Suryakumar Yadav reacts to receiving 2nd consecutive ICC T20I Cricketer of the Year ahead of T20 World Cup: ‘Grateful’

Suryakumar Yadav reacts to receiving 2nd consecutive ICC T20I Cricketer of the Year ahead of T20 World Cup: ‘Grateful’

Suryakumar Yadav is among the Indian players training for their 2024 T20 World Cup campaign in the United States. SKY had a patchy season with the Mumbai Indians in the 2024 Indian Premier League (IPL), missing a big part of the tournament as he was recovering from injury and looking rusty for a few games once he was available for selection. Suryakumar Yadav scored a century the last time he played for India in a T20I(Suryakumar Yadav Instagram) And yet, he managed to score 345 runs at a strike rate of 167.47 which included a masterful 51-ball 102 not out. He was always expected to be one the first names on the team sheet for the T20 World Cup and in the days leading up to the tournament, SKY’s dominance of the format was testified by him winning the ICC Men’s T20I Cricketer of the Year award for the second year in a row. Unlock exclusive access to the latest news on India’s general elections, only on the HT App. Download Now! Download Now! SKY on Wednesday posted a photo on Instagram of himself posing in the new Indian jersey with the award while wearing the ICC’s commemorative cap. “Grateful,” he said in the caption of the image. Suryakumar scored 733 runs in 17 T20I innings in 2023 at a strike rate of 155.95 and average of 48.86. Suryakumar’s recovery from injury Suryakumar was captain of the Indian team for a three-match T20I series in South Africa in December. His last T20I game was the third match of the series which India won by a whopping 106 runs. Suryakumar scored 100 off 56 balls in that match but later hobbled off the field after injuring his ankle during the South African innings. He had to undergo a surgery for the injury and was later ruled out of India’s series at home against Afghanistan as he had to go under the knife for a sports hernia that had worsened over time and needed medical intervention. Suryakumar underwent a lengthy period of recovery which also forced him to miss Mumbai Indians’ first three matches of the 2024 season. He finally played his first game since December in MI’s home match against Delhi Capitals. While MI won that match by 29 runs, Suryakumar fell for a two-ball duck. He then came back to form in scintillating fashion in the next match, smashing 52 in 19 balls and helping MI to a seven-wicket win over Royal Challengers Bengaluru. He had reached his half-century in just 17 balls. Catch every big hit, every wicket with Crick-it, a one stop destination for Live Scores, Match Stats, Quizzes, Polls & much more.Explore now !. Stay updated with the latest cricket news, T20 World Cup 2024 updates, and match highlights. Explore the World Cup Schedule 2024, track the World Cup Points Table, follow Virat Kohli’s performance, and stay ahead with the stats on World Cup Most Wickets and World Cup Most Runs on the Hindustan Times website and app. News / Cricket News / Suryakumar Yadav reacts to receiving 2nd consecutive ICC T20I Cricketer of the Year ahead of T20 World Cup: ‘Grateful’

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'A mixed feeling of relief, emotion...': Dinesh Karthik reveals why he decided to retire from IPL | Cricket News

‘A mixed feeling of relief, emotion…’: Dinesh Karthik reveals why he decided to retire from IPL | Cricket News

NEW DELHI: Veteran wicketkeeper-batter Dinesh Karthik has stated that while he is in peak physical condition to continue playing professional cricket for another three years, the mental demands of the game have led him to step away. The 38-year-old, who recently announced his retirement from the Indian Premier League (IPL), shared his thoughts.Speaking to Cricbuzz, Karthik, who played his final IPL match against Rajasthan Royals in the Eliminator at the Narendra Modi Stadium this year, emphasized that physical fitness has never been a concern for him. “I think I am physically very much prepared to play for another three years. Especially with the Impact Player rule, it becomes that much easier. Touch wood, I have never missed a game because of an injury through my three decades. I’ve been blessed that way. I was never worried about my body or my fitness,” he said.However, Karthik admitted that the mental aspect of the game has been more challenging. “It was all about the mental side of things, whether I’ll be able to push as much in the lead-up to the tournament, whether if I don’t play as many matches, will I be okay with it,” he added.Reflecting on what kept him motivated after a challenging IPL season last year, Karthik revealed his intrinsic drive. “I am internally very, very motivated. Intrinsically, extremely motivated and I’ve lived by the mantra that if you are the best, no one can stop you. I just believed if I get one chance, I should make the most of it. I never cribbed. I was always thinking like I got a chance but I missed it. I got a tournament here, but I probably could have done better in this match. And that kept me going,” he said.Karthik has been a constant presence in the IPL since its inception in 2008, playing 257 matches, making him the joint second-most capped player in IPL history alongside Rohit Sharma, and just behind MS Dhoni (264).As he navigates retirement, Karthik mentioned that family functions have kept him occupied and discussed the emotions he felt leading up to his final match. “I don’t think it’s sunk in yet. There’s lots happening in the house, there’s a couple of weddings and all so I’ve been pretty busy with that. It’s a tad bit emotional, a tad bit relief. In a way, I was mentally prepared for whenever it had to happen. But I was so much more prepared for 18th May.”“Once that part of the tournament was crossed, I was extremely elated and very, very happy and grateful. The 22nd came around pretty fast, but overall it was a mixed feeling of relief, emotion and the fact that it has all come to an end,” he added.

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Security on high alert for India-Pakistan T20 World Cup match following ISIS-K threat | Cricket News

Security on high alert for India-Pakistan T20 World Cup match following ISIS-K threat | Cricket News

NEW DELHI: Authorities have ramped up security for the India-Pakistan T20 World Cup match scheduled for June 6 in New York after ISIS-K called for a “Lone Wolf” attack on the event. The terror group has released a video urging independent attackers to act, prompting an urgent response from local and state officials.Patrick Ryder, the Police Commissioner of Nassau County, where the match will take place, confirmed the threat and outlined the steps being taken to ensure safety. “In a video that has gone global, the terror group is calling for that ‘Lone Wolf’ to act out,” said Ryder. “When you have a game and a crowd as big as this, everything is credible.”T20 World Cup ScheduleRyder explained the nature of the threat, which has evolved since April. Initially, it was a broad, international threat from ISIS-Khorasan, but it recently became more specific to the India-Pakistan match. “Then it got a little bit more specific towards the actual game of India versus Pakistan but did not name the place,” he said. The latest development includes a video showing drones flying over the cricket stadium with the date “9/6/2024”.In response, New York Governor Kathy Hochul has directed the New York State Police to implement heightened security measures. “There is no credible public safety threat at this time,” Hochul said, but added, “We continue to monitor the situation closely. My administration has been working for months with federal law enforcement and Nassau County to ensure New Yorkers and visitors are safe.”Bruce Blakeman, the head of Nassau County, assured that every precaution is being taken. “We take every threat seriously. There are the same procedures for every threat. We don’t minimize threats. We track down all of our leads,” he said at a news conference.Security will be significantly increased at the cricket stadium in Eisenhower Park, where the match is scheduled. Additional police officers will be mobilized, and local hospitals are on alert. “We will go to every fine detail when it comes to the security and safety of the residents here,” said Ryder. The threat includes potential drone attacks, leading county officials to request the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to designate Eisenhower Park as a no-fly zone for drones.ISIS-K, an offshoot of the Islamic State operating in South and Central Asia, has a history of violent attacks, including a deadly assault on a Moscow concert hall in March. This context underscores the severity of the current threat.The India-Pakistan match is a key fixture in the T20 World Cup, which starts on June 1 with a warm-up match between India and Bangladesh. NBC New York TV reported that the security preparations for the World Cup event are the largest Nassau County has ever undertaken, comparable to those for presidential debates.The British newspaper Express first reported the threat, indicating it also extends to sporting venues across Europe, including Wembley Stadium. According to the Express, ISIS followers are being encouraged to target major events, including the Cricket World Cup, using tactics like drone attacks.“We make sure that we are on top of every situation that could potentially arise. Now to that end, we have taken many, many precautions,” Blakeman assured the public.Authorities continue to treat every lead with utmost seriousness to ensure the safety of all attendees and participants in the T20 World Cup.(With inputs from IANS)

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Norway Chess: R Praggnanandhaa scores first-ever classical win over Magnus Carlsen

Norway Chess: R Praggnanandhaa scores first-ever classical win over Magnus Carlsen

18-year-old Grandmaster Rameshbabu Praggnanandhaa registered his first-ever classical win over World No. 1 Magnus Carlsen in the third round of the Norway Chess tournament in Stavanger on Wednesday, May 29. The Indian Grandmaster took the sole lead in the open section of the prestigious six-player tournament after the momentous victory at Carlsen’s home turf. Playing with white pieces, last year’s FIDE World Cup runner-up, battled against the odds to beat Carlsen. R Praggnanandhaa took his tally to 5.5 out of 9 points at the end of the third round in the Norway Chess tournament. American Grandmaster Fabio Caruana, meanwhile, took the second spot after taking three full points following his win over GM Ding Liren on Wednesday. Incidentally, R Praggnanandhaa’s sister R Vaishali retained her sole lead position in the women’s section of Norway Chess. Magnus Carlsen, who paid the price for a daring opening move against Praggnanandhaa, slipped to fifth in the six-man standings in the open section of Norway Chess. Praggnanandhaa did not let the opening surprise him as he kept his calm and got the job done. Despite trailing on the clock for the most part of the game, Praggnanandhaa managed to beat Carlsen with white pieces and seal three crucial points. It was a big boost for Praggnanandhaa, who had lost the World Cup last year to Magnus Carlsen. Incidentally, Praggnanandhaa is only the fourth Indian to beat Carlsen in classical chess. In another match, GM Hikaru Nakamura defeated GM Alireza Firouzja in Armageddon to retain the third spot on the table. Ding Liren, who will take on GM D Gukesh for the World Championship title later in the year, was reeling at the last spot after 3 rounds with 2.5 points out of 9 on Wednesday. R VAISHALI SOLE LEADER IN WOMEN’S SECTION Norway Chess offers USD 160,000 in prize funds for the Open and the Women’s section. Six players will compete against each other twice in classical chess from May 27 to June 7. Norway Chess: R Praggnanandha scores first-ever classical win over Magnus Carlsen Vaishali came up with a stupendous effort to beat compatriot Koneru Humpy and jump into sole lead on Tuesday. GM Vaishali held GM Anna Muzychuk to a draw with black pieces on Wednesday to retain the sole lead position after three rounds in the women’s section. STANDINGS IN NORWAY CHESS AFTER THREE ROUNDS OPEN: 1. R Praggnanandhaa – 5.5, 2. Fabio Caruana – 5, 3. Hikaru Nakamura – 4, 4. Alireza Firouzja – 3.5, 5. Magnus Carlsen – 3, 6. Ding Liren – 2.5. WOMEN: 1. R Vaishali – 5.5, 2. Ju Wenjun 4.5, 3. Lei Tingjie 4, 4. Pia Cramling – 3, 4. Koneru Humpy – 3, 4. Anna Muzychuk – 3. Published By: Akshay Ramesh Published On: May 30, 2024

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Iga Swiatek Saves Match Point To Beat Naomi Osaka At French Open

Iga Swiatek Saves Match Point To Beat Naomi Osaka At French Open

Defending champion Iga Swiatek saved a match point to outlast Naomi Osaka.© AFP Defending champion Iga Swiatek saved a match point to outlast fellow four-time Grand Slam winner Naomi Osaka 7-6 (7/1), 1-6, 7-5 in a breathtaking second-round clash at the French Open on Wednesday. World number one Swiatek trailed 5-2 in the final set but the Pole won the last five games of the match to keep her bid for a third successive Roland Garros title on track. She is attempting to become only the fourth woman in the Open era to lift four Roland Garros titles and just the second — after Serena Williams — to complete the clay-court treble of Madrid, Rome and French Opens in the same season. More to follow… Topics mentioned in this article

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T20 World Cup 2024 Group C preview | Three-way race beckons West Indies, New Zealand, and Afghanistan

T20 World Cup 2024 Group C preview | Three-way race beckons West Indies, New Zealand, and Afghanistan

In The Hindu’s countdown to the 2024 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, which commences in the West Indies and USA on June 2, we take a look at the teams in Group C. WEST INDIES: The co-host enters the tournament in great form, having won four of its last five T20I series. In Andre Russell (all-rounder), Johnson Charles, Nicholas Pooran, Rovman Powell, and Shimron Hetmyer (batters), and Romario Shepherd and Alzarri Joseph (pacers), WI is packed with match-winners. The two-time T20 World Cup champion will miss the services of experienced all-rounder Jason Holder, who is out with an injury. WI is expected to do better than its showing in the previous T20 WC, where it crashed out in the group stage. Key player: Andre Russell: An integral part of Kolkata Knight Riders’ IPL 2024 title-run, the all-rounder has enjoyed a career resurrection. Russell, 36, shone bright in the final against Sunrisers Hyderabad with a crucial three-wicket haul. The squad: Rovman Powell (Capt.), Alzarri Joseph, Johnson Charles, Roston Chase, Shimron Hetmyer, Shai Hope, Akeal Hosein, Shamar Joseph, Brandon King, Obed McCoy, Gudakesh Motie, Nicholas Pooran, Andre Russell, Sherfane Rutherford, and Romario Shepherd. The West Indies have made a late change to their squad for next month’s #T20WorldCup 👀 Details 👇https://t.co/PfffyP8znd — T20 World Cup (@T20WorldCup) May 27, 2024 NEW ZEALAND: The Kiwis rely on the old guard in their search for a first T20 World Cup trophy. Kane Williamson leads the side for a fourth time in a T20 WC, while pacers Tim Southee and Trent Boult make their seventh and fifth tournament appearances respectively. The likes of Daryl Mitchell (CSK), Rachin Ravindra (CSK), and Boult (RR) hit the ground running after hectic IPL 2024 campaigns, while most other players return to familiar settings having featured in the 2023 Caribbean Premier League. From the squad announcement press conference to the departure check-in desk ✈️ Join Angus and Matilda on @T20WorldCup Departure Day 🎤 #T20WorldCup#CricketNation#Cricketpic.twitter.com/qIMjDClPfp — BLACKCAPS (@BLACKCAPS) May 28, 2024 Fast bowler Matt Henry and Ravindra are the only players in the squad who have not played in a T20 WC. This mega event could well be the last dance for a generation of talent. Key player: Trent Boult: The left-arm pacer’s spell of 3-0-6-1 took Royal Challengers Bengaluru out of contention in the IPL Eliminator last week. Boult’s dangerous shape and curl with the new ball can swing the early momentum towards New Zealand. The squad: Kane Williamson (Capt.), Finn Allen, Trent Boult, Michael Bracewell, Mark Chapman, Devon Conway, Lockie Ferguson, Matt Henry, Daryl Mitchell, James Neesham, Glenn Phillips, Rachin Ravindra, Mitchell Santner, Ish Sodhi, and Tim Southee. AFGHANISTAN: The 2023 50-over Cricket World Cup saw Afghanistan rise from minnow to contender. A dream semifinal spot was cruelly denied by a hobbling Glenn Maxwell, who smashed an all-time great ODI knock. The T20 style is perhaps a better fit for the Afghans. Najibullah Zadran, wicketkeeper Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Gulbadin Naib, and Mohammad Nabi can hit the long ball, while Rashid Khan, Nabi, Mujeeb-ur-Rahman, and Noor Ahmad form a well-rounded spin attack. Several of the Afghanistan players were involved in IPL 2024 — the machine is greased and ready. Gurbaz, in fact, came good in the final for KKR with a 32-ball 39. Key player: Naveen-ul-Haq: With 14 wickets, pacer Naveen-ul-Haq finished as LSG’s highest wicket-taker in IPL 2024. The 24-year-old’s slower-ball variations are tough to pick. The squad: Rashid Khan (Capt.), Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Ibrahim Zadran, Azmatullah Omarzai, Najibullah Zadran, Mohammad Ishaq, Mohammad Nabi, Gulbadin Naib, Karim Janat, Nangyal Kharoti, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Noor Ahmad, Naveen-ul-Haq, Fazalhaq Farooqi, and Fareed Ahmad Malik. UGANDA: This nation makes its debut at a World Cup, though it was part of the combined East Africa side which competed in the 1975 WC. To find a spot here is an achievement in itself, as Uganda overcame fancied Zimbabwe and Kenya in the Africa leg of the qualifiers. The celebrations led by @OgwangOyuku are everything 😁 Uganda are heading to the T20 World Cup ✈️ pic.twitter.com/yyRL6w6Px2 — Sportstar (@sportstarweb) November 30, 2023 An upset win over strong favourites West Indies, New Zealand or Afghanistan will go a long way in boosting the profile of cricket in Uganda. Key player: Frank Nsubuga: At 43, Nsubuga is be the oldest player in the tournament. The all-rounder first played international cricket 27 years ago. The squad: Brian Masaba (Capt.), Riazat Ali Shah, Kenneth Waiswa, Dinesh Nakrani, Frank Nsubuga, Ronak Patel, Roger Mukasa, Cosmas Kyewuta, Bilal Hassun, Fred Achelam, Robinson Obuya, Simon Ssesazi, Henry Ssenyondo, Alpesh Ramjani, Juma Miyaji. PAPUA NEW GUINEA: The island country had a fairly easy route to the main draw, cruising past Vanuatu, Japan, and Philippines in the East Asia-Pacific Qualifier held last year. PNG appeared in the 2021 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, where it lost all three of its Group B first-round matches (to Scotland, Bangladesh, and Oman). The PNG team is all geared up to leave their mark in the #T20WorldCup 🇵🇬😍 pic.twitter.com/8y9cAFu4Ae — T20 World Cup (@T20WorldCup) May 29, 2024 Former Zimbabwe captain Tatenda Taibu is the head coach of PNG. Key player: Tony Ura: With 1618 runs in 56 T20Is, Ura is the nation’s most successful batter. The squad: Assadollah Vala (Capt.), C.J. Amini, Alei Nao, Chad Soper, Hila Vare, Hiri Hiri, Jack Gardner, John Kariko, Kabua Vagi Morea, Kipling Doriga, Lega Siaka, Norman Vanua, Sema Kamea, Sese Bau, Tony Ura.

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French Open: Iga Swiatek saves match point to beat Naomi Osaka in 2nd-round thriller

French Open: Iga Swiatek saves match point to beat Naomi Osaka in 2nd-round thriller

Former World No. 1 Naomi Osaka produced one of her finest performances on the red dirt, but it was not enough to beat defending champion Iga Swiatek in the second round of Roland Garros 2024. Osaka was at her fiery best, playing lights-out tennis but she fluffed a match point and allowed Swiatek to recover from a 2-5 deficit in the final round. Swiatek kept her winning run in the French Open going, taking the second-round match 7-6 (1), 1-6, 7-5 in 2 hours and 57 minutes. Noami Osaka was close to producing the biggest upset of the ongoing tournament, but Iga Swiatek was resolute, winning the last 5 games on the trot to wriggle out of trouble and reach the third round of the women’s singles competition. “For sure this match was really intense. Much more intense for a 2nd round than I ever expected. Naomi played amazing tennis with loose hands. Sometimes risking a lot but playing in. She played really great tennis, I am happy she back and playing great tennis again,” Swiatek said, heaping praise on Osaka, who has still not managed to go past the third round at Roland Garros. Naomi Osaka was at her absolute best, falling just short of her second successive win in a Grand Slam match since returning from her maternity break. Osaka lost in the first round of the Australian Open, but she has been on a resurgent run in Paris, beating World No. 67 Lucia Bronzetti in three sets in the first round. Even in the first-round win, Osaka did not look like she had it in her to stop Swiatek’s love affair with the clay courts of Roland Garros. 3-time champion Swiatek did not throw in the towel despite nearly getting bageled in the second set and going down 2-5 in the third set. The World No. 1 and a 3-time champion saved a match point while trailing 3-5 before mounting an incredible comeback and avoid a final set tie-breaker. Osaka showed signs of returning to her vintage self, moving freely across the court and hitting those forehand and backhand winners at will. Osaka’s down-the-line backhand winners had Swiatek in trouble as the World No. 1 had very few answers to the Japanese star’s groundstrokes at the Philippe-Chatrier for most of the last two sets. It was Iga Swiatek’s character and grit that helped her sail through the third set against Osaka, who was firing on all cylinders. Naomi Osaka and Iga Swiatek started the opening set, matching each other’s energy and skill on clay. Osaka served for the first set when she was leading 4-5 on Swiatek’s serve. However, the Polish superstar found a way to wriggle out of trouble and drag the four-time Grand Slam champion to a tie-breaker. Swiatek raised her game in the tie-breaker, winning it 7-1. However, Osaka did wonderfully well to not let the heartbreak of the first-set tie-breaker affect her. Osaka, in fact, increased her level as he backhand-down-the-line winners were coming out, one after the other as she took a 4-0 lead. Swiatek, who is used to bageling her opponents, was in danger of losing the second set 6-0, but she managed to take a game. It required incredible resolve and determination for Swiatek to bounce back from 2-5 down in the second set. However, the Polish superstar extended her winning run in French Open to 16 matches, producing one of her greatest comebacks in a Grand Slam match. Published By: Akshay Ramesh Published On: May 30, 2024

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Italy great Leonardo Bonucci retires from professional football

Italy great Leonardo Bonucci retires from professional football

World Cup-winner Italian defender Leonardo Bonucci retired from professional football at the age of 37 on Wednesday. The defender, who joined Fenerbahçe in the January transfer window following an ill-fated transfer to Union Berlin last summer, played his last match against Istanbulspor, which his team won 6-0. “It was a pleasure for me to be a part of this wonderful family. I tried to show my best on and off the field, but most importantly, we will fight our last battle tomorrow. I want to finish my career with a cup, and we have a chance to become champions tomorrow,” Bonucci told Fenerbahce in its official statement. He concluded his words by saying, “I thank everyone.” “I have personally seen in him many times what a leader should be like. I thank him very much for always being there for the team on and off the field, said Hakan Yandas, one of Fenerbahce’s captains. BONUCCI’s GLORIOUS CAREER Bonucci began his professional journey with Inter Milan in 2005. Despite limited appearances for the Nerazzurri, he demonstrated significant potential, leading to loan spells at Treviso and Pisa, where he honed his skills. It was his move to Bari in 2009 that truly marked the beginning of his rise. Partnering with Andrea Ranocchia, Bonucci’s performances under the tutelage of coach Gian Piero Ventura caught the attention of Juventus, who secured his services in 2010. ðŸšè🇮🇹 Leonardo Bonucci retires from professional football, decision made. Former Juventus and Italian NT defender leaves after last season at Fenerbahçe. “Bonucci and Chiellini… they could go to Harvard University to give classes about how to be a CB”, Mourinho said in 2018. pic.twitter.com/e6g1IVFo6B — Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) May 29, 2024 Bonucci’s tenure at Juventus stands as the cornerstone of his career. Over 12 seasons with the Bianconeri, he made over 400 appearances and won a staggering array of titles, including nine Serie A championships, four Coppa Italia trophies, and five Supercoppa Italiana titles. His partnership with Giorgio Chiellini and Andrea Barzagli in Juventus’ defense, famously known as the “BBC,” became legendary, forming one of the most formidable defensive units in football history. His time at Juventus was briefly interrupted by a high-profile transfer to AC Milan in 2017, where he was appointed captain. However, Bonucci returned to Juventus just a year later, reaffirming his commitment to the club where he achieved his greatest successes. Bonucci’s contributions to the Italian national team are equally noteworthy. Earning his first cap in 2010, he amassed over 100 appearances for the Azzurri. He played a crucial role in Italy’s journey to the UEFA Euro 2012 final and was instrumental in their triumph at UEFA Euro 2020. His performance in the Euro 2020 final, including a crucial equalizing goal and a successful penalty in the shootout against England, exemplified his tenacity and composure under pressure. Published By: Saurabh Kumar Published On: May 30, 2024

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T20 World Cup, India's USA dairies: Rohit Sharma, Rahul Dravid run in rain to reach car

T20 World Cup, India’s USA dairies: Rohit Sharma, Rahul Dravid run in rain to reach car

Team India arrived in the USA ahead of the T20 World Cup as they gear up for their quest to win an ICC trophy. The first batch of the Indian players landed in the Americas as they looked to get ease into the weather as well as the different time zones. The players are also making the most of their time in the city as they were spotted taking strolls on the streets of Times Square and clicking pictures with the fans. The local fans manage to click snippets of the Indian players in the USA as the Indian supporters get a sneak-peak as to what the players have been up to in the lead-up to the marquee tournament. Recently, a video has been widely circulated on the internet where Indian team’s captain Rohit Sharma and head coach Rahul Dravid were snapped. The fan was eagerly waiting to get a picture with Rohit and Dravid, but it was raining like cats and dogs in New York. Rohit and Dravid, patiently waiting, signalled the car driver and as soon as the cab arrived, Rohit and Dravid sprinted and rushed into the car amid heavy rain. Watch the video here- India’s training session begins The Indian team had their first training session before they play warm-up game against Bangladesh on June 1 in New York. It was a bright sunny day during the practice session as Hardik Pandya also joined the Indian team from London. Rohit, Suryakumar Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah and Hardik shared pictures from their first training session in the USA. So far, only the first batch of Indian players have arrived as the remaining of the players, including Virat Kohli, will reach the Americas in a couple of days. Kohli could not accompany the first batch of Indian players due to some paperwork issue. After the training session, the Indian team also had their photo-shoot session featuring the brand-new T20I jersey. Rishabh Pant shared some behind-the-scenes pictures from the shoot as the players looked all smiles ahead of the marquee tournament. India will begin their T20 World Cup campaign against Ireland on June 5 at the Nassau County International Cricket Stadium in New York. Published By: Diya Kakkar Published On: May 30, 2024

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Ruturaj Gaikwad's Honest Revelation On Captaining MS Dhoni, Ravindra Jadeja In IPL 2024

Ruturaj Gaikwad’s Honest Revelation On Captaining MS Dhoni, Ravindra Jadeja In IPL 2024

Ruturaj Gaikwad with MS Dhoni in IPL 2024© BCCI/Sportzpics It could become difficult for a young player to lead a team that has veterans like MS Dhoni, Ravindra Jadeja, and Ajinkya Rahane. Yet Ruturaj Gaikad impressed many with his leadership qualities as he led the Chennai Super Kings squad in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024. It was right before the start of the tournament that CSK announced a captaincy change, with Dhoni passing on the baton to Gaikwad. When the CSK skipper was asked about the difficulty in leading such players, he gave an honest response. “I felt good right from the start (of the tournament). I am very approachable for all teammates whenever needed and they always support the team in whatever way the team requires,” Gaikwad said of the captaincy challenge, to Times of India. “I wouldn’t say it’s difficult as all of them are very understanding. All the senior players that are a part of the team are great to be with. Their experience always helps with match situations,” he added. Gaikwad also displayed a similar calm and composure on the field that people have seen from MS Dhoni for years. The CSK captain revealed that ‘being neutral’ is something he learned from Dhoni, and now he doesn’t get too excited about wins, or too low about losses. “Being neutral is something that I have learnt from Mahi bhai. Not getting too excited about anything or being down by anything is the right approach that I have picked up,” Ruturaj said. “While batting irrespective of being captain or not, my approach is always the same. Doesn’t really change a lot. You cannot plan to become leaders so being good team players and putting the team first will always stand a good chance to be one,” the CSK skipper explained. Topics mentioned in this article

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