Page 6 - Indian Cricket

All-rounder Hardik Pandya, wife Natasa Stankovic officially part ways

Star India all-rounder Hardik Pandya, on Thursday, announced his separation with wife Natasa Stankovic after a relationship of four years. The couple disclosed the decision in a joint statement on their official Instagram accounts. Pandya and Stankovic got married on May 31, 2020, and welcomed their first child, son Agastya on July 30 of the same year. They renewed their wedding vows in the presence of close friends and family on February 14, 2023 in Udaipur in a grand celebration. "After 4 years of being together, Natasa and I have decided to mutually part ways. We tried our best together and gave it our all, and we believe this is in the best interest for both of us. This was a tough decision for us to make, given the joy, mutual respect and companionship we enjoyed together and as we grew a family," the couple said in the joint statement. "We are blessed with Agastya, who will continue to be at the centre of both of our lives and we will co-parent to ensure that we give him ...

Suryakumar to lead India in T20Is; Rohit, Kohli decide to play ODIs

Big-hitting batter Suryakumar Yadav was on Thursday named captain of the Indian T20 team for the three-match series against Sri Lanka starting July 27, while ODI skipper Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli were included for the 50-over series against the same team next month. Shubman Gill has been named vice-captain for both the formats. Riyan Parag, who scored seven half-centuries in the Vijay Hazare Trophy, and Delhi speedster Harshit Rana are the two new faces in the ODI squad. T20I Squad: Suryakumar Yadav (C), Shubman Gill (VC), Yashasvi Jaiswal, Rinku Singh, Riyan Parag, Rishabh Pant (WK), Sanju Samson (WK), Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dube, Axar Patel, Washington Sundar, Ravi Bishnoi, Arshdeep Singh, Khaleel Ahmed, Mohd. Siraj. ODI Squad: Rohit Sharma (C), Shubman Gill (VC), Virat Kohli, KL Rahul (WK), Rishabh Pant (WK), Shreyas Iyer, Shivam Dube, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohd. Siraj, Washington Sundar, Arshdeep Singh, Riyan Parag, Axar Patel, Khaleel Ahmed, Harshit Rana.

ICC AGM: Will Jay Shah take over as chairman or Barclay continue till 2025?

All eyes will be on BCCI secretary Jay Shah during the four-day ICC Annual Conference in Colombo, starting on Friday, where there might be serious discussions about when he will take over from New Zealander Greg Barclay as the chairman of the global body. The ICC conference that starts with the board meeting on Friday is expected to be dominated by losses to the tune of more than USD 20 million incurred by the global body for hosting T20 World Cup games in the United States of America. While the nine-point agenda of the AGM (a copy of which is with the PTI) doesn't include the event's financial details, but it will be discussed by the board as a "post-event report", which is a standard operating procedure. ICC's new external auditor appointment is also on the agenda along with discussions on ICC memberships, report from associate member's meeting and ICC development Awards presentation. The other important point -- India not travelling to Pakistan for the Champions Trophy -- is not

Hunger to win, quickly adapting to conditions helped us bounce back: Gill

The hunger to bounce back and adaptive skills helped Indian team pull itself up following the shocking loss in the series opener to win the remaining four matches against Zimbabwe, said skipper Shubman Gill here on Sunday. India suffered an unexpected 13-run loss in the first game of the five-match series as the team fell short of chasing a modest 115-run total on July 6. But the visitors quickly put the disappointment on the back-burner to win the series 4-1. "I think, the hunger that we showed after losing the first match was fantastic to watch. When we came here, not everyone had a lot of hits in the nets. We weren't really used to the conditions. The way we adapted (was great)," said Gill following India's 42-run win in the fifth and final T20I. 'Player of the Series' Washington Sundar said the pace and bounce of the pitch here took the Indian batters by surprise initially, which cost them the first match, adding that the series win had given the side a lot of confidence going .

BCCI to release Rs 1 cr for treatment of cancer-stricken Anshuman Gaekwad

In a noble gesture, the BCCI on Sunday decided to release Rs one crore for the treatment of former India coach Anshuman Gaikwad, who is battling blood cancer at a medical facility in London. BCCI's decision has come following emotional appeals for support from former captain Kapil Dev and Sandip Patil, who had enjoined the cricket board to help Gaikwad. "Mr. Jay Shah has instructed the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to release Rs 1 crore with immediate effect to provide financial assistance to India's veteran cricketer Mr Anshuman Gaekwad, who is battling cancer," BCCI apex council said in a statement. Gaekwad, son of former India captain D K Gaekwad, is undergoing treatment for blood cancer at the King's College Hospital in London. "Shah has also spoken to Mr Gaekwad's family to take stock of the situation and extend support. The board stands by Gaekwad's family in this hour of crisis and will do whatever is essential for Mr Gaekwad's quick recovery," the statement

Rahul Dravid declines Rs 2.5 crore bonus for 2024 T20 World Cup victory

ICC T20 World Cup: Rahul Dravid requested his bonus be reduced to align with the Rs 2.5 crore given to other support staff, including bowling coach Paras Mhambrey, and batting coach Vikram Rathore

With 10 test matches ahead Rohit, Kohli, Bumrah might skip Lanka ODIs

India skipper Rohit Sharma and premier batter Virat Kohli are likely to be rested for the three-match ODI series against Sri Lanka in August and either Hardik Pandya or KL Rahul will be asked to lead the side. India pacer Jasprit Bumrah too is likely to be given a break from the ODI series. It is understood that Indian cricket's biggest contemporary stars have sought a longish break from the BCCI, considering the gruelling last three months since the start of IPL. For 37-year-old Rohit, it has been close to six months that he took a break. The Mumbaikar played every series since the South Africa Test series in December-January, followed by Afghanistan T20Is, England Test series, IPL and the recently-concluded T20 World Cup. "Both are automatic choices in ODI set up and the three 50 over games against England before the Champions Trophy is good enough practice for them. For next few months, they both will prioritize Tests and India will play 10 of them between September to January,"

T20 champions arrive in Delhi to fan frenzy; team meets PM over breakfast

The T20 World Cup-winning Indian cricket team returned to the country here on Thursday aboard a specially-arranged charter flight with scores of fans lining up outside the airport to welcome the players despite a steady drizzle and heavy security deployment that kept them at a distance from their heroes. Hundreds of supporters, holding placards congratulating their favourites and waving the national flag, braved the weather to welcome the victorious side, which defeated South Africa by seven runs in the final in Bridgetown on Saturday last week. "We have waited for this moment for the past 13 years. The team has made us proud by winning the World Cup," a fan, who claimed to have been waiting since 4:30am in the morning said, referring to India's last World Cup triumph which came back in 2011. The side was unable to head back home immediately after the title win due to a shutdown forced by hurricane Beryl in Barbados. They were cocooned in their hotel before the BCCI made arrangement

'Never take away WC final from Mumbai,' Thackeray takes swipe at BCCI

Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Aaditya Thackeray on Friday said the grand welcome accorded to the T20 World Cup winning Indian cricket team in Mumbai was also a message to the BCCI to never take away the final match of a major tournament from the country's financial capital. Thackeray's remarks appear to be criticism of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) for hosting the ICC ODI World Cup 2023 final in Ahmedabad instead of Mumbai. India had lost the 50-over World Cup final to Australia in November last year. "Yesterday's celebration in Mumbai is also a strong message to the BCCI... Never take away a World Cup final from Mumbai," the former Maharashtra minister said in a post on X. Thackeray's comments came a day after thousands of cricket fans thronged the Marine Drive in South Mumbai to witness the victory parade of the T20 World Cup winning Indian team, which returned home from the West Indies on Thursday morning. India lifted the T20 World Cup after defeating South Africa .

Fans faint, many injured in Team India T20 World Cup victory parade rush

An estimated 300,000 supporters gathered to catch a glimpse of their World Cup heroes during the victory parade

Air India special flight lands in Barbados to bring T20 WC champions home

The special charted flight arranged by BCCI secretary Jay Shah will also be carrying members of Indian media who went to cover the tournament but got stranded due to the hurricane

Hurricane Beryl delays Indian cricket team's departure from Barbados

The T20 World Cup-winning Indian cricket team's departure from the Caribbean island has been delayed as the charter flight is yet to arrive here. An Air India special charter flight named AIC24WC -- Air India Champions 24 World Cup -- is set to bring back the Indian squad, its support staff, the players' families and some board officials and Indian media, who have been stranded here for the past three days due to hurricane Beryl. The Rohit Sharma-led side won the title after pulling off a thrilling seven-run win over South Africa in the final on Saturday. The flight, which took off from New Jersey, USA on July 2, is expected to land in Barbados around 2 am local time. As per the schedule, the flight is now expected to take off from Barbados at 4:30am (local time). It will take a 16-hour flying time to reach Delhi, where the team will land on Thursday at 6 am (IST) if there are no further delays in their departure. The Grantley Adams International airport here resumed its operation

Team India's return journey: Barbados PM expects airport to open in few hrs

The T20 World Cup-winning Indian cricket team might be able to fly home on Tuesday evening after Barbados Prime Minister Mia Mottley said she expects the airport here to become operational in the "next six to 12 hours", ending the shutdown forced by a category 4 hurricane. The Rohit Sharma-led squad, its support staff, some BCCI officials, and the players' families have been stranded here for the past two days due to hurricane Beryl. The team won the title on Saturday after defeating South Africa by seven runs in the final. "We hope, and we're working towards later today. I don't want to speak in advance of it, but I've literally been in touch with the airport personnel and they're doing their last checks now and we want to resume to normal operations as a matter of urgency," Mottley, who has been overseeing relief operations on the ground, told PTI. "There are a number of people who were due to leave yet last night late or today or tomorrow morning. And we want to make sure that we

New head coach to take charge from Sri Lanka series, says Jay Shah

The Indian cricket team will have a new head coach from the limited-overs series in Sri Lanka starting later this month, BCCI secretary Jay Shah said on Monday but did not reveal who has been finalised to succeed the outgoing Rahul Dravid. Former opener Gautam Gambhir is expected to succeed Dravid as the India head coach. The Cricket Advisory Committee has also conducted the interviews for the high-profile job and short-listed Gambhir and former India women's coach W V Raman. The appointment of a selector will also be made soon, said Shah, who is in the Caribbean with the India squad that won the T20 World Cup title on Saturday, beating South Africa by seven runs in the final. "Both coach and selector appointment will be made shortly. CAC has interviewed and shortlisted two names and after reaching Mumbai whatever they have decided we will go by that. VVS Laxman is going to Zimbabwe but new coach will join from Sri Lanka series," Shah tld select media, referring to the Zimbabwe tour

Similarity between stocks, India T20 World Cup win? Virender Sehwag answers

During a consolidation phase, the stock trades in a certain range with subdued volumes. It faces selling pressure on the upside, near the same levels where supply was witnessed earlier

PM Modi, Prez Murmu congratulate Team India after T20 World Cup win

Hailing the Indian cricket team as champions after the T20 World Cup win, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday the cricketers have won the hearts of crores of people. He said on X, "CHAMPIONS! Our team brings the T20 World Cup home in STYLE! We are proud of the Indian Cricket Team." He described the thriller in which India repulsed a determined South African team as historic. Over 140 crore Indians are feeling proud of the cricketers' performance, he said, adding that they won the cup in the field and hearts of crores of Indians in villages and streets. Noting that India did not lose a single match, the prime minister said it is not a small achievement in a tournament where so many countries participated.

A lot of credit for my performance goes to Bumrah, says Arshdeep Singh

The pinpoint accuracy of Jasprit Bumrah allows other bowlers in the Indian team to go for wickets even in extreme pressure situations, said pacer Arshdeep Singh. The 25-year-old left-arm pacer is among the leading wicket-takers in the T20 World Cup with 15 scalps in six games at an average of 11.86 and economy rate of 7.41 runs per over. Bumrah, on the other hand, has taken 11 wickets in the same number of games, conceding just 4.08 runs per over, a rarity in the shortest format. "I guess a lot of credit goes to Jasprit because he puts a lot of pressure on the batters. He gives what, three or four runs in and over," Arshdeep said after the 24-run win over Australia in Saint Lucia on Monday. "So, batsmen are coming hard against me and when they are trying, I just have to try and bowl my best ball and there are a lot of chances of getting wickets there because on the other hand they see the runs are not coming and the asking rate is going high. "So, they take more risk against me an

Zimbabwe tour: Gill to lead, Riyan Parag first from NE to get India call-up

Dashing Assam batter Riyan Parag on Monday became the first north-eastern cricketer to get an India call-up as a new-look T20 squad led by Shubman Gill was unveiled for next month's five-match series in Zimbabwe which will not feature any of the senior stars. The series starting July 6 will be held entirely in Harare. The national selection committee didn't pick any of the first team players, who are currently playing the T20 World Cup in the West Indies. All the seniors like Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Jasprit Bumrah, Suryakumar Yadav and Ravindra Jadeja have been rested after a gruelling three-half months, including the hectic IPL. Even the likes of Shivam Dube, Arshdeep Singh, and Kuldeep Yadav have been given a break. It is believed that the selectors want to broaden the pool of players looking at the 2026 T20 World Cup in India. The announced squad marks a landmark for 21-year-old Parag, who had a stellar IPL season for the Rajasthan Royals with 573 runs which put him in the .

Virat Kohli tops celebrity rankings with a brand value of $227.9 million

Combined brand value of top 25 Indian celebrities reached $1.9 billion in 2023, marking an 18% increase from 2022, showed Kroll's 'Celebrity brand valuation report 2023: Brands, Business, Bollywood'

Rohit Sharma's coach shaped my career, says USA cricketer Harmeet Singh

Left-arm spinner Harmeet Singh, who is a part of the USA team that is enjoying a fairytale run in the ongoing T20 World Cup in the Americas, has revealed that Indian captain Rohit Sharma's coach Dinesh Lad has been instrumental in shaping his career. The 31-year-old represented India in two Under-19 World Cups and played for Mumbai at the age-group level before moving to the USA. He is now a member of the American team that has made the Super Eight stage in its very first appearance at the showpiece. "I would like to thank everybody who supported me in this journey and especially to Dinesh Lad Sir. My talent was first recognised by Lad Sir, who was the coach and mentor during my school days (Rohit Sharma studied in the same school)," Harmeet recalled in a video shared with PTI. "In fact, he only advised me to join his school. There he provided me with everything he possibly could," he said. Harmeet said his progress would not have been possible without Lad. "I switched to Swami ..