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.

Former Indian all-rounder Yuvraj Singh has lauded Virat Kohli as the standout batter of this era, asserting that Kohli’s stellar performances make him deserving of a World Cup medal. Kohli, eyeing success at the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024, is set to make his sixth appearance in the tournament, aiming to add to India’s lone title in the format secured back in 2007.

Notably, Kohli’s cricketing journey soared to new heights during the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023, where he clinched the Player of the Tournament award, setting a record for the most runs.

“I think he surely deserves that medal as well…”

Reflecting on Kohli’s illustrious career, Yuvraj Singh emphasized the batter’s remarkable achievements and expressed his belief that Kohli merits another World Cup triumph, especially after his pivotal role in India’s victorious campaign in 2011. “He has definitely broken all the records in this era,” Yuvraj remarked during a conversation with ICC.

“The best batter of this generation, I feel, in all formats. And I think he is also someone who needs a World Cup Medal. He has one. I’m sure he is not satisfied with one. I think he surely deserves that medal as well.”

“I think he understands his game really well,” Yuvraj said. “He knows if he’s there till the end, he is going to win the game for India and he has done that on some big occasions – against Australia in Mohali as well. “Once he had the confidence of chasing and knowing the situation, he knows how to bat in these situations, knows which bowlers to attack, which bowlers to take singles off, when to attack again, handle the pressure and knows when to change his game.”

Virat shines throughout the generation

Delving into Kohli’s standout performances in the T20 World Cup, Yuvraj Singh highlighted the batter’s exceptional showing in the 2014 edition. Kohli’s prowess was on full display as he emerged as the leading run-scorer in the tournament, notching up four half-centuries in six matches. Yuvraj, who witnessed Kohli’s remarkable innings from the other end, hailed his ball-striking abilities as “unbelievable.”

“I think he was outstanding. He was in one of the best forms of his life. He was hitting the ball unbelievably. And I had a small partnership with him (in the final) and then he batted with Dhoni,” Yuvraj recalled. 

Kohli’s dominance isn’t limited to international cricket; he has seamlessly adapted to the fast-paced nature of T20 cricket, as evident from his impressive performance in the IPL 2024. Accumulating 542 runs at an astonishing average of 67.75 and a formidable strike rate of 148.08, Kohli’s consistency and adaptability have set him apart. Yuvraj Singh, recognizing Kohli’s unique talent, acknowledged the batter’s unmatched abilities, highlighting his significant contributions to the sport.

See Also: Mumbai Indians become the First Team to be Eliminated from IPL 2024 Playoff Race

“Why I think he was so good was because every time in nets or a practice situation, he would not go and just slog balls,” Yuvraj describes. “In the nets, he would always bat like he was batting in a match. He put that in repetition after repetition after repetition. I have not seen that in many players. I think that is the key to his success,” he concluded.

Former Indian all-rounder Yuvraj Singh has thrown his support behind Rohit Sharma, emphasizing the importance of his leadership for India’s upcoming campaign in the T20 World Cup. Yuvraj, expressing his desire to witness his “close friend” lift the elusive trophy, lauded Rohit’s ability to make astute decisions under pressure, highlighting the crucial role his presence will play in India’s quest for glory.

Yuvraj opens up about Rohit

Rohit Sharma, known for his sensible captaincy, has steered India to significant milestones in recent years, including reaching the finals of the 50-over World Cup and the ICC World Test Championship. Under Rohit’s leadership, India made it to the semifinals of the 2022 T20 World Cup, showcasing his prowess as a captain in the shortest format of the game.

With India’s ICC title drought extending to a decade since their last triumph in the Champions Trophy 2013 under Mahendra Singh Dhoni’s leadership, Yuvraj stressed the need for someone with Rohit’s expertise to lead the team at the marquee event.

“(Rohit’s presence is going to be) very crucial. I think we need a really good captain, a sensible captain who takes decisions well under pressure. And he’s the one to take them,” Yuvraj, who is the T20 World Cup 2024 ambassador, told ICC.

“He was the captain when we lost in the (Cricket World Cup) 50-over final (in 2023). He has won five IPL trophies as a captain. I think we need somebody like him to captain India,” he added.

“The more success he’s had, he has never changed as a person…”

Having witnessed Rohit’s journey from his debut as a teenager in 2007, Yuvraj fondly recalled his initial impressions of the flamboyant opener, describing him as a “very funny guy” with a great heart. Reflecting on their time together at Mumbai Indians, where Yuvraj’s final season as an active cricketer coincided with Rohit’s captaincy, he reminisced about their camaraderie and teased Rohit about his humble beginnings from the streets of Borivali in Mumbai.

“The more success he’s had, he has never changed as a person. That’s the beauty of Rohit Sharma. Fun-loving, always having fun with the guys, A great leader on the park and one of my closest friends from cricket.

“I really want to see Rohit Sharma with a World Cup trophy and a World Cup medal. He really deserves it.”

See Also: David Warner opens up on being blocked by SRH Social Media

As Rohit Sharma prepares to lead the ‘Men in Blue’ once again in the T20 World Cup, scheduled to commence on June 2 in the Caribbean and the USA, the backing of seasoned campaigners like Yuvraj Singh adds to the confidence and expectations surrounding India’s campaign in the tournament.