Cricket

Rohit Sharma's Witty On-Field Banter with Kuldeep Yadav Goes ViralIndian cricket captain Rohit Sharma is renowned for his quick wit and humorous on-field remarks. On the opening day of the fifth and final Test against England in Dharamsala, Rohit delivered another memorable one-liner that has gone viral on social media.As Jonny Bairstow walked out to bat after the dismissal of Zak Crawley, Rohit's conversation with his teammates was captured on the stump microphone. "Isko Toh Kuch Bhi Daal (Bowl whatever you want to him)," Rohit was heard saying to bowler Kuldeep Yadav, suggesting that he could bowl anything to Bairstow.The video of the amusing incident quickly spread across social media platforms. Rohit later clarified that his funny chats and one-liners are not deliberate. He explained that he regularly communicates with fielders, and these discussions often get recorded by the microphone."I don't have any favorite line as such and I don't even do it deliberately," Rohit said. "Now I am the captain so I stand in the slips, because the angle from there helps me get a better look at the fielders and take stock of DRS. So I keep talking to the fielders and it gets recorded."On the field, England were bowled out for 218 in the final session on Day 1, with Kuldeep Yadav claiming a five-wicket haul and Ravichandran Ashwin picking up four wickets. India reached 135 for one at the close of play, with Yashasvi Jaiswal scoring a 58-ball 57 and Rohit remaining unbeaten on 53 alongside Shubman Gill (26 not out).The hosts already hold an unassailable 3-1 lead in the five-match series. The final Test in Dharamsala is expected to be a closely contested affair, with both teams looking to end the series on a high note.

Rohit Sharma Becomes First Non-Wicketkeeper to Take 60+ Catches in All FormatsIndian skipper Rohit Sharma has etched his name in cricket history by becoming the first non-wicketkeeper to grab 60 or more catches across all three formats of the game. This remarkable feat was achieved on the opening day of the fifth and final Test against England in Dharamsala.Rohit's journey to this milestone began in Tests, where he has now accumulated 60 catches. His prowess in the field continued in ODIs, where he has snared 93 catches. In T20 internationals, the Indian captain has also made a significant impact with 60 catches to his name.The landmark catch came in the second session of Day 1, when Rohit grabbed Mark Wood's edge off Ravichandran Ashwin at first slip. This moment marked a historic achievement for the Indian skipper, who has consistently showcased his exceptional fielding abilities.After Rohit's feat, India's bowlers took control of the match, bowling out England for 218 in the final session. Kuldeep Yadav emerged as the star performer with a fifer, while Ashwin chipped in with four wickets.In response, India reached 135 for one at the close of play on the opening day. Yashasvi Jaiswal impressed with a 58-ball 57, while Rohit remained unbeaten on 53 alongside Shubman Gill, who was on 26 at stumps.With India trailing by 83 runs, the hosts will look to build on their solid start and secure a clean sweep in the five-match series. Rohit's historic achievement adds another feather to his cap and further cements his status as one of the greatest all-rounders in the game.

Ravichandran Ashwin, the enigmatic Indian off-spinner, has etched his name in the annals of Test cricket with his remarkable achievements. With 500 Test wickets to his name, Ashwin stands tall as one of the most successful bowlers in the history of the game.Ashwin's journey to the 500-wicket milestone has been a testament to his skill, perseverance, and adaptability. He made his Test debut in 2011 and quickly established himself as a key member of the Indian bowling attack. Known for his guile, accuracy, and ability to extract turn from any surface, Ashwin has troubled batsmen from all corners of the globe.One of Ashwin's most notable achievements is his ability to perform consistently across different conditions. He has picked up wickets in all the major Test-playing nations, with his best performances coming against Sri Lanka and West Indies. Ashwin's 10-wicket hauls in Galle and Roseau are a testament to his ability to dominate even the most challenging of pitches.Beyond his wicket-taking prowess, Ashwin has also made significant contributions with the bat. He has scored five Test centuries, including a memorable 124 against England in 2018. Ashwin's all-round abilities have made him an invaluable asset to the Indian team, and he has played a crucial role in their recent successes.As Ashwin continues to add to his tally of wickets, he is poised to become one of the greatest bowlers of all time. His unique style, coupled with his unwavering determination, makes him a formidable opponent for any batsman. With his 500th Test wicket, Ashwin has cemented his legacy as a true legend of the game.

Mumbai Indians Unveil Groundbreaking Jersey for 2024 IPL SeasonIn a fusion of sport and style, Mumbai Indians and Skechers have unveiled the team's jersey for the upcoming 2024 Indian Premier League (IPL) season. Designed by renowned fashion icon Monisha Jaising, the jersey embodies the unyielding bond between the team and its passionate fanbase, the Paltan.Jaising's design draws inspiration from the iconic blue and gold hues synonymous with Mumbai Indians. The jersey features a grid pattern of the letter "M" on an art deco backdrop, symbolizing the team's unwavering commitment and loyalty. The interplay of thin and thick lines in royal blue creates a precise and elegant geometry.Royal blue signifies confidence and strength, while imperial blue exudes empathy and dependability – emotions that resonate with both the Mumbai Indians and their fans. A dash of gold, representing the sun's energy and power, is incorporated through a racing graphic along the sides of the jersey, emphasizing the powerful physique of the champion players."As our players don the iconic blue and gold jersey colors, they carry with them the hopes and dreams of our MI Paltan, fueled by the spirit of 'Mumbai Meri Jaan'," stated Mumbai Indians in a media release. "The jersey is a badge of honor, a symbol of pride for all who wear it, as they get to express their love for the team while carrying with them a piece of its illustrious legacy."The jersey unveiling marks a significant moment for Mumbai Indians, as it reflects the team's commitment to innovation and style. The design seamlessly blends the team's heritage with a modern aesthetic, creating a jersey that is both timeless and contemporary.

Yashasvi Jaiswal Surpasses Virat Kohli, Sets New Record for Most Runs Against England in a Test SeriesYoung Indian opener Yashasvi Jaiswal has etched his name in the history books by surpassing batting legend Virat Kohli and other Indian greats to become the highest run-scorer against England in a Test series. Jaiswal achieved this remarkable feat on the opening day of the fifth and final Test against England in Dharamsala.In the final session of the day, Jaiswal surpassed Kohli's previous record of 655 runs, set in the 2016 Test series at home. Before being dismissed for 57 late in the day, Jaiswal also breached the 700-run mark in the ongoing series.Jaiswal's exceptional performance has not only earned him the distinction of being the highest run-scorer against England but has also made him the second fastest Indian to reach 1000 Test runs. The 22-year-old reached the milestone in just 16 innings, behind only Vinod Kambli, who achieved it in 14 innings.Current India coach Rahul Dravid is third on the list of highest run-scorers against England in a Test series, with 602 runs during the 2002 India tour of England. Kohli, with 593 runs in the 2018 tour of England, is also featured on the list.Batting great Sunil Gavaskar amassed 542 runs during the 1979 tour, while Vijay Manjrekar has 586 runs to his name in a single Test series against England.Jaiswal's record-breaking performance is a testament to his exceptional talent and hard work. He has emerged as a key player for India in the Test format and is expected to continue to play a significant role in the team's future success.

DY Patil T20 Cup: CAG and Tata Sports Club Advance to Semi-FinalsThe 18th DY Patil T20 Cup witnessed thrilling quarter-final matches on Thursday, with CAG and Tata Sports Club emerging victorious.DY Patil Stadium:At the DY Patil Stadium, DY Patil Blue faced CAG in a closely contested encounter. Blue's innings was anchored by Shikhar Dhawan's unbeaten 99 off 51 deliveries, including eight boundaries and six sixes. However, CAG's bowlers kept the pressure on, with Sanveer Singh and Writwick Chatterjee claiming two wickets each.Blue finished on 182 for six, but CAG's chase was led by Varun Lavande's 73 off 53 balls. Sanveer Singh's unbeaten 45 off 27 balls sealed the victory for CAG, who reached 185 for four in 19.1 overs.DY Patil University Ground:Meanwhile, at the DY Patil University Ground, Tata Sports Club dominated Indian Oil. Sufiyan Shaikh and Chinmay Sutar put on a 107-run partnership for the second wicket, with Shaikh scoring 64 off 36 balls and Sutar contributing 61 off 39 balls.Tata posted a formidable 232 for five in their 20 overs, with Rohan Raje being the only Indian Oil bowler to impress with figures of 2-38.In response, Indian Oil struggled to keep up with the required run rate, losing wickets at regular intervals. Shorabh Phaliwal was the standout bowler for Tata, claiming three wickets for 15 runs. Indian Oil was eventually bowled out for 172 in 19.4 overs, handing Tata a convincing 60-run victory.

Devdutt Padikkal's journey to the Indian Test team has been a testament to his resilience and determination. After a promising start to his international career in 2021, Padikkal faced setbacks due to COVID-19 and a stomach-related illness.During this challenging period, Padikkal's weight dropped, and he struggled to stay fit and healthy. However, he remained steadfast in his pursuit of his dream. He consulted with doctors and worked tirelessly on his fitness and diet.Padikkal's hard work paid off in the 2023-24 season. He excelled for Karnataka across formats, scoring heavily in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, Vijay Hazare Trophy, and Ranji Trophy. His performances, particularly his 151 against Tamil Nadu, caught the attention of chief selector Ajit Agarkar.With KL Rahul ruled out of the third Test against England due to a fitness issue, Padikkal emerged as a replacement. His selection was a testament to his impressive form and the belief of the selectors in his abilities.Padikkal's journey to the Test team is a story of perseverance and unwavering determination. He has overcome adversity and proven that with hard work and belief, anything is possible.

South African umpire Marais Erasmus, a highly respected figure in the cricketing world, is set to retire from international umpiring after the second and final Test between New Zealand and Australia in Christchurch, starting on March 8.Erasmus, 60, has had a remarkable career spanning over two decades. He began umpiring in 2006 and was appointed to the Emirates ICC Elite Panel of Umpires in 2010. He is the joint-longest serving current umpire on the list, alongside Rod Tucker.Throughout his illustrious career, Erasmus has officiated in 380 matches, including 131 as a TV umpire. He has stood in 82 men's Test matches, placing him 10th on the list of umpires with the most Test appearances.Erasmus has also officiated in four World Cups (2011, 2015, 2019, 2023), seven T20 World Cups (2009, 2010, 2012, 2014, 2016, 2021, 2022), and two Champions Trophy tournaments (2013, 2017). He has also officiated in three Women's T20 World Cups (2010, 2012, 2014).Notably, Erasmus was one of the two on-field umpires for the dramatic final of the 2019 ODI World Cup between England and New Zealand. He also stood as the umpire in the last two T20 World Cup finals in 2021 and 2022.Erasmus has been recognized for his exceptional skills and professionalism, winning the David Shepherd Trophy for the ICC Umpire of the Year in 2016, 2017, and 2021.ICC Chief Executive Geoff Allardice praised Erasmus's outstanding career, saying, "Marais has had an outstanding career as an international umpire. He has officiated in many global ICC tournaments, including World Cup finals, as well as high-profile series all over the world, at all times displaying his skill, calmness, and composure, even in the most challenging of situations."Erasmus's retirement marks the end of an era in international umpiring. His contributions to the game have been immense, and he will be remembered as one of the most respected and accomplished umpires in cricket history.

India's left-arm wrist-spinner Kuldeep Yadav unleashed a magical delivery reminiscent of the legendary Shane Warne, dismissing England's well-settled Zak Crawley on Day 1 of the 5th Test. Crawley, who had been tormenting the Indian bowlers, was left bamboozled by Kuldeep's chinaman delivery. The ball spun viciously, finding the fine gap between Crawley's bat and pad, and crashed into the stumps, leaving the England batter and spectators alike stunned.Kuldeep's delivery was measured to have spun an astonishing 10.9 degrees, a testament to his exceptional skill and control. Crawley, who was closing in on a century, was left shell-shocked as Kuldeep's "bunny out of the hat" sent him packing back to the pavilion.Kuldeep's five-wicket haul played a pivotal role in reducing England to 194 for eight at tea on Day 1. The Indian spinners, led by Kuldeep, ran through England's batting lineup, taking six wickets for just 94 runs after lunch.Opener Zak Crawley (79 off 108 balls) provided the lone resistance for England, but his efforts were not enough to prevent the collapse. England's middle order failed to provide substantial support, with only Joe Root (26) and Jonny Bairstow (29) managing to reach double figures.The Indian spinners dominated the proceedings, with Ravichandran Ashwin claiming four wickets and Ravindra Jadeja taking one. England's innings eventually ended at 218 in 57.4 overs, with all 10 wickets falling to the spinners.Kuldeep Yadav's remarkable delivery and five-wicket haul have put India in a commanding position in the 5th Test. The Indian spinners have once again proven their mettle, and England will need to find a way to counter their threat if they want to avoid a series defeat.