Cricket

Tilak Varma, the rising star of Indian cricket, has etched his name in the record books by surpassing the legendary Virat Kohli's record for the most runs scored by an Indian player in a T20I bilateral series. Varma achieved this remarkable feat during the fourth and final T20I against South Africa in Johannesburg.Varma's performance was nothing short of extraordinary. He smashed an unbeaten 120 runs off just 47 balls, including nine fours and 10 sixes, at an astonishing strike rate of 255.32. This blistering knock followed his century in the previous match, making him the top run-scorer of the series.Varma's tally of 280 runs in four matches at an average of 140 and a strike rate exceeding 198, with two centuries to his name, is a testament to his exceptional talent. He surpassed Kohli's previous record of 231 runs in a five-match series against England.In the match, India won the toss and elected to bat first. After Abhishek Sharma's quickfire 36 off 18 balls, Varma and Sanju Samson (109* off 56 balls) unleashed a batting masterclass. Their unbeaten 210-run partnership propelled India to a mammoth total of 283/1.South Africa's chase was derailed by the scoreboard pressure. Apart from Tristan Stubbs (43 off 29 balls) and David Miller (36 off 27 balls), no other batter made a significant contribution. South Africa was bowled out for 148 runs in 18.2 overs, suffering their largest-ever defeat in T20Is by a margin of 135 runs.Arshdeep Singh was India's standout bowler, claiming 3/20. Varun Chakravarty and Axar Patel picked up two wickets each, while Ravi Bishnoi, Ramandeep Singh, and Hardik Pandya chipped in with a wicket apiece.Tilak Varma's exceptional performance earned him the 'Player of the Match' award. His record-breaking feat is a testament to his immense talent and the bright future that lies ahead for him in Indian cricket.

The legendary bond between Sachin Tendulkar and Sourav Ganguly has left an indelible mark on Indian cricket. Despite their contrasting personalities, these two icons shared a deep respect for each other's skills and contributions to the team.Ganguly, the former Indian captain, often credited Tendulkar as a calming influence and a constant support during his tenure. When faced with challenges, Sachin stood by him, providing both moral and tactical support. Similarly, Ganguly acknowledged Sachin's strategic insights, referring to him as the "team's think tank."Their camaraderie extended beyond the field, as they often faced off against the fiery Pakistani pacer Shoaib Akhtar in high-octane matches. Tendulkar and Ganguly, with their contrasting styles, neutralized Akhtar's threat by rotating the strike and counter-attacking. Their left-right combination forced Akhtar to adjust his line and length constantly, reducing his effectiveness.In a viral video, Ganguly expressed his admiration for Tendulkar, recalling an incident where Sachin suffered a double fracture in his rib cage after being hit by Akhtar. Despite the pain, Tendulkar continued to bat, showcasing his unwavering determination.Akhtar, too, has repeatedly expressed admiration for both Sachin and Sourav, calling them two of the best players of his era. He described Sachin as "calm and calculating," while Ganguly was "gritty and gutsy," praising both as challenging opponents for different reasons.The battles between Sachin, Sourav, and Shoaib represent the golden era of India-Pakistan cricket, marked by intensity, skill, and mutual respect. These encounters were more than just cricket-they were a spectacle of sportsmanship and passion, making them unforgettable for fans.Tendulkar and Ganguly's partnership defined an era of Indian cricket where the team started believing in its ability to dominate globally. Their friendship and on-field success continue to inspire young cricketers worldwide, serving as a testament to the power of teamwork and mutual respect.

Indian cricket is undergoing a transformative phase, with a young and dynamic team led by Suryakumar Yadav emerging as a force to be reckoned with in the T20 format. Backed by the team management's unwavering support, this transitional side has been playing an exhilarating brand of cricket, winning 24 out of 26 T20Is in 2024.Despite the absence of seasoned veterans like Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, and the injuries to key players like Rishabh Pant and Jasprit Bumrah, the Indian team has shown remarkable resilience and adaptability. The team's newfound freedom of expression, particularly with the bat, has been a key factor in their success."Everyone has a different skill set, and they also want to come out and express themselves. So freedom is very important when they get onto the field, which is what I try to give," said Suryakumar at the start of the series.This freedom has allowed players like Sanju Samson and Tilak Varma to flourish. Samson, now the record holder for most T20 international tons (3) in a calendar year, has been instrumental in India posting 200-plus totals on six occasions since the T20 World Cup.Varma, too, has made a significant impact since returning from injury, scoring back-to-back centuries while batting at No. 3. "The team backed us even when we flopped. They told us to play the brand of cricket the team is known for," said Varma.The team management's unwavering support has been crucial in fostering this positive environment. "In T20Is, I never thought of consistency. If there is a ball to be hit, it's necessary for me to capitalize on that. In the team, even our captain Surya, Gautam bhai, and Laxman sir emphasize maximizing runs in the first innings," said Samson.The big question now is how to accommodate the likes of Samson and Varma when injured players return. "I haven't thought that far ahead. When they come back, we'll discuss it calmly. It will be tough, but it's a good headache," said Suryakumar.As India gears up to host the T20 World Cup in 2025, the team's current form bodes well for their chances. The young players have shown immense talent and determination, and with the continued support of the team management, they have the potential to achieve even greater heights.

In a thrilling encounter at the Darren Sammy Cricket Ground, West Indies pulled off a remarkable five-wicket victory over England in the fourth T20I, narrowing the series deficit to 3-1.England, who had already secured the series, opted to bat first and posted a formidable total of 218/6. Phil Salt (55) and Will Jacks (54) provided a solid start, while Jacob Bethell's unbeaten 62 and Sam Curran's late cameo of 24 propelled the visitors to a challenging score.West Indies bowlers Alzarri Joseph, Rehan Ahmed, and Roston Chase claimed crucial wickets, but England's batters took advantage of the favorable batting conditions.In response, West Indies openers Shai Hope and Evin Lewis unleashed a blistering assault, putting on a 136-run partnership. Hope reached his half-century in just 23 balls, while Lewis smashed seven sixes in his 26-ball 68.England fought back with three quick wickets, but West Indies captain Rovman Powell (38) and Sharfane Rutherford (29) steadied the innings. Rutherford sealed the victory in style, smashing two sixes off Dan Mousley in the penultimate over to ensure the hosts reached the target with six balls to spare."Guys were more committed today," said Powell after the match. "The team showed a lot of fight, and 3-2 looks much better than 4-1. We'll aim to finish strong tomorrow."England captain Jos Buttler acknowledged the quality of the contest despite the loss. "I thought we had a great start and posted a strong score, but they played exceptionally well to chase it down," he said.The fifth and final T20I takes place on Sunday, with West Indies aiming to end the series on a high.

India's upcoming tour of Australia holds immense significance as the team aims to regain its dominance Down Under. Former captain Sourav Ganguly, who led India to a memorable 1-1 draw in Australia in 2003-04, shared his insights on the team's preparations, the challenges they face, and the potential of the next generation of players.Ganguly expressed concern over India's recent 0-3 home defeat against New Zealand, emphasizing the need for introspection and a shift in mindset. He criticized the excessive use of rank turners in India, arguing that they hinder the development of batters and spinners alike.Regarding the transition to Australian conditions, Ganguly stressed the importance of adjusting to pace and bounce. He believes that the team's previous experience in Australia will be beneficial, but they must focus on hard practice and a clear game plan.Ganguly highlighted the significance of setting the tone early in the series, particularly in the first Test in Perth. He emphasized the need for senior batters like Virat Kohli and Rishabh Pant to take responsibility and inspire the team.On the topic of the next generation of players, Ganguly expressed confidence in the abilities of Shubman Gill and Pant. He believes they have the potential to emerge as senior batters and lead the team in the future.Ganguly acknowledged the changing nature of the game, with batters now adopting an aggressive approach. However, he emphasized the importance of adaptability and the ability to perform under pressure.Regarding the uncertainty over Rohit Sharma's availability, Ganguly expressed his belief that the team can cope with his absence. He highlighted the presence of experienced batters who can step up and set the tone.Finally, Ganguly discussed the team's bowling attack, praising the performances of Mohammed Shami and the potential of playing two spinners. He emphasized the need for a balanced approach, considering both batting stability and bowling strength.

Alyssa Healy's hopes of playing in Australia's upcoming ODI series against India are hanging in the balance after she was ruled out of the remainder of the WBBL with a knee injury.The Sydney Sixers captain sustained the injury to her left knee during the team's last-start loss to the Brisbane Heat. The injury is not believed to be serious enough to rule her out of the multi-format Ashes, which begin on January 12, but it does cast doubt on her availability for the three-match ODI series against India, which starts just four days after the WBBL final.Healy has been battling injuries throughout the summer, having entered the WBBL with a foot injury that ended her T20 World Cup campaign early. She also missed the Sixers' last match due to body management.The injury is a significant blow to the Sixers, who are now facing the prospect of needing to win their last three matches to make the WBBL finals. If Healy does miss the international matches, Tahlia McGrath would be expected to deputise as captain again after doing so in the World Cup.Healy's injury highlights the challenges faced by female athletes in managing their workload during a busy summer schedule. The Australian captain has been open about the need to manage her pain and function throughout the summer, and it remains to be seen whether she will be able to play in all of the upcoming matches.

Australia, led by Pat Cummins, will face a formidable challenge from India in the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy series, as the visitors aim for an unprecedented third consecutive series win on Australian soil. India's quest will be spearheaded by new captain Rohit Sharma, who is eager to etch his name in history.The series opener will commence on November 22 in Perth, marking the beginning of a highly anticipated clash between two cricketing powerhouses. India has enjoyed remarkable success in Australia in recent years, securing back-to-back series victories under Virat Kohli and Ajinkya Rahane.Cummins, however, is confident in his team's ability to halt India's winning streak. "Yes, yes is the answer," he declared when asked about Australia's chances. He acknowledged India's strong organization and planning but expressed confidence in his team's recent successes in the World Test Championship final and ODI World Cup.India's pace attack will be spearheaded by Jasprit Bumrah, who has an impressive record in Australia. Cummins identified Bumrah as India's X-factor, highlighting his ability to play a pivotal role in the series.The absence of Cheteshwar Pujara and Ajinkya Rahane from India's squad has been noted by Cummins. He praised Pujara's resilience and acknowledged the challenge of facing him. "It's going to feel a bit different without him," Cummins said.India's young bowling trio of Harshit Rana, Prasidh Krishna, and Akash Deep will be eager to make their mark in the series, while Australia will rely on the experience of Mitchell Starc and Nathan Lyon.The Border-Gavaskar Trophy promises to be a captivating contest between two evenly matched teams. India will be determined to continue their dominance in Australia, while Cummins and his team will be equally determined to reclaim the trophy.

India's T20I dominance in 2024 reached unprecedented heights, culminating in a record-breaking series win over South Africa. With a massive 283-run total in Johannesburg, India secured a 3-1 series victory and cemented their status as the world's leading T20I team.The year marked a remarkable turnaround for India, who had endured a disappointing ODI World Cup final defeat earlier in the year. However, the T20 World Cup in the West Indies and USA proved to be a transformative moment, as India went unbeaten throughout the tournament to claim their second T20 World Cup title.The triumph was a testament to the team's aggressive and fearless approach, led by Suryakumar Yadav, who took over the captaincy after Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli stepped away from the format. India's win percentage of 92.31 in T20Is was the highest ever by any team, surpassing Pakistan's previous record.Individually, Sanju Samson emerged as a standout performer, becoming the first player to score three centuries in T20Is. He finished the year as India's top run-getter with 436 runs, averaging over 40 and striking at an impressive 180. Tilak Varma also impressed with two centuries and a strike rate of over 187.India's batting prowess was evident throughout the year, as they scored 200-plus totals nine times, including three in the series against South Africa. They also set a record for the most team centuries in a calendar year in T20Is, with seven centuries in total.On the bowling front, Arshdeep Singh led the charge with 36 wickets in 18 matches, the highest haul for a Test-playing nation bowler this year. Indian bowlers averaged 8.39 wickets per innings, the highest-ever among Test-playing nations in a calendar year.Overall, India's performance in 2024 was a testament to their aggressive and fearless approach, which has transformed them into the world's leading T20I team.

India's cricket team has achieved a remarkable triumph in their T20 International series against South Africa, securing a resounding 3-1 victory. The series win is a testament to the team's resilience and determination, as they faced a formidable opponent on their home turf.Led by stand-in captain V.V.S. Laxman, India showcased their depth and talent throughout the series. Young batters Tilak Varma and Sanju Samson emerged as key contributors, while experienced all-rounder Varun Chakravarty played a pivotal role with his exceptional bowling.In the first match of the series, India set a challenging target of 212 runs, which South Africa failed to chase down. Varma and Samson played crucial knocks of 48 and 63, respectively, while Chakravarty claimed three wickets.The second match saw India suffer a narrow defeat, but they bounced back strongly in the third match. Samson once again starred with a blistering 86 off just 59 deliveries, while Chakravarty continued his impressive form with another three-wicket haul.In the final match of the series, India produced a dominant performance to secure a massive 135-run victory. Varma and Samson continued their impressive run with half-centuries, while Chakravarty and fellow spinner Axar Patel shared seven wickets between them.Laxman hailed the team's performance as "a special effort," praising their spirit and determination. He highlighted the contributions of the young players and the support provided by the non-playing members.Captain Suryakumar Yadav also expressed his delight with the series win, describing it as "special." He credited the team's collective effort and the fearless approach they displayed throughout the series.India's T20I series triumph against South Africa is a significant achievement, demonstrating the team's potential and their ability to compete at the highest level. The victory will provide a much-needed boost of confidence as they prepare for the upcoming T20 World Cup in Australia.