India Australia WC Modi Sehwag

You Don’t Lose WC Final Because Of Any Single Individual: Sehwag

Weighing in on Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to the India dressing room after skipper and his ‘Men in Blue’ went down to Australia in the World Cup, dashing a billion hopes of a third world crown in the 50-over format, former opener Virender Sehwag on Saturday hailed what he called a ‘rare gesture’ by the country’s most powerful leader to lift the spirits in the change room.

Pictures from the Indian dressing room went viral, showing PM Modi shaking hands with the players and sharing a warm hug with speedster Mohammad Shami, who emerged as the highest wicket-taker in the tournament.

PM Modi commended how the team went 10 matches unbeaten in the tournament before finally coming unstuck in the final at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad.

Speaking to ANI, Sehwag said, “It is very rare for a prime minister to meet players in the dressing room and lift their spirits after a crushing defeat. I have never seen a prime minister taking time out of his busy schedule to lend a shoulder to players heartbroken after a defeat. It was an incredible gesture by Prime Minister Modi to visit the dressing room and boost the morale of the boys. It was a time when the boys needed some hand-holding, a gesture of solidarity and support. In such lows, you need someone to comfort you like family members do. I believe it was a touching gesture that will go a long way to motivating our boys ahead of future engagements, especially multilateral events. It will motivate us to cross the final hurdle next time.”

Amid the uproar around the statements of some Opposition leaders, blaming PM Modi’s attendance in the final for the team’s defeat in the World Cup final, the former India batting stalwart and ICC Hall-of-Famer said, “You don’t lose a World Cup final because of any single individual. Our loss to Australia will spur us to chase glory in the next World Cup final.”

Raising the hackles of the BJP, Congress leader Rahul, addressing a public event in Rajasthan’s Barmer, blamed India’s defeat on PM Modi, calling him a ‘Panauti’ (one who brings bad luck).

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee also took a dig at PM Modi, claiming that India would have won had the World Cup final been hosted at Wankhede (the venue for the 2011 World Cup final that India won) or the Eden Gardens in Kolkata, instead of a stadium named after himself.

In the video of PM Modi’s visit to the India dressing room, he was seen holding the hands of skipper Rohit Sharma and batting talisman Virat Kohli, who aggregated the most runs at the event. 

PM Modi was heard exhorting them to smile as the country was watching them. “Desh aap ko dekh raha hai (the country is watching you),” PM Modi told Rohit and Virat inside the dressing room.

Scoffing at the Opposition leaders over their remarks, the former India opener said, “Everyone was behind this team when they were doing so well. And, on a rare bad in office, when they lost the final, everyone should have come out in their support instead of making such remarks. There are few PMs or leaders who visit a dressing room after a defeat. Hence, for PM Modi to visit our boys and lift their spirits would serve as an inspiration not just for cricket but also for other sports. It will serve as a huge motivation.”

Former India head coach Ravi Shastri, too, hailed PM Modi’s gesture of visiting the dressing room and catching up with the ‘Men in Blue’.

“I think it’s an outstanding gesture simply because I know what a dressing room feels like and I have been in that dressing room for more than seven years as a coach of India, apart from many years as a cricketer. It is a gut-wrenching feeling and when you are down. When you get someone like the Prime Minister of the country coming and visiting the dressing room, it is something massive because it can lift the spirits of the players. This is no ordinary man walking in. When you have Prime Minister of a country walking into the dressing room, it is special. I know what the players would have felt like, I know what I would have felt like you know if I was a coach of India in that moment,” Shastri said. (ANI)

 New Delhi [India], November 25 (ANI): Weighing in on Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to the India dressing room after skipper and his ‘Men in Blue’ went down to Australia in the World Cup, dashing a billion hopes of a third world crown in the 50-over format, former opener Virender Sehwag on Saturday hailed what he called a ‘rare gesture’ by the country’s most powerful leader to lift the spirits in the change room.

Pictures from the Indian dressing room went viral, showing PM Modi shaking hands with the players and sharing a warm hug with speedster Mohammad Shami, who emerged as the highest wicket-taker in the tournament.

PM Modi commended how the team went 10 matches unbeaten in the tournament before finally coming unstuck in the final at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad.

Speaking to ANI, Sehwag said, “It is very rare for a prime minister to meet players in the dressing room and lift their spirits after a crushing defeat. I have never seen a prime minister taking time out of his busy schedule to lend a shoulder to players heartbroken after a defeat. It was an incredible gesture by Prime Minister Modi to visit the dressing room and boost the morale of the boys. It was a time when the boys needed some hand-holding, a gesture of solidarity and support. In such lows, you need someone to comfort you like family members do. I believe it was a touching gesture that will go a long way to motivating our boys ahead of future engagements, especially multilateral events. It will motivate us to cross the final hurdle next time.”

Amid the uproar around the statements of some Opposition leaders, blaming PM Modi’s attendance in the final for the team’s defeat in the World Cup final, the former India batting stalwart and ICC Hall-of-Famer said, “You don’t lose a World Cup final because of any single individual. Our loss to Australia will spur us to chase glory in the next World Cup final.”

Raising the hackles of the BJP, Congress leader Rahul, addressing a public event in Rajasthan’s Barmer, blamed India’s defeat on PM Modi, calling him a ‘Panauti’ (one who brings bad luck).

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee also took a dig at PM Modi, claiming that India would have won had the World Cup final been hosted at Wankhede (the venue for the 2011 World Cup final that India won) or the Eden Gardens in Kolkata, instead of a stadium named after himself.

In the video of PM Modi’s visit to the India dressing room, he was seen holding the hands of skipper Rohit Sharma and batting talisman Virat Kohli, who aggregated the most runs at the event. 

PM Modi was heard exhorting them to smile as the country was watching them. “Desh aap ko dekh raha hai (the country is watching you),” PM Modi told Rohit and Virat inside the dressing room.

Scoffing at the Opposition leaders over their remarks, the former India opener said, “Everyone was behind this team when they were doing so well. And, on a rare bad in office, when they lost the final, everyone should have come out in their support instead of making such remarks. There are few PMs or leaders who visit a dressing room after a defeat. Hence, for PM Modi to visit our boys and lift their spirits would serve as an inspiration not just for cricket but also for other sports. It will serve as a huge motivation.”

Former India head coach Ravi Shastri, too, hailed PM Modi’s gesture of visiting the dressing room and catching up with the ‘Men in Blue’.

“I think it’s an outstanding gesture simply because I know what a dressing room feels like and I have been in that dressing room for more than seven years as a coach of India, apart from many years as a cricketer. It is a gut-wrenching feeling and when you are down. When you get someone like the Prime Minister of the country coming and visiting the dressing room, it is something massive because it can lift the spirits of the players. This is no ordinary man walking in. When you have Prime Minister of a country walking into the dressing room, it is special. I know what the players would have felt like, I know what I would have felt like you know if I was a coach of India in that moment,” Shastri said. (ANI)

 New Delhi [India], November 25 (ANI): Weighing in on Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to the India dressing room after skipper and his ‘Men in Blue’ went down to Australia in the World Cup, dashing a billion hopes of a third world crown in the 50-over format, former opener Virender Sehwag on Saturday hailed what he called a ‘rare gesture’ by the country’s most powerful leader to lift the spirits in the change room.

Pictures from the Indian dressing room went viral, showing PM Modi shaking hands with the players and sharing a warm hug with speedster Mohammad Shami, who emerged as the highest wicket-taker in the tournament.

PM Modi commended how the team went 10 matches unbeaten in the tournament before finally coming unstuck in the final at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad.

Speaking to ANI, Sehwag said, “It is very rare for a prime minister to meet players in the dressing room and lift their spirits after a crushing defeat. I have never seen a prime minister taking time out of his busy schedule to lend a shoulder to players heartbroken after a defeat. It was an incredible gesture by Prime Minister Modi to visit the dressing room and boost the morale of the boys. It was a time when the boys needed some hand-holding, a gesture of solidarity and support. In such lows, you need someone to comfort you like family members do. I believe it was a touching gesture that will go a long way to motivating our boys ahead of future engagements, especially multilateral events. It will motivate us to cross the final hurdle next time.”

Amid the uproar around the statements of some Opposition leaders, blaming PM Modi’s attendance in the final for the team’s defeat in the World Cup final, the former India batting stalwart and ICC Hall-of-Famer said, “You don’t lose a World Cup final because of any single individual. Our loss to Australia will spur us to chase glory in the next World Cup final.”

Raising the hackles of the BJP, Congress leader Rahul, addressing a public event in Rajasthan’s Barmer, blamed India’s defeat on PM Modi, calling him a ‘Panauti’ (one who brings bad luck).

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee also took a dig at PM Modi, claiming that India would have won had the World Cup final been hosted at Wankhede (the venue for the 2011 World Cup final that India won) or the Eden Gardens in Kolkata, instead of a stadium named after himself.

In the video of PM Modi’s visit to the India dressing room, he was seen holding the hands of skipper Rohit Sharma and batting talisman Virat Kohli, who aggregated the most runs at the event. 

PM Modi was heard exhorting them to smile as the country was watching them. “Desh aap ko dekh raha hai (the country is watching you),” PM Modi told Rohit and Virat inside the dressing room.

Scoffing at the Opposition leaders over their remarks, the former India opener said, “Everyone was behind this team when they were doing so well. And, on a rare bad in office, when they lost the final, everyone should have come out in their support instead of making such remarks. There are few PMs or leaders who visit a dressing room after a defeat. Hence, for PM Modi to visit our boys and lift their spirits would serve as an inspiration not just for cricket but also for other sports. It will serve as a huge motivation.”

Former India head coach Ravi Shastri, too, hailed PM Modi’s gesture of visiting the dressing room and catching up with the ‘Men in Blue’.

“I think it’s an outstanding gesture simply because I know what a dressing room feels like and I have been in that dressing room for more than seven years as a coach of India, apart from many years as a cricketer. It is a gut-wrenching feeling and when you are down. When you get someone like the Prime Minister of the country coming and visiting the dressing room, it is something massive because it can lift the spirits of the players. This is no ordinary man walking in. When you have Prime Minister of a country walking into the dressing room, it is special. I know what the players would have felt like, I know what I would have felt like you know if I was a coach of India in that moment,” Shastri said. (ANI)

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Germany's iconic goalkeeper Oliver Kahn

India Has Immense Potential In Football: Oliver Kahn

Germany’s iconic goalkeeper Oliver Kahn on Friday visited the GD Somani School in Mumbai on Friday and interacted with the students as well and stated that India has immense potential in football and will compete in the World Cup.

Expressing his thoughts on the future of Indian football, Kahn shared his optimism, and said, “India has immense potential in football. The passion I see here is incredible. It’s time for India to carve its own way of playing football, blending its rich culture with the beautiful game. I genuinely believe that India will soon be a formidable force on the global football stage, competing in the World Cup.”

The South Mumbai school resonated with cheers as the football icon was welcomed in a traditional Indian and traditional manner, symbolising the unity of global football culture.

Kahn received an astounding welcome from the faculty of the school as well as the students. The German legend signed the jerseys of students and talked about his visit to the university and playing his final career game in Kolkata on May 27, 2008, against the oldest club in Asia, Mohun Bagan.

“It was an absolutely amazing moment to visit this university. I remember my last game in Kolkata. I remember the people and fans. It was sad for me, my last game. Two decades, so many memories. It reminded me of my youth. The young people are the future of India.”

He further went on to talk about his initial football days and the level of commitment as well as the hard work he had to do in order to reach the level he achieved in his career.

“Football is not just a game; it’s a way of life. The challenges I faced in my career taught me the value of persistence. ‘Never give up’ has been my motto in life, and I encourage each one of you to embrace it. Success comes to those who are relentless in their pursuit of excellence,” remarked Kahn, capturing the attention of aspiring football enthusiasts,” Kahn said.

Kahn also talked about his career days, especially during his time with Germany’s top club Bayern Munich and said, “I remember getting a call from. Bayern Munich asking to be the no.1 goalkeeper. I thought someone on the radio was joking. One of the biggest moments in my life. That’s when my career started. After suffering and not winning the Champions League with Bayern which we lost. Never give up, I had to try again. Two years later, we were again in the CL final. And finally, we won the cup with Bayern.” (ANI)

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Modi Sends Best Wishes To Team India Ahead Of WC Final

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday wished the ‘Men in Blue’ success ahead of the World Cup final against Australia.

Taking to his official handle on X, PM Modi said “140 crore Indians” will stand for the team and root for them as they the field against the five-time world champions.

He said he hoped that skipper Rohit Sharma and his charges will be fiercely competitive in the all-or-nothing clash while upholding the spirit of sportsmanship.

“All the best Team India! 140 crore Indians are cheering for you. May you shine bright, play well and uphold the spirit of sportsmanship,” PM Modi posted on X.

India stormed into the finals after a 70-run victory over New Zealand on Wednesday. After Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill’s explosive start, Virat Kohli and Shreyas Iyer scored a ton each to put India on course to a massive target.

KL Rahul arrived to apply the finishing touches to power India to a score of 397/4. With New Zealand appearing in control of the chase, Mohammed Shami struck at the right moments to ensure that India reach the final.

In the second semi-final, South Africa made Australia sweat after setting a modest target. Australia skipper Pat Cummins and speedster Mitchell Starc held their nerves to take the hosts to a three-wicket win. (ANI)

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Glenn Maxwell Virat

Virat Hails Glenn Maxwell’s Marvellous Double Ton Against Afgh

India’s batting talisman Virat Kohli heaped praise on star Australia all-rounder and his Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) teammate, Glenn Maxwell, for a knock for the ages that helped five-time champions Australia seal a spot in the semifinals of the ongoing ODI World Cup.

Coming into bat with Australia staring down the barrel chasing an imposing 292 against Afghanistan at Mumbai’s Wankhede Stadium, Maxwell singlehandedly took the Baggy Greens to a famous win with an unbeaten double-century.

Battling cramps and niggles, the ‘Mad Max’ of cricket produced an innings that will undoubtedly remain in public memory for years to come.

Over the course of his superlative knock, he also became the first non-opener in men’s ODIs to make a double hundred.

His knock of 201 off 128 balls which is already being hailed as one of the best in ODI history, was laced with 21 fours and 10 sixes. He brought up the winning runs with his 10th six.

After a mediocre start to the campaign at the beginning of last month, Australia posted its sixth straight win in the ongoing World Cup against Afghanistan on Wednesday.

Lauding his brother from RCB for his ‘freak’ show at the iconic Wankhede Stadium, Kohli took to his Instagram story and posted a special post for Maxwell.

Sharing an image of ‘Big Show’ Maxwell, Kohli wrote, “Only you could do this. Freak.”

Many cricketers praised Maxwell’s ODI innings as one of the best in the format’s history. Batting stalwart Sachin Tendulkar called the innings the “best ODI knock”.

“A wonderful knock by @IZadran18to put Afghanistan in a good position. They started well in the 2nd half and played good cricket for 70 overs but the last 25 overs from @Gmaxi_32 was more than enough to change their fortune. From Max pressure to Max performance! This has been the best ODI knock I’ve seen in my life. #AUSvAFG,” Sachin posted from his X handle.

Maxwell was almost forced to retire due to multiple cramps and lingering back spasms, but he defied his physical discomfort to produce a sensational innings.

Maxwell scored 78 runs off just 33 balls, staying rooted to the crease but wielding his willow to great effect, finding boundaries at will.

He singlehandedly lifted the Aussies from a precarious 91/7 to a three-wicket victory over Afghanistan, which was enough to seal their place in the last four. (ANI)

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Rohit Praises Shreyas’s Heroics As India Crushes Sri Lanka In World Cup

India skipper Rohit Sharma hailed Shreyas Iyer for steering the Men in Blue in the middle overs to a massive total against Sri Lanka in the ongoing World Cup at the Wankhede Stadium on Thursday.

Shreyas with his knock of 82 took the fight against the Sri Lankan bowlers and ensured India’s run rate stayed above 6 and they stayed on course to post a total above 350.

Rohit praised Shreyas for the way he batted throughout the first innings after India lost back-to-back wickets of the two set batters, Shubman Gill (92) and Virat Kohli (88).

“Credit to the batters for getting to that total and then the seamers, obviously. Shreyas is a very strong lad, strong in his mind, and today he did what he is known for – take on the opposition and the bowlers. He’s been working very hard on his game and today we saw what he’s capable of. As for Siraj, he’s a quality bowler and if he does that, it’s quite a big difference for us. So very happy with how the squad as performed, even Surya in the last game,” Rohit said after the game.

He went on to express his delight after India became the first team to qualify for the semi-finals of the ongoing World Cup and praised the entire team for showcasing consistency through the seven games.

“I’m very happy knowing we have qualified for the semifinals; this was the first goal. But how we approached the seven games has been quite clinical, and a lot of individuals have put in the effort, put their hands up and stood up. It was a good challenge for us to bat and put runs on the board. That’s the kind of template you want to have when you want to score that many runs,” Rohit added.

Coming to the match, Mohammed Siraj’s sensational spell was shadowed by Mohammed Shami, who took the onus to send India to the semi-finals of the World Cup after a thumping 302-run victory. (ANI)

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World Cup

India Outshine Pakistan In World Cup Cricket Match In Ahmedabad

India skipper Rohit Sharma’s flowing form dismantled Pakistan’s famed bowling attack as the Men in Blue put up a dominating performance with bat and ball in the marquee World Cup clash here to register a comprehensive seven-wicket victory.

The Indian batters looked well poised from the beginning to chase the Pakistan total of 191 as Babbar Azam-led men suffered a collapse, losing the last eight wickets for 36 runs. India won the toss and put Pakistan to bat.

Shubman Gill, who made his first appearance in the ODI World Cup, scored some scintillating hits before losing his wicket. He struck three consecutive fours off Hasan Ali in the second over of the Indian innings.

Shubman was out on Shaheen Shah Afridi’s bowling and the hope his wicket may have generated among Pakistan fans was short-lived.

Virat Kohli joined Rohit, who was smooth in his power hitting. Kohli also came up with some strong blows before he was caught off the bowling of Hasan Ali during the powerplay.

Rohit and Shreyas took charge and strode along even as Pakistan bowlers tried hard to get a breakthrough.

The sea of Indian fans, many of them dressed in blue, cheered and waved as Indian batsmen struck in the match played at the Narendra Modi Stadium here.

Rohit fell short of his well-deserved century by 14 runs. Shaheen claimed his second wicket of the night with Rohit walked back to the pavilion with a score of 86.

In his well-paced innings, Rohit crossed the milestone of 300 ODI sixes which have come in 254 matches. With 351 sixes in 308 games, former Pakistan cricketer Shahid Afridi leads the tally, while West Indies legend Chris Gayle hammered 331 maximums in 301 encounters.

After Rohit’s departure, Shreyas 53* and KL 19* guided India to a comprehensive 7-wicket victory to make it 8-0 in the World Cup between the two arch-rivals.

Earlier in the innings, Indian bowlers shattered Pakistan’s batting lineup as Bumrah, Siraj, Pandya, Kuldeep Yadav and Ravindra Jadeja bagged two wickets each.

Pakistan were all out for 191 runs in 42.5 overs. Captain Babar Azam scored the highest for Pakistan with 50 (58 balls) while Mohammad Rizwan scored 49.

Pakistan openers Abdullah Shafique and Imam-ul-Haq started in a positive fashion. While playing cautiously against the disciplined Jasprit Bumrah, the duo took their chances against some loose deliveries from Mohammed Siraj.

Rohit, however, persisted with his pacers, and the move bore fruit as ‘Miya Magic’ Siraj struck in the eighth over and got one to jag in, trapping Abdullah Shafique’s leg before.

Imam and captain Babar Azam tried to ensure that Pakistan went ahead at a healthy scoring rate.

Babar got off to a fine start pretty quickly, hitting three fours off Hardik Pandya in his first 10 balls. Just when Pakistan was closing into a run rate close to six, Imam went for an expansive drive and ended up edging a Pandya delivery to wicket-keeper KL Rahul.

Ravindra Jadeja provided India with a chance for another wicket, however, Mohammad Rizwan reviewed and survived the call after it turned out that the ball was straying down the leg side.

hit the pads of Mohammad Rizwan, and the umpire raised his finger. However, Rizwan reviewed and survived the call after it turned out that the ball was straying down the leg side. Rizwan then joined forces with Babar to keep Pakistan close to five at the 20-over mark.

Over the following few overs, India’s spinners consistently controlled the game, with Kuldeep Yadav in particular displaying excellent control. When the Pakistani duo scored 13 runs against Siraj in the 28th over, they were freed from their chains. Babar’s magnificent four through the point against India helped him to his ODI half-century.

But in the 30th over, Siraj beat Babar’s outside edge and his delivery slammed into his off-stump.

India’s star spinner Kuldeep then gave Pakistan two big blows as he removed Saud Shakeel for 6 and Iftikhar Ahmed (4) in the 33rd over.

In the 34th over, Jasprit Bumrah completely bamboozled Rizwan with a beauty and removed the Pakistan batter. Rizwan failed to get to his first ODI fifty against India and went back to Pavellion just one run shy away from fifty.

Bumrah castled another wicket in quick succession as he sent Shadab Khan packing after scoring just 2 runs.

Hardik delivered a superb ball to dismiss Mohammad Nawaz for 4 in the 40th over while in the next over Ravindra Jadeja sent Hasan Ali packing for 12, leaving Pakistan tottering at 187/9.

Jadeja then dismissed Pakistan’s last batter Haris Rauf, bundling out arch-rival for 191 in 42.5 overs.

Brief score: Pakistan 191 (Babar Azam 50, Mohammad Rizwan 49; Jasprit Bumrah 2-19) vs India 192/3 (Rohit Sharma 86, Shreyas Iyer 53*; Shaheen Afridi 2-36). (ANI)

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India Pakistan World Cup

Pak Unable To Hit Six As Indian Bowlers Dominate WC Clash

Pakistan’s collapse against India in Ahmedabad, after they got a good start in the World Cup match, made them the second team in this World Cup that could not hit a six in the entire innings.

From 155/2, Pakistan collapsed and lost all their wickets, reaching a score of 191 in the marquee clash against India.

Australia also could not score a six during their match against South Africa in Lucknow earlier this week. Australia have lost both their opening matches in the World Cup.

In Saturday’s clash against India, being followed widely by cricket followers, Pakistan lost 8 wickets for 36 runs, which is their third-worst collapse in the ODI format.

Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj and Hardik Pandya cracked open Pakistan’s batting lineup as Kuldeep Yadav dazzled with his spin.

Pakistan were bundled in 42.5 overs. Captain Babar Azam had the highest score for Pakistan at 50, which came from 58 balls. Mohammad Rizwan scored 49.

Indian fans painted the Narendra Modi Stadium here blue and vigorously supported the home team. This is the eighth Cricket World Cup clash between the arch-rivals. India has won all the previous seven encounters between the two sides. (ANI)

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Virat Kohli

Kohli Asks Friends Not To Request Him For WC Tickets

Just a day before the beginning of the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023, Indian cricketer Virat Kohli requested his friends not to ask him for tickets “all through the tournament”.

On Wednesday, Virat took to his Instagram account and made a special request.

“As we approach the World Cup, I would humbly like to let all my friends know to not request me for tickets all through the tournament. Enjoy from your homes please,” Virat Kohli posted followed by a smiling emoticon.

Reacting to Virat’s story, his wife Anushka wrote, “And let me just add… please don’t request me to help if your messages go unanswered. Thank you for your understanding.”

Soon after the cricketer shared the post, it went viral on social media.

The ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023 will kick off on October 5 with defending champions England taking on New Zealand at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, the biggest cricket stadium in the world, where the final will also take place on November 19.

India will start their World Cup drive on October 8 in Chennai against five-time Champions Australia.

India squad for WC: Rohit Sharma (c), Hardik Pandya (vc), Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul, Ravindra Jadeja, Shardul Thakur, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Shami, Ravichandran Ashwin, Ishan Kishan, Suryakumar Yadav.

The last time ‘Men in Blue’ lifted the ODI World Cup in 2011 on home soil and the memories of that triumph are still alive in the hearts of the Indian fans.

Virat tapped into his prime self in the recently concluded Asia Cup. With his knock against Pakistan in the Super 4 stage of the Asia Cup, Kohli completed 13,000 ODI runs, becoming the fifth player to reach the landmark in men’s ODIs. (ANI)

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India Pakistan Match

India’s Troubles Against Left-Arm Pacers Continue; Rohit, Kohli Succum To Afridi

India’s struggles against left-arm pacers continued in their high-octane clash against Pakistan during the Asia Cup 2023 at Kandy, with its stalwarts once again being at the receiving end of an onslaught by left-arm pacer Shaheen Shah Afridi. 

Left-arm bowlers have been troubling Indian batters, notably at the ICC events for a decade or so. Be it Mitchell Starc and Mitchell Johnson of Australia during the ICC Cricket World Cup 2015 semifinals, Mohammed Amir of Pakistan during the ICC Champions Trophy 2017 final, Trent Boult of New Zealand in the ICC Cricket World Cup 2019 semifinals or Shaheen Afridi of Pakistan in group stage match of T20 World Cup 2021, Indian batters have given away wickets to these bowlers without much resistance, especially in the powerplay stage of the innings. 

This same story continued during the Asia Cup clash, with Pakistan once again rocking India with some early wickets. 

The first one to go was the skipper Rohit Sharma, cleaned up as he made his move against the quick ball aimed at the stumps. The skipper was out for 11. India were 15/1 in five overs. 

Next up was Virat, who started off with some promise with his signature cover drive. He got a heavy inside edge as the ball hit the stumps with Shaheen maintaining his relentless pace. Virat could score runs. India were 27/2 in 6.3 overs. 

The next one to go was Shreyas Iyer. Iyer. He returned to the game after an injury, made a promising start with two solid boundaries but a short delivery turned out to be his nightmare as Haris Rauf took his wicket with Fakhar Zaman taking a solid catch at deep mid-wicket. India were left reeling at 48 for 3 in 9.5 overs. 

India faced another new ball collapse and Rohit and Kohli’s performance against the left-arm pacers with the new ball has come under scanner. 

Since 2021, Kohli has been dismissed four times against left-arm pacers. Against them, he has managed 87 runs in 98 balls at an average of 21.75 and a strike rate of 88.77. 

On the other hand, since 2021, skipper Rohit has been dismissed by left-arm pacers a total of six times. He has scored 138 runs against them in 147 balls at an average of 23, with a strike rate of 93.87 in this time period. 

In total, four of these dismissals have come within the first five overs. These statistics show that India’s concerns against the moving ball, especially by the left-arm pacers, have not disappeared completely and resurface often during big matches. 

India won the toss in their opening game of the Asia Cup 2023 and opted to bat in the match being played at Pallekele Stadium in Kandy in Sri Lanka.

India’s Playing XI: Rohit Sharma (C), Shubman Gill, Ishan Kishan, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, Hardik Pandya, Ravindra Jadeja, Shardul Thakur, Kuldeep Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj. 

Pakistan’s Playing XI: Fakhar Zaman, Imam-ul-Haq, Babar Azam(c), Mohammad Rizwan(w), Agha Salman, Iftikhar Ahmed, Shadab Khan, Mohammad Nawaz, Shaheen Afridi, Naseem Shah, Haris Rauf. (ANI)

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Sachin’s Life-Size Statue To Be Unveiled At Wankhede During 2023 World Cup

Sachin’s Life-Size Statue To Be Unveiled At Wankhede During 2023 World Cup

Fans will soon get to see a life-size statue of cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar at the Wankhede stadium.

Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA) president Amol Kale announced the news on Tuesday. It will be the first instance of a player’s statue being installed at the iconic stadium. The statue will be unveiled during the 2023 ICC World Cup. It will be erected outside the MCA lounge on a circular platform.
The MCA is celebrating the Golden Jubilee year of the Master Blaster at the Wankhede and the statue is a part of the celebration.

In cricket stadiums across the country, there are only a handful of life-size statues. Only three different statues of the former Indian captain Colonel CK Nayudu have been erected thus far. They are located at the Holkar Stadium in Indore, the Vidarbha Cricket Association (VCA) stadium in Nagpur, and the VDCA stadium in Andhra.

The Master Blaster was present at the MCA with Amol Kale and interacted with reporters.

“This decision is a pleasant surprise for me, 1998 is when it all started at the Wankhede. The journey started here for me. Played my first Ranji match here. Long ago, Achrekar sir reprimanded me here and from thereon I became a serious cricketer. I played my last match at this very venue. Life has come full circle for me here. I have wonderful memories of this place, some memorable and some not-so-good. It’s a big moment for me,” Sachin said.

The legendary batter reminisced about his memories of the Wankhede and said that it holds a special place in his heart.

“I am still a 25 -year-old with 25 years of experience I would say. It’s good and I would like to thank the MCA for this really great gesture. It’s a very special place for me and a lot of things happened in my career because of the MCA. The amount of time that I have spent here is second to none and I have enjoyed being here and playing here. A special place for me. I got the message from MCA regarding the statue and it’s a special occasion for me. I came here to discuss the type of statue that will be created and to identify a place for it. Things such as these are rare and unique,” stated the former India player.

MCA President Amol Kale mentioned that the statue will be unveiled during the 2023 ICC World Cup that will be held in India.

“We will unveil the statue during the World Cup as a lot of members from the cricket fraternity will be here and will try to make it a grand occasion,” Kale said.

Sachin has featured in 200 Tests, 463 ODIs, and 1 T20I for India, scoring 34,357 runs across all formats. The Master Blaster holds the record for most international centuries with 100 hundreds to his name. He won the World Cup in 2011 at the Wankhede. (ANI)

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