Cricket

Rishabh Pant, the charismatic wicketkeeper-batsman, celebrates his 27th birthday on October 4th. Known for his infectious smile and unwavering humor, Pant has emerged as a vital cog in India's cricketing machinery.2024 has been a remarkable year for Pant, marked by his triumphant return to international cricket after a horrific car accident in December 2022. In the recently concluded Test series against Bangladesh, he announced his comeback with a scintillating century, joining MS Dhoni as the Indian wicketkeeper with the most Test hundreds.Pant's resurgence has solidified his position as India's first-choice Test wicketkeeper-batsman, bolstering the team's defense ahead of the Border Gavaskar Trophy in Australia later this year. His heroics in the 2021 Brisbane Test, where he guided India to a memorable victory with an unbeaten 89, will serve as a reminder of his resilience and match-winning abilities.Beyond his Test exploits, Pant has also made significant contributions in limited-overs cricket. He led Delhi Capitals in the Indian Premier League (IPL) and played a pivotal role in India's T20 World Cup triumph in 2023.With 2432 runs in 35 Tests, 871 runs in 31 ODIs, and 1209 runs in 76 T20Is, Pant has established himself as a prolific run-scorer across formats. His aggressive batting style and fearless approach have made him a fan favorite and a formidable opponent.As Pant celebrates his birthday, the Indian cricket fraternity and fans alike will be eager to witness his continued brilliance on the field. His infectious enthusiasm and unwavering determination will undoubtedly inspire the team to greater heights in the years to come.

Dinesh Karthik, the former Indian wicketkeeper-batsman, has announced his participation in the upcoming edition of the Legends League Cricket (LLC), following in the footsteps of Shikhar Dhawan. Karthik, who retired from all forms of cricket in June, will now embark on a new chapter in his illustrious career.Known for his explosive middle-order batting, agile wicket-keeping skills, and recent success as a commentator, Karthik's entry into the LLC marks a fresh start. The 39-year-old expressed his excitement about joining the league, stating, "Playing at the Legends League Cricket is definitely something I am looking forward to after my retirement. I am up to the task both mentally and physically and look forward to playing the brand of cricket I have always enjoyed."Throughout his career, Karthik represented India in 180 matches across three formats, accumulating 3,463 runs and 172 dismissals. In the Indian Premier League (IPL), he had a remarkable journey spanning 17 years, amassing 4,842 runs in 257 matches and representing six different franchises.Raman Raheja, Co-founder of LLC, welcomed Karthik to the league, saying, "We are very excited to have Dinesh Karthik join us. His flair and his penchant to finish matches and entertain the crowd will undoubtedly add value to the Legends League Cricket."The upcoming season of the LLC is scheduled to kick off in September 2024, featuring a roster of retired cricket icons. The LLC auction will take place on August 29 in New Delhi, where franchises will compete for the top players from both Indian and international cricket.Karthik's participation in the LLC is a testament to his continued passion for the game and his desire to entertain fans once again. His presence in the league will undoubtedly add excitement and star power to the competition.

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.

Rishabh Pant's remarkable return to cricket after a horrific car crash has left Delhi Capitals coach Ricky Ponting in awe. The dynamic wicketkeeper-batsman has silenced doubters with his impressive performance in the recent IPL season, amassing 446 runs at an average of 40.54 and a strike rate of 155.40. He also claimed 16 dismissals behind the stumps, tied for the most in the tournament.Ponting, who initially had doubts about Pant's ability to play again, has been blown away by his determination and recovery. "It's been nothing short of spectacular," Ponting told The ICC Review. "I had grave fears that he would never play the game again."Pant's dedication to his recovery, supported by the Delhi Capitals franchise and physio Patrick Farhart, has been instrumental in his comeback. Despite concerns about his ability to handle the physical demands of wicketkeeping, Pant has proven his mettle, earning him a spot in India's T20 World Cup squad."No one had real concerns about his batting, but with his wicket-keeping, there were certainly some concerns," Ponting said. "But he's looked after himself incredibly well."Pant's exceptional performance has not only impressed Ponting but also earned him widespread praise. His return to form is a testament to his resilience and the support he has received from his team and loved ones.

Rajasthan Royals captain Sanju Samson has emerged as a strong contender for India's first-choice wicketkeeper-batsman at the upcoming Twenty20 World Cup, according to his IPL coach Kumar Sangakkara. Samson's impressive performance in the ongoing IPL season has caught the attention of the Indian selectors, who included him in the 15-man squad for the June 1-29 tournament in the United States and the West Indies.Samson's inclusion in the squad is a testament to his consistent performances in the IPL. He is currently ranked third in the tournament's run-scoring charts with 471 runs in 11 games, behind only Virat Kohli and Ruturaj Gaikwad. Samson's impressive form has been a key factor in Rajasthan Royals' success this season, as they currently sit second in the points table.While Rishabh Pant is also a strong contender for the wicketkeeper-batsman role in the Indian team, Samson's recent performances have put him in a strong position. In Rajasthan Royals' match against Pant's Delhi Capitals on Tuesday, Samson struck a blistering 86 off 46 balls, while Pant managed only 15 off 13 balls.Sangakkara believes that Samson has made a strong case for himself to be included in the Indian team's starting lineup for the World Cup. "It's really up to Rahul Dravid and Rohit Sharma and how they see the combination. But he (Samson) has made his case, so hopefully he'll have a good run in the World Cup," Sangakkara said.Samson's excellent form this season is a result of his improved clarity about his batting approach, according to Sangakkara. "With Sanju, the biggest thing about this season for him is having a lot of clarity about the way he should bat," Sangakkara said. "There are certain stages of the game that he seems to lose a bit of concentration, which we've addressed from past seasons."Sangakkara also praised Samson's dedication to his fitness and recovery. "He's changed his mindset about the importance of rest and recovery, rather than just training all the time and being tired mentally and physically. The rest is his exceptional ability," Sangakkara said.Samson, who has been on the fringes of the Indian team in recent years, has the potential to excel at the World Cup, according to Sangakkara. "He's a special player and when he's fresh and focused there's nothing he can't do," Sangakkara said. "He's a humble, grounded guy... not much on social media. He tends to like a lot of privacy, cares for the rest of the group."

The upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) season serves as a crucial audition for players vying for a spot in their respective national teams for the T20 World Cup, scheduled to commence on June 2. Among the hotly contested positions is that of wicketkeeper-batsman for the Indian team. Former India spinner Harbhajan Singh has unequivocally endorsed Rajasthan Royals' captain Sanju Samson for this role.While Rishabh Pant's impressive return to form after his car accident, scoring two half-centuries and keeping wickets seamlessly, has strengthened his case, Harbhajan believes Samson's consistency and confidence make him a more suitable choice for the ICC event.Samson, currently ranked fourth among the top run-getters in IPL 2024 with 314 runs in 8 matches at a strike rate of 152.42, has consistently delivered, including a crucial 38 not out in Rajasthan Royals' nine-wicket victory over Mumbai Indians.Harbhajan, while acknowledging the brilliance of centurion Yashasvi Jaiswal, emphasized that Samson should not only be India's first-choice wicketkeeper for the T20 World Cup but also be groomed as the next T20 captain.Under Samson's leadership, RR has emerged as a formidable force, winning seven of their eight matches and topping the table with 14 points. Samson's closest competitors for the wicketkeeper-batsman's spot in the T20 World Cup include Pant, KL Rahul, and Ishan Kishan. However, Samson's impressive performances and leadership qualities have set him apart.