Indian Cricket Team Updates

Mahendra Singh Dhoni talks to the media. The Indian captain emphasized the importance of having the entire squad fit throughout the tournament How does it feel to be over here?           It's good to be out of there. You know, England, it's always good to come here and play some cricket, but the weather now, we landed yesterday evening so it has not been really nice, so we are hoping it will turn out to be bright and sunny soon and we can go onto the field and start with some practice.  Fingers crossed. I don't think we'll get good practice today, but from tomorrow maybe, yes.           And the mood as a team here?           It's fantastic.             How important is it for you as a skipper to win this Champions Trophy to silence your critics back home?           Well, it's an ongoing process. Always something that keeps coming across, a few of them will ask questions and a few of them, you have to silence them. It's not really important

Sachin Tendulkar has called the developments in Indian cricket over the last fortnight - the spot-fixing charges against three Rajasthan Royals players and betting charges against top Chennai Super Kings official Gurunath Meiyappan - "shocking and disappointing". Tendulkar is the first current Indian cricketer to comment on the issue - via a statement - and he said the sport needed to repay the faith the fans invested in the game. "It has always hurt me when the game of cricket is in the news for the wrong reasons. The developments in the last two weeks have been shocking and disappointing," Tendulkar said. "As cricketers we are always taught to go out, fight hard, give our very best and play in the true spirit of the game. During this difficult phase, I join every cricketer, from the boys in the maidaans [fields] across the country to those who represent clubs, states and the country, who trust the authorities to take sincere steps to get to the root

While addressing media in Birmingham ahead of ICC Champions Trophy, India skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni once again opted not to answer any question on IPL spot-fixing. His focus at the moment is the eight-team tournament in England starting June 6. (Also Read:  Good platform for youngsters says MS Dhoni: CT2013 ) Here's what Dhoni said: 1. Won't answer any questions on IPL scandal; reputation of Indian cricket not hit by fixing scam 2. Conditions are totally different here as compared to sub-continent. Ravindra Jadeja likely to play all matches. 3. We are banking on Vijay and Dhawan as openers. Rohit Sharma will be our third opener. Dinesh Karthik will play in the middle order 4. We always have a point to prove against the best teams in the world. It's about being at your best. 5. me players may be mentally weak compared to others 6. We have a few days before days before we start our campaign against South Africa on June 6. We have two practic

Shaun Pollock, South Africa v England, Quarter-Final, 10 October 2000, Nairobi South Africa never relinquished its firm grip on England in this ICC Champions Trophy quarter-final from the moment Shaun Pollock removed key batsman Marcus Trescothick for 26. The left-hander had scored the bulk of a 33-run opening partnership with Alec Stewart but England struggled for inspiration thereafter. Graeme Hick (65) and Andrew Flintoff (25) then gave England hope before Pollock again dealt a crucial blow to break the fifth-wicket stand with the score on 154. Fittingly, Pollock collected the final wicket to end with three for 27 from 9.1 overs. South Africa chased the 183-run target for the loss of just two wickets. Shayne O'Connor, New Zealand v Pakistan, Semi-Final, 11 October 2000, Nairobi At 237 for six with 25 balls remaining, Pakistan looked on course for a winning total in their semi-final against New Zealand. Left-arm pace bowler Shayne O'Connor then swept away the la

Sachin Tendulkar, India v Australia, Quarter-Final, 28 October 1998, Dhaka If Australia thought it had begun its march to victory by reducing India to eight for two it did not to account for India opener Sachin Tendulkar, who struck a magnificent 141 off just 128 balls. The right-hander smoked 13 fours and three sixes all around the Bangabandhu National Stadium as he put Australia to the sword. Rahul Dravid (48) played the junior role in a second-wicket of 140. Ajay Jadeja (71 off 65 balls) then ushered India to 307 for eight after Tendulkar was dismissed with 29 balls remaining. Australia was bowled out for 263 in the reply to fall to a 44-run loss.  Jacques Kallis, South Africa v Sri Lanka, Semi-Final, 30 October 1998, Dhaka Jacques Kallis was still carving a spot for himself in the South Africa line-up when the inaugural ICC Champions Trophy was being held. In a match affected by rain, Kallis hit 113 not out in South Africa?s 240 for seven off 39 overs. The right-hande

South Africa v West Indies, Final, Dhaka, 1 November 1998 South Africa clinched its first, and still only, major trophy in the inaugural ICC Champions Trophy. Philo Wallace got the West Indies into a good position in the final but when he was dismissed for 103 (made off just 102 balls) it collapsed from 180 for three to 245 all out. Jacques Kallis was chiefly responsible for the change in fortunes, taking five wickets at a total cost of 30. West Indies kept itself in the hunt with regular wickets in the run-chase before Hansie Cronje (61 not out) saw his team home with four wickets and three overs to spare.  Australia v India, Quarter-Final, 7 October 2000, Nairobi Australia twice put itself in a strong position chasing 266 but two mini-collapses from 159 for three and 224 for seven handed this ICC Champions Trophy quarter-final to India. Zaheer Khan picked up the crucial wicket of Steve Waugh (23) in the closing stages and when Brett Lee (31) fell in the next over th

India v Pakistan, ICC Cricket World Cup, 8 June 1999, Old Trafford It may have been a neutral venue but huge swathes of supporters from both teams packed in the Manchester venue for a memorable day's play. Sachin Tendulkar (45) and Rahul Dravid (61) gave India a good platform before Mohammad Azharuddin (59) issued a final flourish in their 227 for six. Javagal Srinath picked up two early wickets in the reply and then Venkatesh Prasad helped himself to the man-of-the-match award with five for 27 as Pakistan were bundled out for 180. India v Pakistan, ICC Cricket World Cup, 1 March 2003, Centurion Pakistan opener Saeed Anwar's 101 was the highlight of his team's 273 for seven - a total that seemed likely to test India at the midway stage. That was not to account for Sachin Tendulkar, whose 75-ball 98 took India to within 100 of the target with more than 22 overs to go. Rahul Dravid (44 not out) and Yuvraj Singh (50 not out) took advantage of the platform to see the

In less than a week’s time, the world’s top eight ODI teams be playing across three venues in England and Wales and host broadcaster and ICC global media rights partner STAR Sports is gearing up its production to make sure the people in close to 180 territories, will enjoy an unrivaled spectator experience, all from the comfort of their living rooms. The event is set to reach an audience of 1.5 billion, thanks to new and extended agreements secured by STAR Sports. This includes the continuance of long-term partnerships with Fox Sports in Australia, BSkyB in the UK, Sky TV in New Zealand, SuperSport in South Africa and Sub-Saharan Africa and Pehla in the Middle East and North Africa. It also includes the groundbreaking partnership with ESPN in the US and Caribbean and the continued coverage of the ICC events on terrestrial television in Pakistan via PTV, Bangladesh via BTV and Sri Lanka via CSN. Following on from the world class production of the ICC World Twenty20 last year

The ICC Champions Trophy is the only crown missing from skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni's cabinet. He captained India in the 2009-10 edition of the 50-over tournament but India failed miserably and were unable to qualify for the semi-finals. India's pride was hurt when they lost to traditional rivals Pakistan and the match against Australia was washed out.  Under Dhoni's captaincy India have scaled cricket's top summits. After India won the inaugural ICC T20 world championship in 2007, Dhoni's men clinched the 2011 World Cup and also became the No. 1 Test team in the world.  This is the last edition of the Champions Trophy, which started in 1998 in Dhaka as the Mini World Cup. India will open the 2013 tournament against South Africa on June 6 in Cardiff in Wales and follow it up with matches against the West Indies (The Oval, June 11) and Pakistan (Edgbaston, June 15) in the group stages.  India have never beaten Pakistan in the tournament's history

Mahendra Singh Dhoni on Tuesday said that his Team India has got the "right mix" in the fast bowling department that could exploit the seamer-friendly conditions during the Champions Trophy in England . Bhuvaneshvar Kumar has impressed in a few opportunities he has got to play for the country. Umesh Yadav has regained fitness and Ishant Sharma did well for his side Sunrisers Hyderabad during the just-concluded IPL. (Also Read:  India Squad-ICC Champions Trophy 2013 ) The trio will have a crucial role to play in the favourable conditions in England. "When it comes to the fast bowling department, there are people who can exploit the conditions. Someone like Bhuvneshwar (Kumar) can swing the ball, there is Umesh (Yadav) who has pace. It's a good department," Dhoni told reporters in Mumbai on Tuesday. The team is leaving for England later tonight (Tuesday night) for the June 6-23 tournament. "They need to adjust to the new (ODI) rules.

Sachin Tendulkar enjoyed a "perfect ending" to his Indian Premier League career as he retired from the competition following Mumbai Indians' title-winning victory over Chennai Super Kings.   (Also Read:  CSK vs MI - Final Report & Stats: IPL 2013 ) The 40-year-old India superstar did not play last night in Kolkata because of a hand injury, but - moments after his side secured a 23-run victory - he announced he was to bow out of the IPL.    (Also See:  IPL 2013 Winner Mumbai Indians Celebrations - Pics ) His casual announcement came in an IPL pitchside interview shortly after the match when asked where the Mumbai Indians' maiden triumph rated in his long and illustrious career. "The World Cup I had to wait for 21 years, and this for six years, so it's never too late. This is my last IPL and it's perfect way to end IPL," he said, to the interviewer's apparent surprise. He added: "I've got to be realistic here, I'

With each of his 733 runs in IPL 2013, Michael Hussey evoked a question in the minds of many. ‘Why on earth did he retire from international cricket so early’? So prolific and fluent has he been in the young man’s game that leaving the overwhelming and buzzing fresh batting talents behind, he walked away with the Orange Cap – presented to the highest run-getter in the tournament.    (Also Read:  CSK vs MI - Final Report & Stats: IPL 2013 ) Team man that he is, Hussey found little consolation in the individual reward as his team, Chennai Super Kings, fell short by 23 runs of their third IPL title.  (Also See:  IPL 2013 Winner Mumbai Indians Celebrations - Pics ) Gracious in defeat, the former Australian batsman spoke to IPLT20.com after the final. He talked about his team’s shortcomings in the big game, lauded Mumbai Indians’ performance and re-lived his favourite 2013 IPL moments. Is the Orange Cap a consolation? Not really. I’d give the Orange Cap back away

The Chennai Super Kings may have lost the IPL 2013 final to the Mumbai Indians, but they still can take heart in the fact that two of their own won both the Purple and Orange Caps. While Michael Hussey’s exploits at the top of the order helped CSK on the batting front, it was Dwayne Bravo’s wicket-taking form that deflated many an opposition line-ups.     (Also Read:  CSK vs MI - Final Report & Stats: IPL 2013 ) The newly appointed West Indies ODI captain was on song throughout the tournament and ended up claiming a staggering 32 wickets this season. He duly won the Purple Cap for his efforts.   (Also See:  IPL 2013 Winner Mumbai Indians Celebrations - Pics ) In an exclusive chat with IPLT20.com, Bravo mentioned how bowling in death overs gave him the freedom to change his pace and use more variations this year.  Here are excerpts from his interview: What did you do different this year when it came to bowling? This year what I did different was bowl more o

For a youngster like Aditya Tare, playing under the watchful eyes of some of the most respected coaches itself provides an invaluable opportunity. Add to that the chance to fill in Sachin Tendulkar’s shoes atop the Mumbai Indians order and you have the perfect baptism by fire for an up and coming cricketer.    (Also Read:  CSK vs MI - Final Report & Stats: IPL 2013 ) The 25-year-old showed a lot of promise during the handful of chances he got this year for MI. He even managed to score a remarkable half-century during one of his outings for the franchise. However, he was completely awestruck after his team won their first IPL title.  (Also See:  IPL 2013 Winner Mumbai Indians Celebrations - Pics ) “Winning the Ranji Trophy and the IPL this year is two of the best days of my career,” said Tare during his post-game chat with IPLT20.com.  Tare also relished the opportunity to replace the Little Master as one-half of MI’s opening pair. “This is a big responsibility and

Ambati Rayudu has been an understated, yet integral part of the Mumbai Indians line-up over the last few years. The 27-year-old batter has time and again steadied the MI innings and whenever need be, even unleashed big hits to steer his side to a favourable position.    (Also Read:  CSK vs MI - Final Report & Stats: IPL 2013 ) For him to finally get his hands around the IPL Trophy meant a culmination of four seasons of tireless efforts. “This is extraordinary! Four years of hard work. We have come so close before and were really very hungry for it. This is beyond words,” Rayudu told IPLT20.com.     (Also See:  IPL 2013 Winner Mumbai Indians Celebrations - Pics ) He also pointed out that MI gained a lot of confidence from their first perfect home season. “I think the unbeaten run at home set the tone for the Playoffs,” said Rayudu as he spoke about what boosted the team in the highly-competitive league. The MI batsman was also thrilled about winning the biggest pri

Mumbai Indians’ successful title run in IPL 2013 was propelled by consistent performers in all three departments of the game. Dinesh Karthik was one such performer, who featured in all 19 games for the franchise and excelled both with bat and behind the wickets.    (Also Read:  CSK vs MI - Final Report & Stats: IPL 2013 ) The 27-year-old, who has been part of the MI squad for a couple of seasons, often came through in the middle order whenever his team was marred by an indifferent start with the bat. Capping off a good season with a league title, courtesy a win over the Chennai Super Kings seemed like a fitting end to his IPL 2013 campaign.     (Also See:  IPL 2013 Winner Mumbai Indians Celebrations - Pics ) “It has been a long journey for us. And it feels really good to be on the right side of the final result for the first time,” Karthik said. “The Playoffs loss did not play on our minds. We took it as a fresh game. And we had beaten them twice, so obviously we knew