Cricket

Ravichandran Ashwin's autobiography, "I Have The Streets - A Kutty Cricket Story," is a captivating memoir that chronicles his journey from his humble beginnings to his triumphant role in India's 2011 World Cup victory. The 184-page book is a treasure trove of amusing anecdotes and insightful reflections on Ashwin's innovative mindset and unwavering commitment to the sport.One of the most gripping stories in the book revolves around an incident in Port Elizabeth (now known as Gqeberha) in 2010, during a limited overs match against South Africa. An enraged Mahendra Singh Dhoni instructed Ashwin to inform team manager Ranjib Biswal to book S Sreesanth on the next available flight back home. The reason behind this drastic decision was Sreesanth's repeated disregard for Dhoni's instructions to sit in the dug-out with other reserves for a massage in the dressing room.Ashwin's autobiography also delves into his controversial "Mankading" debut as a teenager and the pivotal role played by WV Raman in shaping him into a formidable off-spinner. While the book steers clear of sob stories and excessive dramatization, it offers readers an engaging and insightful look into the life and career of one of India's most talented cricketers.Ashwin's strong belief in adhering to the rules and maintaining fairness in the sport is evident throughout the book. He recalls an incident during a school cricket match when his father instructed him to dismiss the non-striker for gaining an unfair advantage by leaving the crease prematurely.The book also highlights Ashwin's deep respect for former India opener WV Raman, who is highly esteemed in Indian cricket for his technical expertise. Ashwin credits Raman with improving his technique by straightening his run-up from an angular one, which helped correct his alignment and enhanced his overall performance.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has announced a substantial prize of Rs 125 crore for the victorious Indian team that clinched the T20 World Cup title. However, this announcement has sparked a debate about the recognition and rewards given to the 1983 World Cup-winning squad, which brought immense pride and glory to the nation.In the 1983 World Cup final, India, under the captaincy of Kapil Dev, achieved a remarkable upset by defeating the formidable West Indies, who were the two-time defending champions, by a margin of 43 runs. The Indian team put up a total of 183 runs in their allotted 60 overs. In response, the Indian bowlers showcased exceptional skill and determination in defending the target. Madan Lal and Mohinder Amarnath were the standout performers, taking three wickets each, as they successfully bowled out the powerful West Indian side for a mere 140 runs.This momentous victory not only crowned India as the champions but also marked their emergence as a force to be reckoned with in international cricket. The triumph served as a turning point, signaling India's arrival on the global cricketing stage and paving the way for future successes.However, a former Indian cricketer, who was a member of the historic 1983 World Cup-winning squad, has urged the BCCI to also recognize and reward the team led by Kapil Dev. He highlighted the contrast between the current Indian team, captained by Rohit Sharma, and the victorious 1983 squad. He revealed that the 1983 champions were not given any financial rewards at the time, as the BCCI claimed they "don't have money." However, he acknowledged that the board is now in a position to announce prize money, given their current financial standing."Rs 125 crore is huge. Happy for Team India. Well, we were not given cash rewards at that time (after 1983 World Cup victory), because board (BCCI) had said 'we don't have money'. Now they can give, what is stopping them? Only a few players (of that team) are getting work, rest are struggling. BCCI should look into it," a member of the 1983 World Cup-winning Indian team told IANS on condition of anonymity.As a reward for their remarkable achievement, the BCCI presented each player with a modest cash prize of Rs 25,000. Upon learning about the relatively low amount given to the players, the renowned singer, the late Lata Mangeshkar, took it upon herself to honor the team's success. She organized a musical concert in Delhi with the purpose of raising funds for the World Cup-winning squad. Through her efforts, she awarded Rs 1 lakh to each player in the team.The BCCI's decision to award a substantial prize to the T20 World Cup-winning team has reignited the debate about the recognition and rewards given to the 1983 World Cup-winning squad. Many believe that the BCCI should also recognize and reward the team that brought immense pride and glory to the nation.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has dismissed the demand by Shiv Sena leader Aaditya Thackeray to prioritize Mumbai as the host city for major cricket finals. BCCI Vice-President Rajeev Shukla stated that the board's policy dictates that the venue for finals is not solely determined by a particular city.Thackeray's request stemmed from the massive public turnout during the Indian cricket team's victory parade in Mumbai following their triumph in the 2023 ODI World Cup. However, Shukla emphasized that the BCCI considers various factors when selecting venues, including seating capacity and the overall distribution of matches across the country."It cannot always be given to a particular city," Shukla said. "There has been a final match -- 1987 World Cup -- in Kolkata also, and Kolkata is considered as Mecca. So it can't be decided that it should always happen in a particular city."Shukla highlighted the importance of considering the capacity of stadiums, citing the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, which hosted the 2023 World Cup final with a seating capacity of 1,30,000. He also mentioned the Eden Gardens in Kolkata, which can accommodate approximately 66,000 spectators."This is purely a decision keeping in mind the entire country and all the venues. You cannot confine to one venue," Shukla explained.While acknowledging the enthusiasm of Mumbai fans, Shukla emphasized that the BCCI must prioritize the interests of the entire nation. He praised the Mumbai Police for their efficient management of the victory parade and expressed the board's appreciation for the city's support."Mumbai is always on our priority list. But saying that all the finals should take place in one city... It never happens in any country," Shukla added.

India's star pacer Jasprit Bumrah has quashed rumors of his impending retirement from T20I cricket, declaring that he has no plans to step away from the shortest format anytime soon.Bumrah's announcement comes after a triumphant T20 World Cup campaign for India, where he played a pivotal role in their victory over South Africa in the final. His exceptional bowling throughout the tournament, with an impressive economy rate of just 4.17, earned him the well-deserved accolade of Player of the Tournament.Despite the recent retirements of senior players Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and Ravindra Jadeja from T20I cricket, Bumrah remains committed to representing India in the format. "It's (my retirement) is a long way away. I have just started. Hopefully, it is far away now," he said during a felicitation ceremony at Wankhede Stadium.Bumrah's decision to continue playing T20Is is a testament to his passion for the game and his belief in India's potential to dominate the format. His exceptional skills and experience will be invaluable to the team as they look to build on their World Cup success.The pacer's emotional reaction to India's victory, sharing the moment with his son Angad, highlighted the significance of the achievement for him. "It was unreal. Usually, I am not the one who is at a loss of words, but seeing my son, the emotions that came in. I never cry after the game, but I started crying, and I cried two, three times," he said.Bumrah's commitment to T20I cricket is a positive sign for Indian cricket, as the team looks to maintain its dominance in the shortest format. His experience and leadership will be crucial in guiding the next generation of players and ensuring India's continued success on the international stage.

Team India's triumphant return from the World Cup was met with a grand welcome at the ITC Maurya Hotel in New Delhi on Thursday morning. Despite the delay and fatigue from their journey, the Men in Blue were in high spirits as they boarded the bus to the hotel, where they received a hero's welcome with loud cheers.Skipper Rohit Sharma, Rishabh Pant, and Mohammad Siraj showcased their dancing skills outside the hotel on the beats of barrel and kettle drums. However, it was Suryakumar Yadav who stole the spotlight with his energetic dance moves, much to the delight of fans and onlookers.Upon their arrival at the hotel, the team was greeted with cheers and applause from the staff. The players, visibly thrilled by the enthusiastic reception, joined in the celebration, marking their triumphant return from the World Cup.The reception at the ITC Maurya Hotel has set the tone for what promises to be a series of celebrations honoring the team's success. The players and their families will have a brief period of rest before their scheduled meeting with PM Narendra Modi, where they will be congratulated for their outstanding performance on the global stage.Suryakumar Yadav's infectious dance moves have become a symbol of the team's joy and camaraderie. His performance outside the hotel has captured the hearts of fans and has become a viral sensation on social media.The team's return to India has been met with widespread praise and admiration. Their success in the World Cup has brought pride and joy to the nation, and their reception at the ITC Maurya Hotel is a testament to their achievements.

Gautam Gambhir, the former Indian cricketer and current head coach prospect, has revealed a poignant childhood memory that ignited his passion for winning the World Cup for his country. Recalling the heartbreaking loss to Australia in the 1992 World Cup, Gambhir shared that the defeat left an indelible mark on him, inspiring him to pursue his dream of lifting the coveted trophy.At the tender age of 11, Gambhir witnessed the agonizing one-run defeat at the Gabba in Brisbane. The match, which was reduced to 47 overs due to rain, saw India chasing a revised target of 235. With the equation down to five runs off four balls, Venkatapathy Raju's run-out in the final over shattered India's hopes.The defeat left a profound impact on Gambhir, who was deeply moved by the team's failure. "I remember the 1992 India-Australia World Cup game in Brisbane, which India lost by one run, and I actually remember that I cried the entire night," Gambhir recalled in an interview with Sportskeeda. "I have never cried like that before or after that, and I don't know why."Despite being only 11 years old at the time, Gambhir's determination was unwavering. "I was an 11-year-old at that time. I cried the entire night and said that I wanted to win the World Cup for India," he said. "I said that in 1992 and I was able to fulfill that dream in 2011."Gambhir's dream came to fruition in 2011 when he played a pivotal role in India's World Cup triumph. He was the team's leading run-scorer in the tournament, including a match-winning 97 against Sri Lanka in the final.Four years earlier, Gambhir had also played a key role in India's victory in the inaugural ICC World T20 in 2007. He was the team's top-scorer in the final against Pakistan.Gambhir's journey from a heartbroken 11-year-old to a World Cup winner is a testament to his resilience and unwavering belief. His story serves as an inspiration to young athletes and fans alike, reminding them that even the most challenging setbacks can be transformed into opportunities for growth and triumph.

India's long-awaited World Cup triumph became a reality as they pulled off a thrilling seven-run victory over South Africa in a pulsating final.With South Africa cruising at 131 for 2 in the 16th over, the match seemed to be slipping away from India. However, a stunning catch by Suryakumar Yadav, followed by Jasprit Bumrah's miserly final overs and Hardik Pandya's crucial wickets, turned the tide in India's favor.Yadav's boundary catch to dismiss Heinrich Klaasen was a moment of brilliance. Running full tilt along the rope, he caught the ball, popped it up as he briefly stepped over the boundary, then completed the running catch as he hopped back into the field.Bumrah, who had been rested for the previous overs, returned to bowl two electric final overs. He conceded just four runs in the 17th over, breaking the partnership between Klaasen and David Miller. In the final over, he dismissed Marco Jansen with a wicked in-seamer that grazed leg stump.Pandya, who had been economical throughout the innings, delivered the knockout blow in the 19th over. Miller attempted to lift a wide full toss over the straight boundary but failed to connect perfectly. Yadav, running full tilt along the rope, caught the ball and sparked wild jubilation in the stands.South Africa's batters No. 8, 9, and 10 failed to get Pandya away, aside from a single outside edge that flew for four. When Pandya completed the seven-run win, the bowler sank to his knees in relief, his team-mates exulted, and the crowd erupted in euphoria.India's victory marked their first World Cup triumph since 2011. It was a testament to their resilience, determination, and the brilliance of their key players.

Former Pakistan captain Mohammad Hafeez has hailed India's skipper Rohit Sharma as the most deserving candidate to lift the World Cup trophy, citing his exceptional leadership and selfless approach to batting.Hafeez lauded Rohit's match-winning 92 off 41 balls against Australia in the T20 World Cup Super Eight, which propelled India to a 24-run victory and eliminated the defending champions. He emphasized Rohit's transformation from a talented player to a true great, attributing it to his unwavering selflessness."It was a Rohit show. We witnessed one of the best innings from a captain," Hafeez remarked. "Leading from the front, there was one thing that no one could overlook, and that was Rohit's quality of selflessness."Hafeez believes that Rohit's selfless approach has been a key factor in his success over the past year, including his standout performance in the 2023 ODI World Cup. "He has been planning this innings for over a year now, and he has executed it perfectly," Hafeez said. "In the last 50-over World Cup, he was the standout performer for India. He always played selflessly, regardless of the situation."Hafeez highlighted Rohit's clarity of goals, which extend beyond personal milestones to winning ICC trophies for India. "When you set your goals high, your pedigree increases," he stated. "In Rohit's case, India's leadership deserves to win this World Cup. The way he plays unconditionally, like a champion, is remarkable."Hafeez expressed his belief that Rohit's leadership and dedication make him the ideal candidate to bring World Cup glory to India. "Rohit is the only person at the moment who deserves to win this World Cup for India," he asserted. "His selfless dedication and leadership make him the perfect choice."