Cricket

India's historic triumph in the T20 World Cup 2024 has sent shockwaves across the nation, leaving an indelible mark on the hearts of cricket enthusiasts. After an 11-year drought, India emerged victorious in the tournament's final match, defeating South Africa by a narrow margin of 7 runs at the Kensington Oval in Barbados. This victory marked India's second T20 World Cup title, the first since 2007.Upon their return to India, the victorious team was greeted with an outpouring of love and admiration. Among the many unforgettable moments was the iconic image of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, two legendary figures in Indian cricket, holding the trophy aloft during a victory parade in Mumbai.A recent video shared by the Mumbai Indians franchise, captured by World Cup-winning team member Suryakumar Yadav, reveals the heartwarming story behind this iconic photograph. In the clip, Kohli can be seen persuading Sharma to join him in posing with the trophy before the adoring fans."Come on, Rohit, let's go," Kohli urges his teammate. "Let's give them a picture."Sharma initially hesitates, but Kohli's persistence prevails. Together, they walk towards the edge of the open bus, holding the trophy high for the crowd to see.The image of Sharma and Kohli, two stalwarts of Indian cricket, united in victory, has become a symbol of the team's triumph. It is a testament to their camaraderie and the spirit of sportsmanship that has always defined the Indian cricket team.Following India's T20 World Cup triumph, Kohli and Sharma announced their retirement from the T20I format, while Ravindra Jadeja also decided to step away from the shortest format of the game. Former England captain Michael Vaughan hailed the tournament as a fitting farewell for these veterans, acknowledging the abundance of talent waiting to take their place."It was a perfect way for Kohli, Rohit, and Jadeja to bow out of T20I cricket," Vaughan said. "They've been incredible servants to the game, and they've left a legacy that will inspire future generations."

The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 witnessed a heartwarming display of camaraderie between former rivals Gautam Gambhir and Virat Kohli. The two, who had a heated on-field altercation in IPL 2023, were seen embracing and joking about their past feuds.Gambhir's recent appointment as the head coach of the Indian national cricket team has reignited the spotlight on his relationship with Kohli, a senior player and former captain. Reports suggest that Kohli was not consulted before Gambhir's appointment, raising questions about the dynamics between the two.However, a BCCI official has stated that there is ample time for discussions between Gambhir and Kohli. The official emphasized the need to focus on the bigger picture, as the team prepares to integrate young talents in the coming years.The decision to appoint Gambhir was made by the BCCI's Cricket Advisory Committee (CAC), which consulted several players, including Hardik Pandya. The CAC unanimously recommended Gambhir for his aggressive approach and strategic mindset, which they believe will benefit the team's future.Gambhir's appointment is seen as a forward-looking move by the BCCI, aimed at fostering a competitive and aggressive playing style. His tenure as head coach will be crucial in shaping the future of Indian cricket, particularly with the integration of many young talents into the national squad.

Ruturaj Gaikwad, the rising star of Indian cricket, acknowledges the daunting task of filling the void left by Virat Kohli's retirement from the number three position in T20Is. Recognizing the immense legacy of the legendary batsman, Gaikwad emphasizes the importance of focusing on his own contributions rather than attempting to replicate Kohli's achievements.Despite the departure of experienced players like Kohli, Rohit Sharma, and Ravindra Jadeja from the T20 format, Gaikwad remains unfazed. He believes that this transition presents opportunities for emerging talents like himself to step up and make a mark. With his impressive batting skills, Gaikwad has the potential to secure the number three spot in the batting order.However, Gaikwad is not fixated on a specific batting position. He is willing to adapt to any role that the team management assigns him. His primary focus is on making significant contributions to the team's success, regardless of where he bats.In the initial two T20Is against Zimbabwe, Gaikwad has been entrusted with the crucial number three spot. However, he clarifies that he has no specific preference regarding his batting position. He believes that there is not much difference between opening and batting at number three, as both roles require facing the new ball.Gaikwad's experience as captain of the Chennai Super Kings in the Indian Premier League (IPL) has enhanced his involvement in the game. He feels more responsible and engaged, but emphasizes that this added responsibility has not impacted his batting performance.Abhishek Sharma, a young opening batsman, recently praised Gaikwad's guidance and support during his explosive century in the second T20I match against Zimbabwe. Gaikwad highlights the importance of communication and sharing insights with batting partners to maintain a balanced outlook and make informed decisions during matches.

India's T20I Veterans Bow Out, Paving Way for YoungstersIndia's recent T20 World Cup triumph was bittersweet, marked by the retirement of three legendary players: Rohit Sharma, Ravindra Jadeja, and Virat Kohli. While fans mourned their departure, spinner Kuldeep Yadav respects their decision, recognizing it as an opportunity for young talent to shine.Kohli's retirement announcement signaled a changing of the guard in Indian cricket. He expressed his belief that it was time for the younger generation to take the reins, paving the way for a new era. Kuldeep echoed this sentiment, stating that the retirements would create opportunities for youngsters to make their mark in the shortest format of the game.The T20 World Cup final was a testament to the resilience and determination of the Indian team. Despite South Africa's strong start, India's pace attack, led by Arshdeep Singh, Jasprit Bumrah, and Hardik Pandya, held firm, restricting the Proteas to a manageable total.Kuldeep praised the team's approach, saying, "We were desperate to win the World Cup. We achieved what we wanted to." The victory broke India's nearly two-decade-long title drought in the T20 World Cup, a testament to the team's hard work and dedication.As India enters a new era in T20I cricket, the retirements of Sharma, Jadeja, and Kohli will undoubtedly leave a void. However, Kuldeep believes that the younger players are ready to step up and fill their shoes. With their talent and determination, they have the potential to continue India's success in the shortest format of the game.

Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma's Emotional Farewell from T20I CricketIndian cricket legends Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma have bid farewell to the T20I format, leaving an indelible mark on the game. Their shock retirements came after India's triumphant victory in the 2024 T20 World Cup in Barbados.During the post-match presentation, Kohli announced that the final against South Africa would be his last T20I for India. "It's time for the next generation to take over," he said. Hours later, Rohit Sharma followed suit, announcing his retirement from the format at a press conference.Both players will continue to represent India in Test and ODI cricket. However, their departure from T20Is has sparked a wave of emotions among fans and cricket enthusiasts.A poignant moment from the final has now gone viral, capturing the unspoken bond between Kohli and Sharma. As they walked out to bat, they shared a brief hug, a gesture that went unnoticed during the match. In retrospect, it seems like a subtle farewell between two icons of Indian cricket.Rohit Sharma hailed the 2024 T20 World Cup triumph as the greatest achievement of his career. He amassed 257 runs at a strike rate of 156.70, providing India with crucial starts. Kohli, on the other hand, scored 75 runs before the final but played a pivotal role in the summit clash with a match-winning 76.Kohli ended his T20I career as India's second-highest run-scorer in the format, with 4188 runs in 125 games. He also holds the record for most runs in Men's T20 World Cups (1,292 runs).The retirements of Kohli and Sharma mark the end of an era in Indian cricket. Their contributions to the game have been immense, and their legacy will continue to inspire generations to come.

Virat Kohli, the Indian cricket legend, is currently enjoying a well-deserved break with his family in London after leading India to a triumphant T20 World Cup 2024 victory. While away from the cricketing field, Kohli has shared a glimpse of his luxurious Alibaug home, showcasing its 12-month construction journey.In a video posted on social media, Kohli expressed his gratitude to the Avas team for transforming his dream home into a reality. He highlighted the seamless experience of building the property and his eagerness to spend quality time there with his loved ones.The video offers a tour of Kohli's Alibaug home, revealing its stunning features. The living space, which Kohli particularly admires, boasts ample natural light and seamless access to the outdoors. The interiors are tastefully designed, exuding a subtle and classy ambiance.Kohli also praised the home's unique community aspect, which provides a sense of privacy while offering access to shared amenities. The proximity to a world-class spa is a major attraction for the cricketer.Kohli is expected to remain on break for several weeks, missing the upcoming ODI series against Sri Lanka. He is likely to return to international action in September when India faces Bangladesh.

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.

Indian Cricket Legends Retire from T20Is with Limited White-Ball SuccessFormer England captain Michael Vaughan has expressed his disappointment over the limited success of Indian cricket legends Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, and Ravindra Jadeja in winning white-ball trophies. Despite their immense contributions to the team, the trio has only secured one ICC trophy, the 2024 T20 World Cup, in the last decade.Kohli, Rohit, and Jadeja announced their retirement from T20 Internationals following India's victory in the World Cup final. Vaughan believes that their underwhelming record in recent ICC tournaments is a cause for concern."They'll all agree that it is a perfect way to go, but they should have won more white-ball trophies amongst them," Vaughan said. "To think that he (Rohit) has taken another seventeen years to get another one in his hand, I think he will be the first one to admit that they should have won one or two more."Kohli, Rohit, and Jadeja have been integral to Indian cricket for many years. Kohli is the former captain of the team and one of the greatest batsmen of all time. Rohit is the current captain and a prolific run-scorer. Jadeja is a versatile all-rounder who has made significant contributions with both bat and ball.Despite their individual brilliance, the trio has failed to replicate their success in the white-ball format at the international level. India has not won an ICC trophy since the 2013 Champions Trophy.Vaughan acknowledged that the trio retired at an opportune time, allowing them to focus on other formats and the Indian Premier League. However, he believes that their legacy will be tarnished by their lack of white-ball success."What a way to go out with a win in Barbados and a trophy in your hand. Now they can sit back and play Test cricket, a bit of one-day cricket, and in the IPL like MS Dhoni, play on forever. In Indian cricket, they will be replaced as there's plenty of talent in that team," Vaughan added.Kohli, Rohit, and Jadeja's departure from T20Is marks the end of an era for Indian cricket. Their contributions, both individually and collectively, have left an indelible mark on the sport. As they transition to focus on Test and ODI formats, as well as the IPL, their legacy will inspire the next generation of Indian cricketers.

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.