ADVERTISE

Author: Lakshita

One year of glory, remembering India’s historic T20I World Cup triumph in Barbados

Exactly a year ago, Indian cricket witnessed a moment of sheer joy and pride as the Men in Blue finally ended an 11-year-long ICC trophy drought. After several heartbreaks in World Cup tournaments across formats be it ODIs, T20Is, or the World Test Championship India roared back to lift the ICC T20 World Cup 2024 in a thrilling final against South Africa at Barbados. The campaign began with a heavy emotional backdrop. The haunting memories of the 2023 ODI World Cup final loss to Australia still lingered. India had cruised through the tournament unbeaten, only to stumble in the final, leaving fans across the globe heartbroken. The T20 World Cup opener brought those feelings back but this time, things were different. In the title clash at Kensington Oval, India won the toss and opted to bat first. They posted a competitive total of 176 for 7 in 20 overs, thanks to a calm and composed 76 from Virat Kohli and a crucial 47-run knock from Axar Patel. South Africa, chasing 177, fought hard and looked close to snatching the trophy, especially with Heinrich Klaasen’s explosive innings that tilted the game in their favour. But in the final overs, the Indian bowlers held their nerves. Hardik Pandya delivered under immense pressure, turning the match around just when it seemed to slip away. South Africa could only manage 169/8 in their 20 overs, and India clinched the title by 7 runs in a nail-biting finish. Perhaps the most unforgettable moment of the final came when Suryakumar Yadav took a stunning catch at long-off to dismiss David Miller in the last over. Commentator Jatin Sapru’s electrifying words echoed in every Indian fan’s heart, “Long off, Long off… Long off… Suryakumar Yadav! Suryakumar Yadav ne pakda hai apne career ka sabse important catch!” Tears of joy flowed as Rohit Sharma knelt down and proudly placed the Indian flag on the ground an image that will remain etched in cricket history. The triumph was also marked by emotional goodbyes. After lifting the trophy, Indian stalwarts Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, and Ravindra Jadeja announced their retirement from T20 Internationals. Kohli, who was named Player of the Match in the final, bowed out on a high, as did Rohit and Jadeja three giants of Indian cricket who gave it their all in their final T20I outing. June 29, 2024, will forever be remembered by Indian cricket fans as a day of redemption, resilience, and ultimate glory. The post One year of glory, remembering India’s historic T20I World Cup triumph in Barbados appeared first on Cricket Country.

South Africa’s historic triumph at Lord’s ends decades of ICC heartbreak with maiden WTC Title

After years of heartbreak and near-misses, South Africa have finally broken the jinx and lifted an ICC trophy a moment that will go down as one of the most emotional triumphs in their cricketing history. At the iconic Lord’s Cricket Ground, South Africa scripted history by chasing down a challenging target of 282 in the fourth innings of the World Test Championship (WTC) Final. Under the leadership of Temba Bavuma, the Proteas showed composure and character to seal their first-ever WTC title and their first senior ICC trophy in 27 years. Aiden Markram emerged as the hero of the match, playing a sensational knock under pressure. He became the first South African to score a century in an ICC final, anchoring the chase with brilliance and helping his side cross the finish line with a memorable five-wicket win over Australia. The Proteas’ last taste of ICC glory came back in 2014 when they won the Under-19 Men’s ODI World Cup. Before that, it was the 1998 Knockout Cup now known as the Champions Trophy. Since then, they’ve reached numerous knockout stages, but stumbled each time, earning the unwanted tag of ‘chokers.’ But not this time. On the grand stage of the World Test Championship Final, South Africa rose above the weight of history. With a commanding five-wicket win over Australia, they not only clinched the title but also shed the label that had haunted them for decades. It was more than a victory it was redemption. The Proteas are champions. At long last, they’ve rewritten their story. The post South Africa’s historic triumph at Lord’s ends decades of ICC heartbreak with maiden WTC Title appeared first on Cricket Country.

From batsman to leader: 5 Major challenges Shubman Gill will face as India’s new Test captain in a transition era

As Indian cricket enters a new era, Shubman Gill has been handed the resposibility of the Test team during a transitional phase. With senior stalwarts like Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli stepping aside, Gill’s captaincy will be under the spotlight from the very start. While the young opener is known for his composure and elegance on the field, leading a national side, especially one as demanding as India, comes with its own set of challenges. Uniting and Managing a Young Team India’s current Test squad is one of the youngest on paper in recent years. Gill’s first job will be to bring the group together and create a healthy team environment. With several fresh faces around, he must bring a culture of trust, comfort, and camaraderie. A positive dressing room atmosphere will not only help the younger players settle in but will also enhance overall team performance. As a young leader himself, Gill will need to strike a balance between being approachable and authoritative. Working on his batting form While leading the side is a huge responsibility, Gill cannot afford to let his form dip. He was dropped during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy due to inconsistent performances and has struggled in English conditions, averaging just 14.66 there. Now, as a captain, his personal form becomes even more vital both to set an example and to anchor the team’s top order. Handling the dual responsibility of captaincy and batting will be a key test for him Filling Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli’s shoes The absence of two of India’s biggest match-winners Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli will be deeply felt. Their experience, temperament, and contributions in pressure situations have been vital to India’s success over the past decade. Gill will not only need to identify replacements who can step into their roles but also redefine the team’s identity in their absence. This transition could take time, and handling it patiently will be crucial. Ending India’s 18-Year Winless Streak in England. India hasn’t won a Test series in England since 2007, and that puts pressure on every Indian team that tours there. For Shubman Gill, it’s both a big challenge and a great chance. If India wins in England under his captaincy, it would boost the team’s confidence and strengthen his image as a leader. Starting his captaincy journey with such a big win would make a strong statement and earn him a lot of respect. Maintaining and Improving India’s Test Ranking India is currently ranked third in the ICC Test rankings, but with teams like Australia and England performing consistently, the competition is fierce. The bigger concern, however, is missing out on qualification for the World Test Championship (WTC) Final a possibility India faces for the first time since the tournament began. Gill will have to ensure India not only stays in contention but builds a strong enough squad to consistently challenge for the WTC title. This is the opportunity for Shubman Gill, to leave a lasting mark and define the future of Indian Test cricket. While the road ahead will be full of challenges, it also presents immense opportunities. If Gill can overcome these early hurdles, he could emerge as the leader India needs for the long haul. The post From batsman to leader: 5 Major challenges Shubman Gill will face as India’s new Test captain in a transition era appeared first on Cricket Country.

18 years of waiting, one day of heartbreak: The other side of Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s victory

After 18 years of unwavering hope, endless heartbreaks, and unmatched loyalty, Royal Challengers Bengaluru finally lifted their maiden IPL trophy. For the franchise, the players, and most importantly the fans, it was more than just a title it was a journey filled with dreams, passion, and patience. As the final ball was bowled and RCB sealed their historic win against Punjab Kings, emotions overflowed. The image of Virat Kohli emotional and teary-eyed was symbolic of the years of dedication, struggle, and love he poured into the team. His teammates, including Jitesh Sharma and Rajat Patidar, echoed the sentiments of millions when they said this victory was for him. To mark the occasion, RCB announced a grand open-bus victory parade in Bengaluru, an event meant to celebrate not just the team’s triumph but also the unwavering support of their fans. “The trophy belongs to the fans as much as it does to the players,” said Virat Kohli in a heartfelt message. The day began on a joyous note. The team was warmly received at the Bengaluru airport by Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar and later felicitated by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah at Vidhana Soudha in a traditional Kannada ceremony. The mood was festive. The city was ready to honour its champions. But what was supposed to be a celebration of joy soon turned into a moment of grief. As thousands of fans gathered outside the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium to catch a glimpse of their heroes, chaos unfolded. The crowd became unmanageable, and a stampede-like situation developed. According to PTI reports, four people tragically lost their lives, and several others were injured. What should have been a moment of shared joy between the team and its fans became a haunting tragedy. Despite the heartbreaking news, the celebrations inside the stadium continued. The team completed a victory lap and addressed the cheering crowd, but the parade was eventually called off by Deputy CM DK Shivakumar. While the decision was right, it came too late for many. The RCB management faced massive backlash on social media. Fans and observers questioned why the celebrations were not paused or postponed in light of the tragedy. Many pointed out that the entire event felt rushed, with little thought given to crowd control or safety. Yes, the trophy drought was over. Yes, the team and the city had every right to celebrate. But the planning could have been better. A short delay perhaps a few days would not have dulled the joy. It would have allowed emotions to settle and ensured that fans could celebrate safely and wholeheartedly. Even if a few foreign players had to leave for national duties, the core celebration could have waited. In a moment that should have bought the city in joy, tragedy struck and it will forever be a part of this historic win’s memory. RCB will always remember this victory. It will be a milestone in the history of the franchise. But every time they look back at the 2025 triumph, the memories will be bittersweet joy tinged with sorrow. The fans who lost their lives were part of the soul of this journey. They deserved to be there, to smile through the tears, to hold their heads high and say, “We finally did it.” And now, in their honour, RCB must do better. Let this be a reminder that in the midst of glory, there must also be grace and responsibility. The post 18 years of waiting, one day of heartbreak: The other side of Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s victory appeared first on Cricket Country.

Could they have not given one more test to Jimmy Anderson?

James Anderson, one of the finest swing bowlers, or maybe the finest to have ever played the game, has hung his boots. It was bound to happen one day. He announced his retirement well in advance. Everything went well in his last match. England, who he served for 22 years, a feat only topped by the great Sachin Tendulkar among the players with over 100 Tests in their stats, won the game comfortably on third day’s first session. Jimmy Anderson took four wickets in total and bid adieu to the game of glorious uncertainties with 704 wickets. Just imagine, even OGs such as Shivnarine Chanderpaul, Muttiah Muralidharan, Sunil Gavaskar and Kapil Dev couldn’t maintain their energy for so many years. Jimmy has been different. He was never like Kapil Dev who the team India had to forcefully continue till he broke all those records in the ‘90s. He should be thankful to his generous captains. Had he been in teams like Australia or England, or even the current team India, he would have retired a few years ago. We know how painful it was to watch him during the last matches. To put it mildly, batsmen took all sorts of freedom against him. Let’s not talk about the rest in respect of his legendary career. Anderson kept bowling with accuracy over 130KMPH speed, and that outward swing from the fourth stump! We would never be able to forget those cutters and zippers even if we wanted to. The point here is could he not play one more Test just to topple another legend Shane Warne’s total wicket tally of 708 wickets. After all, he took four wickets in his last game. He wouldn’t have taken more than one Test! That could have been a fitting end to a glorious career. So what he had announced retirement. He deserved to be the number two in that list of top Test wicket takers. I understand, everything was pre-planned and it was like an event, but we can still defy the usual norms, no? What difference will it make to the authorities? They need to respect a great cricketer. Haven’t retired players been brought back for important games? Let’s do it one more time. For Jimmy. He is not done yet. (Author: Rohit Vats) The post Could they have not given one more test to Jimmy Anderson? appeared first on Cricket Country.

Sehwag says  Ajinkya Rahane is more fit than the previous skipper of CSK,  calls MS Dhoni ‘Bujurg’

After Shankar’s catch, the cricket world was amazed by Dhoni’s agility. Sehwag also commented on it, calling him ‘buzurg’ in a playful way. Virender Sehwag, the veteran opener for India, praised Chennai Super Kings for their outstanding field performance against Gujarat Titans in the Indian Premier League 2024 game played at Chepuak Stadium. Senior player Ajinkya Rahane dived forward to make an incredible catch of David Miller, while Rachin Ravindra, who joined CSK this season, picked up a few.Meanwhile, the catch that received the most attention was Vijay Shankar’s catch by legendary Mahendra Singh Dhoni A one-handed stunner captured the attention of the Chepauk crowd as the 42-year-old wicketkeeper executed a fully stretched dive 2.7 metres to his right. The cricket world was amazed by Dhoni’s agility at this age, and even his old teammate Sehwag commented on it, labelling him as ‘buzurg’ with a playful quip. “Catches win matches. Ajinkya Rahane  picked a good catch so did Rachin Ravindra . Buzurg (old) MS Dhoni also picked one,” Sehwag said on Cricbuzz. Sunil Gavaskar, who was also part of the discussion instantly replied, “You didn’t refer to Rahane as buzurg.” Sehwag backed his claim and said there is big age difference between Rahane’s and Dhoni’s. “Their age is not the same, there is a difference and Rahane is also fitter than MS Dhoni. There is a big difference between a 35-year-old and a 41-year-old. MS is getting old now there is no doubt about it,” said Sehwag.   The post Sehwag says  Ajinkya Rahane is more fit than the previous skipper of CSK,  calls MS Dhoni ‘Bujurg’ appeared first on Cricket Country.

Hardik Pandya: “Bowlers Were Good” After Mumbai Indians Concede 277 versus SRH

The greatest ever IPL total of 277 for three was achieved by SRH. The Mumbai Indians managed to stay in the game and finished at 246 for five. 500 runs were scored in a game for the first time, with 38 sixes setting a new record. Sunrisers Hyderabad captain Pat Cummins could only use the word “insane” to describe the six-hitting slugfest against Mumbai Indians in the IPL on Wednesday.It was a game of several firsts, with SRH scoring 277 for three, the best total in IPL history. Mumbai Indians managed to stay in the match till the conclusion, finishing at 246 for five. 500 runs, including a record 38 sixes, were scored in a game for the first time.”That was insane. The ball was really pinging around. Not until we bowled, it got a bit too close for comfort. They found a boundary whenever they needed it, but we finished it off well,” said Cummins at the post-match presentation. Though it was a stunning batting stroke, Cummins did not anticipate such a high total. “You never play for 270, but we wanted to be positive and be aggressive, take the game on. It was a good wicket, so we have to suck it up knowing we would go for a few boundaries. “What’s important is to have clear plans with the ball. There was amazing atmosphere in the ground, enjoyed playing here, was incredibly loud,” said the skipper after SRH’s first win of the season. Even though his team also put up a valiant battle at bat, opposition captain Hardik Pandya could only shake his head at the opposition hitters. “Wicket was good, 277 no matter how bad or good you bowl, if the opposition has to score that much, they have batted well,” said Pandya. Except for Jasprit Bumrah, all Mumbai bowlers conceded more than 10 runs each over. Kwena Maphaka, a 17-year-old making his debut, gave up 66 runs in his four overs. “The wicket was good but 277, no matter how good or bad you bowl, if the opposition get 277 that means they batted very well.  [Bowlers] were good. It was tough out there,” Hardik Pandya. The post Hardik Pandya: “Bowlers Were Good” After Mumbai Indians Concede 277 versus SRH appeared first on Cricket Country.

IPL 2024 : Pathan brothers criticize Hardik Pandya following Mumbai Indians’ defeat against Sunrisers Hyderabad.

An exciting IPL encounter between the Mumbai Indians and Sunrisers Hyderabad took place at Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium. Despite a vigorous chase, Mumbai Indians were unsuccessful. Former players Irfhan and Yusuf Pathan have criticized skipper Hardik Pandaya. Despite his best efforts, which included 24 runs off 20 balls, Pandaya struggled. Former Indian all-rounders Irfhan Pathan and Yusuf Pathan have expressed concerns about Mumbai Indians’ captaincy approaches. directing criticism towards Pandya. Irfhan questioned Pandaya’s strike rate at bat, while Yusuf felt that the choice to keep the spinner in the game was incorrect. with Shams Mulani and Piyush Chawla each bowling two overs. Talking to social media platform X, Irfhan said “If the whole team is playing with the strike of 200, Captain can’t bat with the batting strike rate of 120,” highlighting the value of leadership performance that matches the team’s standards. Meanwhile, Yusuf remarked, “Can’t understand the strategy behind the skipper keeping a spinner to bowl last over,” indicating tactical lapses in Pandya’s captaincy approach. Sunrisers Hyderabad set the stage on fire with a flamboyant  batting display, led by half-centuries from Travis Head (62), Abhishek Sharma (63), and Heinrich Klaasen (80), posting a daunting total of 277/3 after winning the toss and opting to bat first on wednesday. In response, Mumbai Indians showcased resilience, with standout performances from several players, including  Tilak Verma, who scored 64 off 34 balls.However, their chase fell short by 31 runs, leaving the team with the second consecutive defeat in the  ipl 2024 season. Pandya, who took over the captaincy from Rohit Sharma,has been under scrutiny for his leadership decisions and per performance with the bat.Despite his efforts, amassing 24 runs off 20 balls, Pandya’s struggles were evident,raising questions about his effectiveness as a captain in high pressure situation.                               The post IPL 2024 : Pathan brothers criticize Hardik Pandya following Mumbai Indians’ defeat against Sunrisers Hyderabad. appeared first on Cricket Country.