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World Cup 2023: India have not beaten New Zealand in a knockout game in any ICC event. Rohit Sharma's men face a stiff test against the BlackCaps when the two sides meet in the first semi-finals on Wednesday in Mumbai.In ShortIndia have lost 9 matches out of 14 games to New Zealand in ICC white-ball eventsIndia have not beaten New Zealand in an ICC knockout match so farIndia will head into the semi-finals of the World Cup as firm favouritesIndia appears unbeatable in the home World Cup. Despite facing criticism leading up to the marquee event, the team has responded like champions, securing victories in all nine matches during the league stage. There's a strong possibility that India could emulate Australia's success in 2003 and 2007 by finishing the World Cup campaign undefeated.Everything seems to be clicking at the right time for India. Rohit Sharma has led from the front in a sensational campaign as captain, and more importantly, as a ruthless opening batter. Virat Kohli has piled up the runs, scoring 594 in 9 matches. The middle-order, unlike 2019, is looking strong with Shreyas Iyer and KL Rahul among the runs. The absence of Hardik Pandya has not induced panic; instead, it has brought more clarity to the team regarding player roles. They have opted for a strategy of playing with five frontline bowlers, incorporating all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja. India's bowling unit has performed exceptionally well, with Mohammed Shami, Jasprit Bumrah, and Mohammed Siraj causing havoc for the opposition teams. The spin duo of Jadeja and Kuldeep Yadav has further showcased their mastery in the art of spin bowling.However, India have to start afresh on Wednesday when they face New Zealand in the semi-finals at the Wankhede Stadium. Yes, Rohit Sharma's men have the advantage of playing in front of a packed crowd, but history doesn't favor the Men In Blue.India and New Zealand have played each other 13 times in ICC events in white-ball cricket, but they have managed just 4 victories. Yes, India defeated New Zealand in Dharamsala a couple of weeks ago but it was the BlackCaps that gave India their toughest test in their dominant run in the league stage.Not many would have forgotten the 2019 World Cup semi-finals. India headed into the semi-finals in Manchester after having topped the league stage. And New Zealand, much like 2023, sneaked through to the semi-finals at the 4th spot. However, Kane Williamson and his men battled past a Virat Kohli-led side into the final.New Zealand did not do anything extraordinary. Like always, they did the basics right. Reading the pitch wonderfully well, New Zealand posted 239 on the board after winning the toss and opted to bat. Despite the game slipping into the Reserve Day due to rain, New Zealand kept their nerves under check and perfectly executed their bowling plans against India.India's top-order was blown away as Matt Henry and Trent Boult ran riot in overcast conditions. India slipped to 5 for 3 after losing Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli and KL Rahul for 1 each. Ravindra Jadeja battled hard with 77 and MS Dhoni nearly pulled it off with a 50 but the former captain's heartbreaking run-out sealed the deal - an 18-run win for New Zealand.In the other knockout match that India and New Zealand have played in an ICC tournament (white-ball), New Zealand successfully chased 265 against a Sourav Ganguly-led side in Nairobi.New Zealand, led by Stephen Fleming, won the toss and opted to field. India rode on a 117 from Sourav Ganguly and 69 from sachin Tendulkar to post 264. The total could have been much more but India collapsed from 202 for 1, losing their last 5 wickets for just 62 runs.India's bowling attack, led by Venkatesh Prasad, got the early wickets but a sensational 102 not out from all-rounder Chris Cairns helped New Zealand win the ICC Knockout trophy.IND vs NZ in ICC WHITE-BALL TOURNAMENTS1975 World Cup: India lost by 4 wickets in Manchester1979 World Cup: India lost by 8 wickets in Leeds1987 World Cup: India won by 16 runs in Bengaluru1987 World Cup: India won by 9 wickets in Nagpur1992 World Cup: India lost by 4 wickets in Dunedin1999 World Cup: India lost by 5 wickets in Nottingham2000 Champions Trophy: India lost by 4 wickets in Nairobi (Final)2003 World Cup: India won by 7 wickets in Centurion2007 T20 World Cup: India lost by 10 runs n Johannesburg2016 T20 World Cup: India lost by 47 runs in Nagpur2019 World Cup: No result2019 World Cup: Lost by 18 runs in Manchester (semi-final)2021 T20 World Cup: Lost by 8 wickets in Dubai2023 World Cup: Won by 4 wickets in DharamsalaIndia will certainly head into the semi-finals of the 2023 World Cup as favourites but count New Zealand out at your own peril. The BlackCaps have not had a dominant run in the World Cup as they lost 4 matches on the trot before beating Sri Lanka in a must-win game to qualify for the semi-finals. However, they will be prepared to hand India another tough challenge. Also Read: Top 10 longest crickter six
Huge sixes in cricket have always thrilled fans and remained a topic of conversation for years to come. While some former cricketers and pundits argue that these colossal hits should receive extra recognition, the precision and reliability of technology, which is regularly scrutinized when measuring such distances, have not supported these claims. Nevertheless, it's always a delight to recall some of the most unforgettable moments in the game. So, let's revisit the longest sixes ever hit in the history of international cricket.1. Shahid Afridi || 153 meters vs. South AfricaMost people consider Afridi to be one of the most dangerous players in cricket. Afridi was an all-round player with a reputation for hard hitting and leg-spin bowling. With 37 deliveries, Afridi also held the world record for the fastest ODI century. The record, held for 17 years, was broken by Corey Anderson. It should come as no surprise that Shahid Afridi is the owner of the record for the longest six hits in international cricket as his name is frequently at the top of lists such to this one. This six that he hammered off Ryan McLaren is one of the most talked-about sixes in cricket history, given the distance it covered.2. Brett Lee || 130 meters vs. EnglandBrett Lee was a key member of the Australian squad that clinched the 2003 World Cup. His Test debut took place in 1999, and he bid farewell to international cricket on July 12, 2012. Lee's Test career came to a close with an impressive tally of 310 wickets, and he secured 380 wickets in One Day Internationals. From 2000 to 2009, only Muttiah Muralitharan outshone Lee in terms of ODI wickets, establishing him as one of the premier bowlers of his era. Among the numerous entries in the list of longest sixes, one that stands out is Brett Lee's monumental hit against West Indies, a shot that originated from an improbable source. In that particular game at the Gabba, Brett Lee contributed 47 runs for the home team, but it's his single six in that innings that remains etched in memory.One remarkable instance was the 2005 Ashes Test at Edgbaston, where Lee nearly steered Australia to a remarkable comeback in a gripping and thrilling match. Despite his aggressive demeanor on the field, Lee rarely allowed his emotions to overcome him. He relished competing against opponents and displayed sportsmanship, even in defeat, often sporting his signature smile. Lee was not only a formidable opponent but also a gentleman off the field, fostering good relationships with players from rival teams. He was one of the few Australian cricketers who was widely admired in India.3. Martin Guptill || 127 meters vs South AfricaGuptill is the first New Zealand cricketer and the sixth overall to make a double century in a One Day International match. His 237 not-out holds the highest individual score in Cricket World Cup matches and the second-best score in One Day Internationals. Guptill's left foot has only two toes. He lost three toes in a forklift accident when 13 years old. He is known as "Two Toes" within the New Zealand cricket team. Martin Guptill of New Zealand is an unsurprising name on this list, having dazzled cricket fans with his incredible power-hitting on numerous occasions. In a T20I match against South Africa in 2012, he smashed possibly the greatest six of his career against Lonwabo Tsotsobe.Martin Guptill's ODI average is 43.51, while his World Cup average is 57. The main disadvantage is that the opener has scored these runs against teams with a weak bowling attack. He's had to contend with teams like Australia, South Africa, and England. Guptill will face all of the teams in the World Cup at least once, so he must ensure that he gets runs against the weaker opponents and the heavyweights.4. Liam Livingstone || 122 meters vs. PakistanOn April 19, 2015, Livingstone grabbed the spotlight with an extraordinary cricket feat. He notched up a stunning 350 runs from just 138 balls while playing for his club team, Nantwich. This incredible performance was hailed as one of the highest individual scores in the history of one-day cricket.In the 2016 season, Livingstone marked his debut in first-class cricket while representing Lancashire. He further solidified his cricketing journey when he was awarded his county cap on April 24, 2017. This honor came after he led Lancashire to their first victory of the 2017 season, while serving as a stand-in captain.Liam Livingstone has established himself as one of England's most esteemed cricketers in shorter-format matches. He is known for his exceptional skills and performances. Notably, in a T20I game against Pakistan at Headingley last year, Livingstone smashed a colossal six that soared to an astounding distance of 122 meters, even leaving the stadium boundaries.5. Corey Anderson || 122 meters vs. IndiaGuptill is the first New Zealand cricketer and the sixth overall to make a double century in a One Day International match. His 237 not-out holds the highest individual score in Cricket World Cup matches and the second-best score in One Day Internationals. Guptill's left foot has only two toes. He lost three toes in a forklift accident when 13 years old. He is known as "Two Toes" within the New Zealand cricket team. Martin Guptill of New Zealand is an unsurprising name on this list, having dazzled cricket fans with his incredible power-hitting on numerous occasions. In a T20I match against South Africa in 2012, he smashed possibly the greatest six of his career against Lonwabo Tsotsobe.Martin Guptill's ODI average is 43.51, while his World Cup average is 57. The main disadvantage is that the opener has scored these runs against teams with a weak bowling attack. He's had to contend with teams like Australia, South Africa, and England. Guptill will face all of the teams in the World Cup at least once, so he must ensure that he gets runs against the weaker opponents and the heavyweights.6. Mark Waugh || 120 meters vs. New ZealandMark Waugh, often referred to as Junior due to being slightly younger than his twin brother Steve, comes from a cricketing family. His brother Dean Waugh also has a cricketing background, having represented New South Wales in both first-class and List A cricket. While Mark has often been in the shadow of his more renowned brother Steve, he remains one of the lesser-acknowledged cricketers in the exceptional Australian cricket team.Mark Waugh, however, has had his fair share of memorable moments on the cricket field. One such instance occurred during New Zealand's 1997 tour of Australia when he faced Daniel Vettori. Waugh showcased his remarkable strokeplay by striding down the track and smashing the ball an astonishing 120 meters down the ground at the WACA. His batting style has drawn comparisons to legendary cricketers such as Stan McCabe, Alan Kippax, Victor Trumper, Charlie Macartney, and Greg Chappell. His elegant and stylish approach to the game aligns him with these iconic names in cricket history.7. Yuvraj Singh || 119 meters vs. AustraliaYuvraj Singh's illustrious cricket career was marked by several accolades, including the prestigious Arjuna Award, India's second-highest sporting honor, which he received from the Indian government in 2012. Yuvraj's exceptional all-round abilities were on full display during the 2011 World Cup, where he etched his name in history by becoming the first player to achieve a remarkable feat - taking a 5-wicket haul and scoring 50 runs in the same World Cup match. His overall performance in the tournament was outstanding, with 15 wickets and 362 runs to his name, earning him the well-deserved title of the "Man of the Tournament." Yuvraj Singh's elegant and masterful strokeplay has earned him a place among cricket's greatest batsmen.Yuvraj's incredible six-hitting prowess was exemplified during the ICC T20 World Cup in 2007. In a match against Australia, he showcased his legendary hitting with an astonishing shot, breaking the official record for the longest six ever struck by an Indian batsman. Facing a delivery from Brett Lee that clocked over 90 mph, the left-handed Yuvraj flicked it effortlessly over square leg, sending the ball soaring a remarkable 119 meters.In the subsequent years, Yuvraj Singh dedicated himself to improving his fitness and made a successful return to the cricketing arena in early 2017 after missing the 2015 World Cup and 2016 World T20. Recognizing his experience and skills, Virat Kohli, the Indian captain, saw Yuvraj as a valuable addition, particularly with the 2017 Champions Trophy approaching. Following his comeback, Yuvraj delivered several outstanding innings, including a scintillating performance against Pakistan in the Champions Trophy opener. However, after the Champions Trophy, Yuvraj, along with a few other senior players, was dropped from India's squad. His fielding, which had once been exceptional, notably declined during this phase, highlighting the challenges of maintaining top form over an extended career.8. Mahendra Singh Dhoni || 118 meters vs. New ZealandMahendra Singh Dhoni, fondly known as MS Dhoni, bid farewell to international cricket in all formats on August 15, 2020. His illustrious career was marked by remarkable leadership, guiding the Indian cricket team to several significant victories. Dhoni served as captain during India's triumphs in the 2007 ICC World Twenty20, the 2011 ICC Cricket World Cup, and the 2013 ICC Champions Trophy. Under his leadership, India also clinched the Asia Cup in 2010 and 2016.In the world of One Day International (ODI) cricket, MS Dhoni is renowned for his exceptional finishing abilities. He holds the record for the second-highest number of sixes by an Indian batsman. In a memorable moment during the third ODI of India's 2009 tour of New Zealand, Dhoni, the Indian captain, unleashed a colossal six that traveled an astounding 118 meters.Dhoni's association with the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in the Indian Premier League (IPL) is a remarkable tale. When the IPL gained prominence, cricket enthusiasts were eager to see which team would secure the services of the then-Indian skipper. The Chennai Super Kings, backed by an organization well-versed in managing sports, recognized the importance of strong leadership for building a successful franchise. They made a significant statement by signing Dhoni for a whopping 6 crores, making it the highest fee at the time. Dhoni's impact was profound, as he emerged as the third-highest run-scorer in the 2013 season, single-handedly leading CSK to the IPL final. Under his captaincy, CSK secured IPL titles in 2010, 2011, 2018, and 2021, cementing his legacy as one of the most successful and revered leaders in IPL history.9. Chris Gayle || 116 meters vs. IndiaChris Gayle is widely regarded as one of the greatest Twenty20 cricket batsmen in the history of the sport, and many even consider him the best. His contributions have been pivotal to the success of West Indies teams, which secured victories in the ICC Champions Trophy in 2004, the ICC World Twenty20 in 2012, and the ICC World Twenty20 in 2016. Chris Gayle's impact transcends all three formats of the game, and he has set numerous records. His reputation as one of the most formidable and powerful batsmen in cricket history is well-deserved. As a former captain of the West Indies, he holds the world record for the most sixes hit in international cricket and is known for launching some of the longest sixes seen in the game. One such monumental six was his 116-meter strike off Yusuf Pathan during a group stage match in the ICC T20 World Cup against India.His prowess in Twenty20 cricket led to high expectations during the 2008 auction, especially after his remarkable century in the inaugural ICC World T20 in 2007. Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) acquired his services with a substantial bid of 800,000 USD. Gayle's next three years were nothing short of spectacular, marked by a century on debut, ending the 2011 season with 608 runs and the Orange Cap, amassing 733 runs and another Orange Cap in 2012, and achieving the record for the highest individual T20 score of 175 not out against the Pune Warriors in 2013, a feat that included a remarkable 31-ball century.10. Ijaz Ahmed || 115 meters vs. IndiaHe smacked Virender Sehwag for a 115m six and crossed one of India's largest stadiums. The visitors were dominant throughout the game, creating havoc on the Indian bowlers and claiming a memorable victory important to Pakistan's Pepsi Cup hopes.
Brendon McCullum, Adam Gilchrist and Ben Stokes are the only three batters to smash 100 or more sixes in Test cricket.England all-rounder and Test captain Ben Stokes has hit the most sixes in Tests. He recently overtook Brendon McCullum to take top spot for most sixes in Tests.Stokes, who is captaining England in Tests, is likely to extend his lead for sixes in Test cricket with a lot of red-ball cricket ahead of him.Stokes, in fact, went past McCullum's record with the New Zealander as the coach of the English Test team. England's aggressive style of Test cricket means that Stoke is likely to finish his career with a sizeable lead as far as sixes in Tests go.Meanwhile, after making his Test debut against South Africa in 2004, Brendon McCullum smashed 107 sixes in the 101 Tests that he played. Considered to be one of the most destructive batters in modern cricket history, the former New Zealand captain amassed 6,453 runs in 101 matches at an average of 38.64. His strike rate in Tests was a healthy 64.6.Interestingly, McCullum holds the record for the fastest Test century, having reached the milestone off just 54 balls against arch-rivals Australia in Christchurch in 2016. He was eventually dismissed for 145 off just 79 balls, which included 21 fours and six sixes. McCullum features fourth on the list of most sixes in international cricket, having smashed 398 sixes in 474 matches. Only West Indies’ Chris Gayle (553), Shahid Afridi of Pakistan (476) and India’s Rohit Sharma (464) have hit more sixes in international cricket.Former Australian wicket-keeper batter Adam Gilchrist has also hit 100 sixes in Tests. While Gilchrist clobbered 100 sixes in 96 Tests, Stokes has smashed the same number of sixes in just 82 Tests.Chris Gayle and former South Africa all-rounder Jacques Kallis complete the top five list of most sixes in Tests. Gayle hit 98 sixes in the 103 Test matches that he played while Kallis smashed 97 sixes in 166 Tests.Virender Sehwag has hit the most sixes in Test match cricket for an Indian. The former opening batter hit 91 sixes in 104 Tests and features sixth on the list of most sixes in Tests. Sehwag managed 243 sixes in 374 matches in international cricket.Meanwhile, MS Dhoni features second on the list of most sixes by Indians in Tests. The former India captain smashed 78 sixes in the 90 Tests that he played between 2005 and 2014.Cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar is third on the list of most sixes by Indians in Tests. Having made his Test debut against Pakistan in 1989, Tendulkar hit 69 sixes in 200 Tests. The India cricket legend ended his illustrious career with 264 sixes in 664 matches.Rohit Sharma and Kapil Dev complete the top five list of most sixes by Indians in Tests. While Rohit has smashed 66 sixes in just 46 Test matches, Kapil Dev hit 61 sixes in 131 Tests. Most sixes in TestsPlayerMatchesRunsAverage SR6sBen Stokes (ENG)92571235.9258.83109Brendon McCullum (NZ)101645338.6464.60107Adam Gilchrist (AUS)96557047.6081.95100Chris Gayle (WI)103721442.1860.2698Jacques Kallis (SA)1661328955.3745.9797Virender Sehwag (IND)104858649.3482.2391Most sixes by Indians in TestsPlayerMatchesRunsAverage SR6sVirender Sehwag 104858649.3482.2391MS Dhoni90487638.0959.1178Sachin Tendulkar2001592153.7854.0469Rohit Sharma47332046.7656.0268Kapil Dev131524831.0579.3361Also Read: Rohit Sharma can be relieved as captain from T20s
Hardik Pandya, the talented Indian cricketer, has not only made a name for himself with his exceptional skills on the field, but has also accumulated significant wealth. The Baroda all-rounder is seen as the future India white-ball captain and continues to lead the T20I side in the absence of Rohit Sharma.As the star all-rounder grows in his career, let's delve into Hardik Pandya's net worth and explore how much he earns both from cricket and various brand endorsements.Hardik Pandya Cricket Contracts and Match FeesAs an integral part of the Indian national cricket team, Pandya receives a substantial income through his central contract with the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). He falls under the A category, which guarantees him an annual retainer fee of INR 5 crore (approximately USD 700,000). Additionally, he earns match fees for every game he plays for India.Hardik Pandya IPL Earnings Apart from representing his country at the international level, Hardik is also a key player in the Indian Premier League (IPL). He played for Mumbai Indians from 2015 until 2022, when he signed up for Gujarat Titans to lead them to the title. His performances have earned him lucrative contracts over the years. In IPL auctions, franchises have shown great interest in acquiring his services due to his explosive batting and effective bowling skills. Ahead of the IPL 2022 Mega Auction, Pandya was drafted in by Gujarat Titans, a franchise that made its debut in the league that year, for a whopping Rs 15 Crore. According to Forbes, Hardik rakes in a substantial sum of Rs 24.87 crore in income annually. However, when it comes to his Instagram earnings, he brings home a whopping Rs 65,94,622.80 for each post, according to data shared by Mansworld India.Hardik Pandya Net Worth in Rupees The Baroda cricketer - who made his international debut in 2016 - has been a vital member of India's limited-overs side. By the end of the IPL 2023 season, in which he led Gujarat Titans to the final, Hardik had reportedly accumulated a net worth of Rs 91 crore ($11 million approximately).Hardik Pandya Brand Endorsements Hardik's popularity extends beyond just cricket grounds. With his charismatic personality and stylish image, he has become a sought-after brand ambassador. Several renowned companies have roped him in to endorse their products or services. Some prominent brands associated with him include Dream11, BoAt, and many more. These endorsements contribute significantly to his net worth.Investments and Assets of Hardik Pandya Like many other successful athletes, Hardik has made wise investment decisions to grow his wealth. He owns multiple properties in India, including a lavish house in his hometown Vadodara. Moreover, he possesses a collection of luxury cars that add to his overall assets.Hardik Pandya's Personal Life and Philanthropy Hardik's personal life also plays a role in shaping his net worth. He has been known for leading an extravagant lifestyle and often shares glimpses of it on social media platforms like Instagram. The cricketer also earns a good amount of money via paid promotions on social media. He commands 26.7 million followers on the image and video-sharing application Instagram and enjoys a massive 9.5 million followers on micro-blogging site X, formerly known as Twitter. Additionally, he actively participates in various charitable causes and donations. Hardik has accumulated substantial wealth through cricket contracts, match fees, IPL earnings, brand endorsements, investments, and assets. With each passing year and remarkable performance on the field, his net worth continues to soar higher. Alongside being an exceptional cricketer representing India globally, he has become a prominent figure in the world of sports business as well.FAQsQ. Who is Hardik Pandya? Hardik Pandya is a talented Indian cricketer.Q. How did Hardik Pandya accumulate significant wealth? Hardik Pandya accumulated significant wealth through his career in cricket and various brand endorsements.Q. What is Hardik Pandya's net worth? The exact net worth of Hardik Pandya is not mentioned in the article.Q. How much does Hardik Pandya earn from cricket and brand endorsements? The article explores how much he earns both from cricket and various brand endorsements.
As we look ahead to a momentous year of cricket, featuring marquee events like The Ashes and the Cricket World Cup, the question on everyone's mind is: Who are the best cricket players in the world right now? These tournaments will undoubtedly showcase the skills and prowess of some of the finest athletes on the planet. Cricket enthusiasts worldwide eagerly anticipate the performances of the best cricket players in the world, as they vie for glory and cement their names in the annals of cricketing history. It's a thrilling time for cricket fans, as we witness these exceptional athletes push the boundaries of their sport and vie for the title of the best cricket player on the global stage.Indeed, determining the best cricket players in the world is a complex task, given the diverse formats and demanding schedules they face. While the ICC rankings offer some insight, they don't provide the full picture. Creating such a list involves a delicate balance, considering T20 specialists alongside established Test legends and factoring in current form as well as historical performance.The debate also brings into question whether all-rounders enjoy a natural advantage in these rankings. Should multi-format stars be ranked differently than red-ball masters or short-form experts? These are crucial considerations when compiling a top 10 list of the best cricket players in the world. It's a comprehensive evaluation that recognizes the diverse skills and contributions of these athletes across the spectrum of cricket formats.For all the statistics at our disposal to analyse modern cricketers, this list is still subjective. All cricket fans will have their own view on who should be included and in which order.10. Shaheen Shah AfridiSince making his debut for Pakistan as a teenager, Shaheen Shah Afridi has wasted no time in establishing himself as one of the best cricket players in the world, especially in the bowling department. Standing tall at 6 feet 6 inches, Afridi boasts exceptional pace and has the ability to extract tricky bounce, even on the flattest of pitches in Pakistan and the UAE.What sets him apart is his versatility as a bowler across all three formats of the game. In Test matches, Afridi showcases remarkable control and swing, effectively constraining the scoring rate and keeping batsmen under constant pressure. Transitioning to the white-ball arena, his repertoire includes a deadly mix of yorkers and hostile short deliveries, making him a formidable force both with the new ball and during the crucial death overs. Afridi's prowess with the ball makes him a vital asset in the world of cricket and a player who consistently ranks among the best.9. Suryakumar YadavSuryakumar Yadav, an established T20 sensation, particularly with the Mumbai Indians in the IPL, presents an intriguing challenge when it comes to ranking the best cricket players in the world. Widely regarded as the finest T20 batsman on the planet, Yadav's limited exposure in just 20 ODIs and no Test matches complicates his ranking.Yadav's rise to the global stage occurred relatively late in his career, owing in part to being a late-bloomer and, to some extent, India's delayed call-up. However, what he has unequivocally demonstrated in the IPL and his brief stint in international cricket is his status as a genuine 360-degree hitter. Once he finds his rhythm, he becomes an unstoppable force and a nightmare for bowlers. Suryakumar Yadav's ability to consistently deliver exceptional performances in T20 cricket has solidified his reputation as one of the best cricket players in the world.8. Steve SmithSteve Smith's cricketing record unquestionably establishes him as one of the best cricket players in the world. With a Test batting average of over 60, his prowess in the longest format is truly remarkable. While his white-ball cricket contributions are relatively limited, he boasts an impressive record in ODIs.Notably, after averaging over 110 during the 2019 Ashes series, Smith's Test performances have seen a slight dip, but he remains firmly in the upper echelon of Test batters. What sets him apart is his ability to excel on all types of cricketing surfaces, making him a prominent figure in the world of cricket. When the time comes for his retirement, Steve Smith will undoubtedly be remembered as one of the greatest batters of the 21st century.7. Kagiso RabadaSimilar to Afridi, Kagiso Rabada burst onto the international cricket scene at a tender age and has since consistently proven himself to be among the best cricket players in the world. Rabada's exceptional skills transcend all three formats, characterized by his pace and bounce, which make him a potent force even on surfaces that offer limited assistance to fast bowlers.In the wake of a golden era for South African fast bowling spearheaded by legends like Dale Steyn and Morne Morkel, Rabada has seamlessly assumed the role of the team's bowling leader. His performance statistics are nothing short of outstanding, with a historically remarkable Test match strike rate further solidifying his status as one of the premier cricketers in the world today.6. Babar AzamBabar Azam's cricketing journey began with a stellar performance for Pakistan in white-ball formats, but he has since evolved into one of the nation's all-time greatest batters. Azam boasts impressive statistics across Tests, ODIs, and T20s, often shouldering the burden of carrying a subpar Pakistan batting lineup.Drawing inevitable comparisons to the illustrious Fab Four, Babar Azam has, in recent years, eclipsed several members of that quartet. Remarkably, he won't even turn 30 until October 2024, setting the stage for what could be an all-time great career, placing him in the esteemed company of past Pakistani icons like Younis Khan, Inzamam-ul-Haq, and Mohammad Yousuf. In the current cricketing landscape, Babar Azam undoubtedly stands as one of the best cricket players in the world, with a bright future ahead.5. Joe RootWhile Joe Root's batting averages may not shine as brightly as some of the other elite batters around the world, it's important to consider that a significant portion of his cricket career has unfolded on the challenging pitches of England. Despite this, Root has unquestionably established himself as one of the finest players of his generation, making a strong case as England's greatest ever batter.It's worth noting that his absence from England's white-ball teams could potentially be used against him in discussions about the best cricket player in the world. However, this is more a reflection of the depth and quality of England's batting options in shorter formats rather than a limitation of Root's talents. Root's remarkable cricketing skills and consistent performances in Test cricket have solidified his place among the cricketing elite.4. Jasprit BumrahWhen Jasprit Bumrah is in peak form and fitness, he undeniably stands as the most complete fast bowler in world cricket. His unique, jerky action, combined with a short run-up, poses a formidable challenge for batters, making it exceedingly difficult for them to read his deliveries. Bumrah's repertoire of skills allows him to torment batters in various ways.Whether it's swinging and seaming the red ball to create awkward angles or deploying a hostile bouncer with the white ball, Bumrah exhibits a remarkable range of variations and an uncanny ability to deliver pinpoint yorkers. His unorthodox approach is precisely what makes him the quintessential modern pace bowler, capable of adapting to different formats and conditions. In discussions about the best cricket player in the world, Jasprit Bumrah's diverse skillset and consistent performance rightfully earn him a prominent spot among the cricketing elite.3. Shakib Al HasanShakib Al Hasan's cricketing journey has often been overlooked, making him one of the most underrated players in the sport's history. Using a traditional and somewhat simplistic measure of an all-rounder, it's notable that Shakib boasts a higher batting average than his bowling average in Tests, ODIs, and T20s. Furthermore, he holds the coveted position of the number one all-rounder in both T20Is and ODIs, and he's ranked third in Tests according to the ICC rankings.Despite moments of controversy in his career, Shakib's true value may only be fully appreciated once he decides to retire from the game. He remains the standout performer for Bangladesh and has consistently delivered exceptional performances, making him not only one of the best cricket players in the world but also a symbol of inspiration for his nation.2. Rashid KhanRashid Khan, while not relying on significant spin, has masterfully wielded his leg-spinners to become one of the most lethal weapons in white-ball cricket. His red-ball career has also shown remarkable promise, particularly with Afghanistan's newfound Test status.Known for his pinpoint accuracy and a googly that is notoriously hard to read, Khan has excelled across various short-form leagues and boasts a stellar record in over 150 white-ball matches for Afghanistan. In addition to his bowling prowess, Rashid Khan has demonstrated his worth as a versatile all-rounder, often contributing valuable runs to the team when wielding the willow. His consistent performances have rightfully earned him recognition as one of the best cricket players in the world, particularly in the limited-overs formats.1. Ben StokesBen Stokes may not hold the title of the best batsman or the best bowler in the world, and he might not even top the statistical charts as the best all-rounder. However, when the pressure is at its peak, Stokes is undeniably the man you want with either bat or ball in hand. His career is punctuated by headlines such as two World Cup triumphs and the nearly unbelievable heroics at Headingley in 2019. Yet, beyond these historic moments, Stokes has consistently been the match-winner for his team on countless occasions.In 2022, when he took on the Test captaincy, the Christchurch-born all-rounder orchestrated a remarkable transformation, turning England from one of the world's weakest teams into an unstoppable force. In the process, he reinvented the way the world perceives the five-day game.Although Stokes's statistics may not always stand out, and he has recently retired from ODI cricket, he has remained a match-winner across all formats throughout his illustrious career. His leadership has proven transformative, making him a captain who can reshape a team's destiny. When assembling a lineup for a one-off match in any format, few cricketers can stake a claim to inclusion as firmly as Ben Stokes. He is, without a doubt, one of the best cricket players in the world.
Indian women's cricket team made history in the Asian Games 2023, clinching the gold medal in their first-ever participation at the quadrennial event.The Indian women's cricket team made history in the Asian Games 2023 on Monday as Harmapreet Kaur & Co. defeated Sri Lanka by 19 runs in the final. In what was the Indian cricket team's first-ever participation in the Asian Games' cricketing events, the women's team claimed the top podium spot after producing a fine all-round effort. Though cricket has been a part of the Asian Games in 2010 and 2014, neither the men's nor the women's Indian team had participated in the event.Batting first, Harmanpreet's girls put 116 runs on the board for the loss of 7 wickets. With the ball, India put a stunning display on the 22-yard strip, restricting Sri Lanka to just 87/8. Titas Sadhu was the pick of the bowlers for India, bagging 3 wickets for just 6 runs in 4 overs.As for the match, the Indian team elected to bat first after winning the toss, that marked the return of Harmanpreet Kaur after 2-match suspension. After the early dismissal of Shafali Verma, opener Smriti Mandhana and Jemimah Rodrigues rebuilt the innings.Inoka Ranaweera gave SL the much-needed breakthrough, getting rid of Smriti for 46 off 45 balls with four boundaries and a six. India was 89/2 in 14.5 overs and the 73-run stand between Mandhana-Rodrigues was over.That wicket caused a collapse in the Indian innings as except for Rodrigues, who scored 42 in 40 balls with five fours, no other batter could stand tall against the Lankan side. India ended their innings at 116/7 in 20 overs.Kumari (2/30), Ranaweera (2/21) and Udeshika Prabodhani (2/16) were among the wickets for Sri Lanka.In the chase of 117 runs, Sri Lanka was troubled by medium-pacer Titas Sandhu, who dismissed the top order consisting of skipper Chamari Athapaththu (12), Anushka Sanjeewani (1) and Vishmi Gunaratne (0), reducing SL to 14/3 in 4.2 overs.Hasini Perera and Nilakshi de Silva had started to rebuild the Lankan innings, helping them cross the 50-run mark in 9.3 overs. But Rajeshwari Gayakwad turned the tide in India's favour by removing Hasini for 25 off 22 balls, with four boundaries and a six. SL was 50/4 in 9.5 overs.From then on, the road to gold got tougher for SL, as spinners Deepti Sharma and Devika Vaidya restricted the run flow. But Nilakshi and Oshadi Ranasinghe fought back with some boundaries, leaving SL with 43 to get in the final five overs.But Pooja Vastrakar, India's star in the semifinal with the ball, removed Nilakshi for 23 off 34 balls, ending a fighting 28-run partnership. SL was 78/5 in 16.1 overs.Deepti also removed Ranasinghe, who played a fighting knock of 19 in 26 balls. SL was 86/6 in 17.4 overs.
The World Cup will be staged in India for the first time in 12 years, and Dil Jashn Bole brilliantly captures the happiness, laughter, and excitement that the occasion promises to bring to all of us.Dil Jashn Bole, the forthcoming World Cup's official theme song, was presented by the International Cricket Council (ICC) on Wednesday. This year's World Cup will be held in India.Bollywood actor Ranveer Singh plays the major part in the music video, which was created by Pritam as a celebration of cricket and India. A number of other well-known celebrities and content creators are also featured, including choreographer and Yuzvendra Chahal's wife Dhanashree Verma.The World Cup will be staged in India for the first time in 12 years, and Dil Jashn Bole brilliantly captures the happiness, laughter, and excitement that the occasion promises to bring to all of us. The song, which was composed by Shloke Lal and Saaveri Verma, was performed by a number of singers, including Nakash Aziz, Sreerama Chandra, Amit Mishra, Jonita Gandhi, AKASA, and Charan. The ICC Men's Cricket World Cup 2023 is expected to be the biggest Cricket World Cup ever, with hundreds of millions of fans around the world ready to be a part of it, according to Claire Furlong, the ICC General Manager, Marketing and Communications, in a Star Sports announcement on the release of the song.He remarked that we are eager for the world to hear the song since it so admirably captures India's fire and enthusiasm as well as that of the supporters who will make this event so memorable. He advised people to listen to the song right away and create their own hook-step after it was released since this World Cup will place fans in the middle of the action and the anthem would make them feel more involved in the game than before.In Ahmedabad's Narendra Modi Stadium, the 2019 World Cup final between England and New Zealand will be reenacted on October 5 and the World Cup final will occur on Sunday, November 19, also in the same venue.Also Read: Rohit Sharma Virat Kohli and Hardik Pandya set to miss first 2 odis against Australia
India dropped four regular members for the first two matches against AustraliaIndia now looks ahead to their last and final practice for the ODI World Cup at home as they take on five-time champions Australia in a three-match series beginning September 22 after their perfectly timed Asia Cup title haul in Colombo on Sunday, where they defeated Sri Lanka by 10 wickets. The selection committee made up to four changes, when most people would have anticipated India to remain the same save for that one injury issue involving Axar Patel.Ajit Agarkar, the chief selector for the BCCI, read out the roster for the three-match home series against Pat Cummins' team virtually the day after India's Asia Cup victory. India selected a 15-member team for the opening two games and a 17-member team for the championship match.India lost four regular players for the first two games in Baroda on September 27, while the selectors only recruited two additional players to their 15-member World Cup team for the final match. The squad was without Kuldeep Yadav, Hardik Pandya, Virat Kohli, and Rohit Sharma for the first two games.Responding to a question from the press, Agarkar revealed: "Few of the players have been given a breather. Rohit has taken a break.""Luckily we got a fair amount of cricket at the Asia Cup," Agarkar added. "If not, we would've looked at it some other way. More than physical, sometimes guys need a mental break, which isn't a bad thing leading into a tournament like the World Cup."For the third game, everyone will be available. We will play our World Cup squad. This [squad for the first two ODIs] gives us a chance to give guys sitting outside a chance. It's still a strong squad. Like I said, if we hadn't got a lot of cricket at the Asia Cup, who knows, we may have thought differently."Rohit and Kohli had both been rested for the West Indies ODI series and had only returned to the set-up in the Asia Cup. In a bid to test India's bench strength, both had relinquished their original batting spot in the first ODI match against West Indies before being rested for the second and third game. They had later missed the T20I contest and the tour of Ireland as well.In fact, Hardik led India in place of Rohit in the last two ODIs. Hardik has participated in every ODI match against the West Indies. While both were resting for the Ireland tour, Kuldeep also participated in the competition.In the first two games against Australia, KL Rahul will serve as the captain and Ravindra Jadeja as his backup. Tilak Varma and Ruturaj Gaikwad have been chosen for the first two games, and they will both be heading the Indian team at the Asian Games later this month.Also Read: Top 10 fantasy cricket websites in india
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