pant's ploy may not have been the sole reason for India's victory, but it certainly played a role in turning the tide in their favor.

Team India's emphatic victory over Bangladesh in the second Test has sparked widespread praise for skipper Rohit Sharma's leadership. Under his guidance, the Indian team displayed an aggressive approach and unwavering determination to secure a positive outcome.Rohit's leadership has been lauded for its attacking mindset, which has instilled a sense of confidence and purpose within the team. India's dominant performance in Kanpur not only resulted in a resounding victory but also sent a clear message to the cricketing world.While Rohit's leadership has garnered significant attention, former India spinner Harbhajan Singh has emphasized the legacy of Virat Kohli's captaincy. Harbhajan believes that Kohli's leadership style brought about a transformative shift in Indian cricket."Kohli's captaincy may not have yielded a World Cup victory, but that doesn't diminish his stature as a captain or player," Harbhajan stated. He highlighted Kohli's bold approach, exemplified by India's willingness to chase down a daunting target of 400 in the fourth innings of a Test in Australia.Harbhajan praised Kohli's ability to ignite a fire within the team, instilling a belief that they could overcome any challenge. He credited Kohli for fostering a mindset that has been evident in the performances of young players like Shubman Gill and Rishabh Pant."The determination to fight till the end, which Shubman and Rishabh displayed to win the Test in Gabba, was a testament to the change in the team's thinking," Harbhajan concluded.Despite India's lack of ICC titles under Kohli's captaincy, Harbhajan remains positive about his leadership style. He believes that Kohli's legacy lies in the transformation he brought to the Indian team, which has been carried forward by Rohit Sharma and the current generation of players.