Former Indian cricketer Robin Uthappa opened up about the leadership differences between the former Indian captain Virat Kohli and the present Test and ODI skipper Rohit Sharma, under whose leadership India won the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024. 

In a recent interview with the Lallantop, former Indian cricketer Robin Uthappa claimed that captain Virat Kohli was speculative and exclusive, while he praised skipper Rohit Sharma for his inclusive leadership nature. 

Explaining their nature, Uthappa claimed that Kohli always set high standards for every player to stay in the team, while Rohit brought the best self from every player without changing their nature. 

See Also: Indian wicketkeeper-batter can be rested from England series

Robin Uthappa talked about Yuvraj Singh's yo-yo test failure

In the interview, Uthappa opened up about his views on the skipper Virat Kohli’s treatment of Yuvraj Singh in the Indian team. After winning the ICC Cricket World Cup 2011, the Player of the Tournament, Yuvraj had to battle against cancer before making his international cricket return in 2012. He participated in the ICC World T20 in 2012 and 2014 and also in the ICC Champions Trophy in 2017. 

However, due to failing to pass the yo-yo test, Singh’s international career didn’t stretch further. Uthappa felt that the yo-yo test mark for Singh should be adjusted. 

The former Indian cricketer also talked about the difference between cricket/batting fitness and match fitness. He feels that the present higher level of match fitness is overrated for the game. 

 

 

 

 

 

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Uthappa slammed Mr. Fix-it

Meanwhile, on his official social media account, Uthappa slammed the recent Mr. Fix-it report. Talking about Rohit Sharma’s leadership controversy, the former Indian cricketer felt that Mr. Fix-it should be named and shamed, whoever he is, either senior or junior, as Mr. Fix-it is a disappointment for human beings at this point in time. 

 

 

 

 

 

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Yuvraj Singh Extends Heartfelt Support to Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma

Yuvraj Singh, a famous cricket player, recently discussed two other amazing Indian cricket players, Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma. Mr. Singh wants people to support them when they're having a tough time. It's basically saying, we begin with the central focus. Mr. Singh feels really close to them, almost like family.Yuvraj thinks people should remember what is salient and possibly outstanding things Kohli and Sharma have done before, not only look at how they're playing now.

It's not helpful to only criticize them; it's important to show them some encouragement so that they will continue to act independently. They've done amazing things, winning many matches, which means something. Yuvraj thinks it's easy to bring others down but much more effective to support. Even top players sometimes don't do as well and need others to believe in them.

Yuvraj Singh sent out a really caring message, it's clear he's trying to get all the cricket lovers to support their favorite players.Mr. Singh really believes in Kohli and Sharma, and it shows that winners aren't simply good because they win all the time; they are also great because they can get up again after they blunder up. Other people involved in cricket seem to think the same as Yuvraj, and now everyone wants to see how Kohli and Sharma will try again; it's essentially a story that their fans are excited about.

ALSO READ: ICC Champions Trophy-bound Indian players set for England ODI series

Rohit Sharma: The Hitman of Indian Cricket

Rohit Sharma has done some very impressive feats in cricket, hitting three double centuries in ODIs and getting many victories. Mr. Sharma is the captain of the India team and remains placid even when things get tough. Starting as a promising young player, Rohit has grown into a solid leader and a role model for young cricket players all over.His skill with the bat sets him apart definitively.

Yuvraj Singh said "Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma are my family - my job is to Support my family & my Brothers. They will definitely bounce back hard". [PTI] pic.twitter.com/abDqN7rVAJ

— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) January 7, 2025

Virat Kohli: The Chase Master

Virat Kohli is of significant consequence in cricket because he's very healthy and very focused. Mr. Kohli's scored more than 70 international centuries to his name and is famous for winning skills that seemed impossible to win. Kohli is characterized by toughness and always trying. Mr. Kohli's not simply passionate about playing cricket -- he's also a leader when he's playing and when he's not.Because of all the aforementioned, people all over the world look up to him.

Why They Deserve Our Support

Rohit and Kohli have been dealing with the strikingly large pressure of making a billion people proud for quite some time, always bringing joy to fans of Indian cricket. Athletes all have their good and awful days. When they have a hard time, that's when they really need us to keep their best interests in mind. It's simple to attack --but showing real support for our stars when they're struggling shows what being a true sport is truly about.

Let's celebrate their contributions and stand by them, cheering for their success and encouraging them to rise even higher. Because heroes like Rohit and Kohli are rare, and they've given us memories to cherish for a lifetime.

Former India player Yuvraj Singh shared a special birthday video for his 2011 ODI World Cup teammate Zaheer Khan, with a unique Marathi touch that made headlines among fans on social media. As Zaheer Khan turned 46, Yuvraj Singh’s heartfelt birthday wish showed their close friendship and Zaheer Khan's contribution to Indian cricket too.

Yuvraj Singh, known for his jolly nature, selected the popular Marathi song "Taamdi Chaamdi" for the video, which also added excitement to the post. The gesture, filled with humour and nostalgia, hit the right chord with fans as well.

Yuvraj Singh and Zaheer Khan played a key role in India's World Cup win

"Happy birthday cookie...Monster, hope you aren’t stealing someone’s cookies on your birthday. Loads of love brother! Hope you have an amazing and blessed year ahead," Yuvraj's post read.

Happy birthday cookie 🍪 monster 👹 hope you aren’t stealing someone’s cookies on your birthday 🤪 loads of love brother! Hope you have an amazing and blessed year ahead ❤️🤗 @ImZaheer pic.twitter.com/udep2enfdS

— Yuvraj Singh (@YUVSTRONG12) October 7, 2024

However, both Yuvraj and Zaheer played vital cogs in India's success across formats during their playing days as well, especially in their role in winning the 2011 World Cup. Yuvraj’s performances with both bat and ball were important during that tournament, while Zaheer Khan’s expertise with the ball in the powerplays and death overs helped the team win their second ODI World Cup title as well.

See Also: T20 World Cup 2024: Top 5 captains of the tournament

Zaheer Khan tasted success in his career

Zaheer Khan, a key player in Indian cricket, was known for his reverse swing and the ability to adapt across all conditions. He played 92 Test matches for India, picking up an impressive 311 wickets. His stellar shows in ODIs were equally impressive, taking 282 wickets in 200 matches as well. Though he had fewer appearances in T20Is, he claimed 17 wickets in just as many matches as well.

Now, he is in the role of coaching and has recently been appointed as a mentor by Indian Premier League (IPL) side Lucknow Super Giants for the upcoming 2025 season as well.

The next IPL season will see big changes in the coaching setups of many teams. Gautam Gambhir, Abhishek Nayar, and Ryan ten Doeschate have left Kolkata Knight Riders to join the Indian team’s coaching staff, and Ricky Ponting has ended his time as head coach of Delhi Capitals.

According to News18, head coach Ashish Nehra and Director of Cricket Vikram Solanki might leave Gujarat Titans before IPL 2025. Last season, GT finished eighth on the points table under Shubman Gill’s captaincy, who took over from Hardik Pandya.

Nehra and Solanki joined the Titans in IPL 2022 and led the team to their first title in their debut season, a huge achievement. Titans had a great run in IPL 2023, reaching the final where Chennai Super Kings beat them. However, this year, they missed the playoffs after failing to replace all rounder Hardik Pandya, who was traded to Mumbai Indians, and also missed the injured Mohammad Shami.

Ashish Nehra and Vikram Solanki likely to leave Gujarat Titans

The report mentions that Titans are talking to Yuvraj Singh about joining the coaching staff as Nehra and Solanki are expected to leave.

“Lot of changes on the cards. Ashish Nehra and Vikram Solanki are highly likely to move on and discussions around Yuvraj Singh have already begun. Nothing is finalised right now but there could be some major changes in the coaching staff of the Gujarat Titans,” says a source

Yuvraj Singh in talks for coaching role with Gujarat Titans

Yuvraj has mentored GT captain Shubman Gill before, and they share a great bond off the field, but Yuvraj has no IPL coaching experience.

Gary Kirsten, who was Titans assistant coach for the past three seasons, has already left to become head coach of the Pakistan cricket team. Other coaching staff members like Aashish Kapoor, Naeem Amin, Narender Negi, and Mithun Manhas are also expected to leave if Nehra and Solanki depart.

IPL owners set to meet BCCI

IPL team owners will probably meet with the BCCI on July 30 or 31. The exact date isn’t set yet, but the meeting will happen this month to finalize player retentions and discuss the Impact Player rule and salary cap before the mega auction.

BCCI officials and top executives from various IPL teams have already had one round of discussions. Final decisions will be made when the owners meet with the BCCI’s top leaders.

Indian cricket legend Harbhajan Singh issued a clarification after he and fellow members of the India Champions team were criticized by disability rights groups for allegedly mocking people with disabilities in a viral video. The video, shared on Instagram, was posted after India Champions defeated Pakistan Champions by five wickets in the World Championship of Legends final.

The video features cricket icons Yuvraj Singh, Harbhajan Singh, and Suresh Raina limping and holding their backs, presumably in jest, following their title-winning run. This portrayal, however, drew significant backlash from disability rights advocates who found the video offensive.

Harbhajan responds to criticism

Taking to Twitter, Harbhajan Singh addressed the controversy surrounding the video. He explained that the social media post was not intended to mock people with disabilities but was a light-hearted moment among the players after an intense match. Harbhajan’s detailed message aimed to clear the air and apologize to those who were offended by the video.

The National Platform for the Rights of the Disabled condemned the post as “totally disgraceful.” Arman Ali, the executive director at the National Centre for Promotion of Employment for Disabled People, urged the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to address the issue. Additionally, a police complaint has been filed against the former Team India stars involved in the video.

‘We didn’t want to hurt anyone’s sentiments…’

“Just wanted to clear to our people who are complaining about our recent videos of Tauba Tauba on social media after winning the championship here in England. We didn’t want to hurt anyone’s sentiments. We respect every individual and community. And this video was just to reflect to our bodies after playing continues cricket for 15 days. SORE bodies.. we r not trying to insult or offend anyone.. still if people think we hv done something wrong ..All I can say from my side. SORRY to everyone .. plz let’s stop this here and move forward. Stay happy and healthy. Love to all. Regards,” Harbhajan said.

See Also: West Indies head coach urges team to channel Gabba spirit and boost intensity – Cricket Winner

The incident highlights the importance of sensitivity and awareness regarding disability representation in media. Harbhajan Singh’s response underscores the need for public figures to be mindful of their influence and the impact of their actions on diverse communities.

Manasi Joshi, a top para-badminton champion, openly criticized Harbhajan Singh, Yuvraj Singh, and Suresh Raina for their lack of awareness and sensitivity in a video they posted. She stressed the need to understand and respect the challenges faced by people with disabilities.

Yuvraj Singh, Harbhajan Singh, and Suresh Raina, former India cricketers, are facing backlash after Manasi Joshi accused them of mocking the way people with disabilities walk.

Manasi, a former world no. 1 in her SL3 badminton category, called out the cricketers for their insensitive Instagram reel posted after their win against Pakistan in the World Championship of Legends tournament.

Harbhajan shared a video on Sunday showing the ex-India players limping and dancing to the Bollywood song “Tauba Tauba” after the match. India Champions, led by Ambati Rayudu’s 50 run performance, chased a 157 run target in the final over.

“Body ki Tauba Tauba ho Gayi in 15 days legends cricket. Every part of the body is sore,” Harbhajan wrote.

The controversial reel

Joshi, an outspoken advocate for people with disabilities, expressed her disappointment and anger over the insensitive content.

Manasi Joshi’s advocacy and response

“Wanted more responsibility from the stars that you all are, please do not mock at the gait patterns of people with disabilities. This isn’t funny.

“You don’t know how much harm your behaviour can do. The appreciation you’re getting from people around is appalling to see. This reel of yours is going to encourage that it is ok to make fun of the walking patterns of people with disabilities for a few laughs. More young children with disabilities will be bullied by using this reel. If any of you athletes would have done responsible community service in disability space area, you all would not have come up with this reel. I’m scared how the PR agencies of these athletes approved this reel for public platform,” Manasi wrote

“This isn’t legendary if you’re mocking the gait patterns of people with polio. This will enable bullying on young children with disabilities in India,” Manasi added.

In an exhilarating finale at Edgbaston, Birmingham, the India Champions triumphed over the Pakistan Champions in a one-sided affair during the World Championship of Legends (WCL) final. This much-anticipated clash brought together cricket legends from both sides, culminating in a victory for the Indian team led by the dynamic Yuvraj Singh.

WCL 2024 winning moments

In a heartfelt video, Irfan Pathan credited Yuvraj Singh for his leadership. Pathan highlighted how Yuvraj’s strategic decisions and team management led them to victory. The comments from other players and cricketing experts echoed similar sentiments, praising Yuvraj’s captaincy and the team’s overall performance.

See Also: Yuvraj Singh reveals his all-time XI – No spot for MS Dhoni!

In a video uploaded by Irfan Pathan on social media handles, he said, “Yuvraj Singh brought this team together. He clearly told me that he did not want me to bowl in the tournament. In fact, he wanted to see sixes with my bat. However, today they bowled me 3 overs.”

Match overview

Pakistan Champions’ captain Younis Khan won the toss and chose to bat first, hoping to set a challenging target for the Indian team. On the other hand, India’s strategy revolved around a disciplined bowling attack, aiming to restrict Pakistan to a manageable score.

First Innings: Pakistan champions batting

The innings started with a setback for Pakistan as opener Sharjeel Khan was dismissed for 12 runs off 10 balls by Anureet Singh at the end of the second over. This early wicket put pressure on the Pakistani side, which was somewhat alleviated by a promising partnership between Kamran Akmal and Sohaib Maqsood.

Despite the promising start, Pakistan’s innings faced hurdles as Vinay Kumar dismissed Sohaib Maqsood on the last ball of the fifth over. This wicket marked the beginning of a series of consistent losses for Pakistan, preventing them from gaining significant momentum.

Sohail Tanvir’s late efforts provided some respite for the Pakistan Champions. His aggressive batting helped push the total to a respectable 156 for 6. Tanvir’s contribution was crucial in ensuring Pakistan had a fighting chance.

Anureet Singh was the standout bowler for India, taking 3 wickets for 43 runs in his 4 overs. His performance was instrumental in disrupting Pakistan’s batting lineup.

Second Innings: India champions chase

Chasing 157, the India Champions got off to a steady start. The openers laid a solid foundation, which was built upon by Ambati Rayudu and Yusuf Pathan. Their contributions ensured that India remained on track during the chase.

Yuvraj Singh’s leadership was pivotal. His batting was a blend of caution and aggression, guiding the team through crucial phases of the match. Yuvraj’s strategic approach and timely boundaries kept the required run rate within reach.

Irfan Pathan, known for his all-round abilities, played an unexpected role by bowling three overs despite being primarily included for his batting prowess. His contribution with the ball added an extra edge to India’s performance.

The match concluded with India Champions comfortably reaching the target, lifting the prized WCL trophy. The final moments saw the team celebrating their hard-fought victory, with fans and players rejoicing in unison.

In a thrilling conclusion to the World Championship of Legends, the India Champions emerged victorious, defeating Pakistan by five wickets in a pulsating final on Saturday. The win, led by their skipper Yuvraj Singh, crowned India as the champions of the prestigious tournament. On the sidelines of this grand finale, Yuvraj Singh also unveiled his all-time XI, making some interesting choices and omitting some notable names.

India champions triumph in a nail-biter

The final saw the Pakistan Champions winning the toss and opting to bat first. They posted a competitive total of 156/6 in their allotted 20 overs. Kamran Akmal (24 off 19) and Maqsood (21 off 12) gave Pakistan a solid start, but regular wickets kept the scoring in check. The standout performer for Pakistan was Shoaib Malik, who anchored the innings with a crucial 41 off 36 balls. Captain Younis Khan failed to make an impact, being clean bowled by Irfan Pathan for just 7 runs. The middle order struggled, with Misbah-ul-Haq retiring hurt after a brisk 18. Late contributions from Sohail Tanvir (19* off 9) ensured Pakistan reached a respectable score.

The Indian bowling attack, led by Anureet Singh who claimed three wickets, was instrumental in containing Pakistan’s batting lineup. He received solid support from Vinay Kumar, Pawan Negi, and Irfan Pathan, each taking one wicket.

In response, India Champions started their run chase with intent. Despite losing Robin Uthappa early for 10, Ambati Rayudu’s explosive 50 off 30 balls set the foundation for the chase. Suresh Raina’s quick departure for 4 gave Pakistan a glimmer of hope, but a strong partnership between Rayudu and Gurkeerat Singh Maan (34 off 33) kept India on track.

Although both Rayudu and Maan fell in quick succession, the momentum stayed firmly in India’s favor. Yusuf Pathan’s blistering 30 off 16 balls was pivotal, and despite his dismissal in the penultimate over, India managed to secure the win with just a few balls to spare.

Yuvraj Singh’s all-time XI: No place for MS Dhoni

In a post-match discussion, Yuvraj Singh revealed his all-time XI, making some predictable yet fascinating selections. Starting with the legendary Sachin Tendulkar and Ricky Ponting as the opening batters, Yuvraj placed Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli in the No. 3 and No. 4 spots, respectively. At No. 5, he chose AB de Villiers, followed by Adam Gilchrist as the specialist wicket-keeper at No. 6.

Yuvraj’s bowling lineup was equally impressive, featuring Australian spin-bowling legend Shane Warne at No. 7 and Muttiah Muralitharan at No. 8. The pace department was filled by Glenn McGrath and Wasim Akram at No. 9 and No. 10, respectively, while former England all-rounder Andrew Flintoff took the No. 11 spot. When asked to name a special No. 12 player, Yuvraj humorously picked himself.

Yuvraj Singh’s All-Time XI: Sachin Tendulkar, Ricky Ponting, Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, AB de Villiers, Adam Gilchrist (wk), Andre Flintoff, Shane Warne, Mutttiah Muralitharan, Glenn McGrath, Wasim Akram. Yuvraj Singh (12th man)

Notably, MS Dhoni, one of the most successful captains and wicket-keepers in cricket history, was absent from Yuvraj’s lineup, a decision that sparked considerable discussion among cricket enthusiasts.

See Also: “Everyone has forgotten that it was I who appointed Rohit as the captain”- Sourav Ganguly takes a jibe at critics – Cricket Winner

The India Champions’ victory and Yuvraj Singh’s intriguing all-time XI selection added an extra layer of excitement to an already memorable World Championship of Legends.

James Anderson, the legendary England fast bowler, bid farewell to international cricket on Friday, July 12, 2024, after his side thrashed West Indies in the first Test match at Lord’s. Playing in his 188th Test match, Anderson retired as the most successful pace bowler in the history of Test cricket with 704 wickets, just four shy of second-placed Shane Warne.

The cricketing world paid tribute to Anderson’s remarkable career, with wishes pouring in from all corners, including a heartfelt message from the legendary Sachin Tendulkar.

Career highlights

James Anderson’s career is adorned with numerous milestones and records that speak volumes about his skill and longevity. He debuted in 2003 and played 188 Tests, amassing 704 wickets. Anderson holds the record for the most wickets by a fast bowler in Test cricket, surpassing legends like Glenn McGrath and Wasim Akram.

See Also: Replacing Jadeja in T20Is? India star shares honest thoughts

The final test match

In his final Test match, England dominated the West Indies, winning by an innings and 114 runs. Anderson played a crucial role, taking four wickets, including a three-wicket haul in the first innings. Despite the stellar debut performance of Gus Atkinson, who picked up 12 wickets, Anderson’s presence on the field was significant, leading his team one last time.

Tributes and farewell

The cricketing community showered Anderson with tributes on social media. Fellow cricketers, former teammates, and fans expressed their admiration and gratitude for his contributions to the game. The respect and love for Anderson were evident, highlighting his impact on cricket.

Sachin Tendulkar’s Tribute

Among the many tributes, Sachin Tendulkar’s message stood out. Tendulkar, an old foe and one of the greatest batter Anderson has bowled against, wrote a heartfelt note on his ‘X’ account. He praised Anderson’s action, speed, accuracy, swing, and fitness, acknowledging the inspiration Anderson has been for generations. Tendulkar wished Anderson a wonderful life with his family, away from the rigors of professional cricket.

Anderson’s impact on Cricket

James Anderson has left an indelible mark on cricket. His exceptional skill and dedication have inspired countless young cricketers. Anderson’s contributions to England’s success, including multiple Ashes victories, have made him a beloved figure in English cricket.

James Anderson’s retirement marks the end of an era for English cricket. His career, filled with remarkable achievements and memorable moments, stands as a testament to his greatness. As he bows out, the cricketing world celebrates his contributions and looks forward to seeing the impact of his legacy on future generations.

Cricket is often seen as more than just a sport in India—it’s a passion, a religion, and sometimes, a lifeline. This was evidenced once again when former Indian cricketer Yuvraj Singh discovered a 4-year-old cricketing prodigy named Rishika from Kolkata.

Singh, known for his knack for spotting and nurturing young talent, took notice of Rishika’s remarkable batting skills after a video of her playing cricket went viral on social media.

The viral sensation

A few days ago, a video featuring Rishika playing cricket with her father in the Newtown area of Kolkata captured the internet’s attention. The young girl was seen exhibiting batting techniques that resembled those of professional players, showcasing her natural talent and passion for the game.

See Also: Wanindu Hasaranga steps down as Sri Lanka’s T20I captain

The video quickly went viral, with numerous fans praising her god-gifted talent. Many remarked that she seemed destined to play cricket. The overwhelming positive response highlighted her potential and brought her into the spotlight, catching the attention of one of India’s cricketing legends, Yuvraj Singh.

Yuvraj Singh’s generous offer

Recognizing Rishika’s potential, Yuvraj Singh, who has been actively involved in nurturing cricketing talent through his Centers of Excellence in partnership with Merlin Group, decided to offer her a scholarship.

This announcement was made during the ICC T20 World Cup 2024 match in the United States, where Yuvraj also serves as the official brand ambassador. In a formal ceremony, Rishika was awarded the scholarship, marking a significant milestone in her budding cricketing journey.

A special gift from Yuvraj

In addition to the scholarship, Yuvraj sent Rishika a signed cricket bat as a token of his appreciation and encouragement. This gesture not only delighted Rishika but also served as a powerful symbol of support from one of India’s cricketing greats.

Overcoming adversities

Speaking about Rishika, Yuvraj said that the young girl is extremely talented at such a young age and some of her shots left him flabbergasted.

“The Yuvraj Singh Center of Excellence at Merlin Rise, Kolkata is committed to nurturing young cricketing talent. Cricket talent has always been ahead in Bengal and we are giving this special scholarship to talent like Rishika Sarkar. I have seen videos of him playing cricket and I believe he is very talented at such a young age. Some of her shots moved me. We will assist him in his training at our High-Performance Training Center at YSCE at Merlin Rise, Kolkata, and our coaches will help her hone his talent further,” said Yuvraj.

Comprehensive training and support

Rishika will receive professional coaching three days a week at the Yuvraj Singh Center of Excellence (YSCE). The coaches at YSCE will closely monitor her progress, ensuring she gets the best possible training and guidance.

Indian cricketer and YSCE (Yuvraj Singh Centre of Excellence) Head Coach Satyendra Singh stated that Rishika has a bright future ahead. “It was a raw and inborn talent. We hope we can help her and her future is bright,” said Satyendra.