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Category: Cricket on Social Media

  • IND vs PAK Asia Cup 2023: Shoaib Akhtar Relieved by Rain Interruption, Criticizes Pakistan’s Decision to Bowl First

    IND vs PAK Asia Cup 2023: Shoaib Akhtar Relieved by Rain Interruption, Criticizes Pakistan’s Decision to Bowl First

    Akhtar criticized the decision made by Pakistan’s captain to bowl first, as Indian openers Shubman Gill and Rohit Sharma established a formidable opening partnership of 121 runs in under 17 overs. Both openers reached their fifties during the partnership, with Rohit Sharma achieving his 50th ODI fifty and Gill scoring his eighth.

    IND vs PAK Asia Cup 2023: Shoaib Akhtar Relieved by Rain Interruption, Criticizes Pakistan's Decision to Bowl First

    Indian skipper Rohit Sharma displayed dominance against Pakistan spinner Shadab Khan, while Gill hit six boundaries off Shaheen Afridi’s first three overs. Shadab Khan finally dismissed Rohit Sharma in the 17th over, breaking the opening partnership. Shaheen Afridi quickly followed by dismissing Shubman Gill in the very next over. With Virat Kohli (8) and KL Rahul (17) at the crease, India added another 24 runs off 38 balls before rain intervened in the 25th over, suspending play.

    Shoaib Akhtar, on his official X handle (formerly Twitter), commented on the rain interruption, suggesting that rain had come to Pakistan’s rescue after India’s strong start.

    “Well, I don’t see this starting again. Colombo’s rain is crazy,” Akhtar wrote on X while sharing a video of himself.

    “I don’t see the game starting again,” Shoaib Akhtar stated in the video. He expressed hope that the match could conclude and resume the following day. He also questioned the decision to choose to bowl first.

    “I came to watch the match, and we are all waiting, Indian and Pakistani fans. Rain saved us, rain saved India the other day, but today rain saved us,” Akhtar remarked.

    Also Read: IND vs PAK Asia Cup 2023: Virat Kohli Commends Rohit Sharma for Outstanding Half-century against Pakistan

    The India-Pakistan game is scheduled for a reserve day on Monday (September 11). If the match is rained out on Sunday, it will continue on Monday from the point it left off. Nevertheless, the umpires are eager to complete the match on Sunday itself, even if a 20-overs-per-side game can be played.

  • Kamran Akmal Criticizes Pakistan’s Toss Decision as a “Blunder”

    Kamran Akmal Criticizes Pakistan’s Toss Decision as a “Blunder”

    In the Super Four match of the Asia Cup 2023, Pakistan won the toss and chose to bowl first against India. They opted to stick with their original playing XI, which included Faheem Ashraf as an extra seam bowling option instead of spinner Mohammad Nawaz.

    Kamran Akmal Criticizes Pakistan's Toss Decision as a "Blunder"

    In contrast, India made two significant changes to their playing XI. Jasprit Bumrah replaced Mohammed Shami, while KL Rahul came in for Shreyas Iyer, who had experienced a back spasm.

    Unlike their previous encounter in the Asia Cup 2023, India’s opening pair of Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill provided the team with a rapid start. The Indian captain began cautiously but accelerated after settling in, launching a flurry of boundaries. Gill, on the other hand, was aggressive right from the outset and proved to be a formidable challenge for Pakistan’s premier pacer, Shaheen Afridi.

    Given India’s dominant start with the bat, Kamran Akmal took to X to criticize Pakistan’s decision to bowl first in the match.

    “Not batting first after winning the toss in Colombo… Is a BLUNDER,” Kamran Akmal remarked.

    During the toss, Pakistan’s captain, Babar Azam, justified their decision to bowl first by mentioning that they wanted to exploit the moisture on the surface. “We will bowl first. I think there is a bit of moisture, we need to use that. Always, India vs. Pakistan is high intensity, but we will take it match by match. As a team, we are playing well, and we are focused on this one. No changes.”

    Also Read: IND vs PAK, Asia Cup 2023: Here’s What Will Happen Next if Rain Washes Out the Match Today

    Rohit Sharma, on the other hand, stated that India got what they wanted as they had planned to bat first in the match. “Looking to bat first. There will be a challenge upfront, but the way our guys batted last time around gives us confidence. Every game is important for us, but we are focusing on one thing at a time,” Rohit Sharma commented.

  • BCCI Hijacked by MI Lobby: Sanju Samson Fans Blast BCCI for World Cup Squad Snub

    BCCI Hijacked by MI Lobby: Sanju Samson Fans Blast BCCI for World Cup Squad Snub

    Indian Cricket Team revealed its 15-man squad for the upcoming ICC ODI World Cup 2023, and unfortunately, Sanju Samson has missed out. He was left out to accommodate the likes of KL Rahul and Suryakumar Yadav.

    KL Rahul has been out of action since he suffered an injury during the IPL 2023. He was included in the Asia Cup 2023 squad but ended up missing the first two matches. Despite that, the Indian team has persisted with Rahul and ignored Samson.

    On the other hand, Suryakumar Yadav has been a flop show in ODIs so far. He is also in the squad, but Samson, who has a great average and strike rate, has missed out. The shocking exclusion of Samson sent the fans into a frenzy, and they reacted against this on X, formerly known as Twitter.

    Also read: India 15 Men Squad for ODI World Cup 2023 Announced: Samson, Chahal Ignored, Surya, Iyer, Rahul & Kishan Included

    Sanju Samson Fans Blast BCCI for World Cup Squad Snub

  • Gautam Gambhir Explains Viral Video Incident: ‘Reacted to Anti-India Chants,’ Says the former Indian Cricketer

    Gautam Gambhir Explains Viral Video Incident: ‘Reacted to Anti-India Chants,’ Says the former Indian Cricketer

    On September 4, 2023, India faced Nepal in the ongoing Asia Cup in Pallekele. Nepal was asked to bat first and set a target of 231 runs for the Men in Blue, but amid this encounter, former Team India international Gautam Gambhir found himself in the spotlight.

    Gambhir, who was also doing commentary during the match, became the subject of social media chatter due to a viral video showing him making a controversial gesture towards the crowd during the India vs. Pakistan clash in Pallekele on September 2.

    Gautam Gambhir Explains Viral Video Incident: 'Reacted to Anti-India Chants,' Says the former Indian Cricketer

    During this video, a chant of ‘Kohli, Kohli’ or ‘Dhoni, Dhoni’ could be heard, leading to criticism from many fans on social media. However, during the India vs. Nepal match, Gambhir took the opportunity to clarify the circumstances surrounding the viral video.

    Here is the incident video:

    Gambhir stated in an interview with reporters that the reality on social media had been misconstrued. He pointed out that it was in response to anti-India chants from Pakistani fans that he made the gesture.

    Here is the explanation video:

    “What is shown on social media isn’t necessarily the truth. People portray what they want to on social media. The actual scenario was that anti-India slogans were being chanted; I heard chants of ‘Hindustan Murdabad.’ There were also slogans about Kashmir. So, there was an obvious reaction, be it in the form of a gesture, a laugh, or something else. A couple of Pakistani individuals were shouting anti-India remarks. Obviously, it was a natural reaction. I can’t stand by while my country is being maligned,” he explained.

    Also Read: World Cup 2023: Gautam Gambhir Says Left-Handers Not Compulsory in India Playing XI

    Following this clarification, fans also expressed their views on social media. Despite being a current member of the Lok Sabha since 2019, Gambhir, who played for the national team from 2003 to 2016, appeared to react out of patriotism in response to such fans as he couldn’t tolerate disparaging remarks about his country.

  • Asia Cup 2023: Yuzvendra Chahal’s Wife Dhanashree Verma Takes a Dig at India Team Selection

    Asia Cup 2023: Yuzvendra Chahal’s Wife Dhanashree Verma Takes a Dig at India Team Selection

    Yuzvendra Chahal’s spouse, Dhanashree Verma, posted enigmatic messages a day after his exclusion from the Indian squad. Chahal, the leg-spinner, was noticeably absent from the squad revealed on Monday. Verma utilized Instagram to pose a puzzling question about whether being introverted might impede professional advancement.

    “I’m beginning to seriously ponder this: Could being extremely submissive and introverted hinder one’s career progress? Must we all be extroverted and street-smart to thrive in life?” she penned on her Instagram story.

    Asia Cup 2023: Yuzvendra Chahal's Wife Dhanashree Verma Takes a Dig at India Team Selection

    In another story, she remarked: “Ultimately, it’s a matter between you and your god. Thankfully, the world stands by you. Grateful, for God is magnificent.”

    Also read: Devisha Shetty- Suryakumar Yadav Wife Age, Profession, Photos, Instagram and More

    For the Asia Cup 2023 squad, India has included just one wrist spinner, Kuldeep Yadav. The squad also comprises Axar Patel and Ravindra Jadeja as the other spin-bowling choices. Earlier in the week, on Monday, Chahal also posted a cryptic message on his social media profiles, expressing his emotions through a sequence of emojis.

    Hardik Pandya, designated as the vice-captain, and Shardul Thakur are the two all-rounders specializing in pace bowling. Krishna, Bumrah, Siraj, and Shami have been selected as the specialist fast bowlers.

    Suryakumar Yadav, known for his unique batting prowess, has secured a spot in the squad despite his less impressive performance in ODIs until now. Every match that India plays in the Asia Cup will take place in Sri Lanka, whereas Pakistan, the host of the tournament, will have the opportunity to host four matches on their home ground.

  • Dinesh Karthik Teases ICC World Cup 2023 Involvement in Hilarious Twitter Exchange

    Dinesh Karthik Teases ICC World Cup 2023 Involvement in Hilarious Twitter Exchange

    Experienced Indian wicketkeeper-batsman Dinesh Karthik surprised fans on Tuesday, August 8, by hinting at his potential return to the ICC World Cup 2023. The highly anticipated cricket event is scheduled to take place in India from October 5 to November 19, culminating in the final match set for November 19 in Ahmedabad.

    Dinesh Karthik Teases ICC World Cup 2023 Involvement in Hilarious Twitter Exchange

    Amidst injury concerns surrounding KL Rahul and Rishabh Pant, the Indian team has been grappling with the question of who will take on the wicketkeeping duties for the World Cup. While Rahul’s comeback is anticipated for the Asia Cup 2023, there is still no official update on Pant’s recovery.

    In the pursuit of identifying a suitable wicketkeeper, Team India has been experimenting with Ishan Kishan and Sanju Samson, both of whom possess strong batting capabilities, thereby enhancing the team’s batting lineup depth. Kishan assumed the wicketkeeping role during the ODI series, while Samson took charge in the third T20I in Kishan’s absence, albeit encountering a few fumbles behind the stumps.

    Interestingly, Dinesh Karthik offered a playful response to a fan’s query on Twitter, sparking curiosity among cricket enthusiasts. When asked about his opinion on the ideal wicketkeeper for the Indian team in the upcoming World Cup, Karthik’s witty reply was, “You’ll see me in the World Cup, for sure, is what I can say.” His unexpected response led to speculation and chatter among fans, prompting Karthik to clarify that he would indeed be participating in the World Cup, albeit as a member of the commentary team.

    Karthik was part of the Indian cricket squad during the 2019 World Cup, where he joined the ranks alongside fellow wicketkeepers MS Dhoni and KL Rahul. While Dhoni assumed wicketkeeping responsibilities, Karthik contributed as a specialist batter. In the subsequent period between 2021 and 2022, he evolved into India’s designated finisher following MS Dhoni’s retirement from international cricket.

    Also Read: Twitter Applauds Prithvi Shaw’s Remarkable Double Century for Northamptonshire in Royal London One-Day Cup

    Post the T20 World Cup last year, Dinesh Karthik expanded his involvement in cricket by engaging in commentary roles, notably at the WTC 2023 final. Additionally, the 38-year-old has been enlisted as a commentator by Sky Sports for the ongoing edition of The Hundred, showcasing his diverse contributions to the cricketing arena beyond his playing career.

  • Twitter Applauds Prithvi Shaw’s Remarkable Double Century for Northamptonshire in Royal London One-Day Cup

    Twitter Applauds Prithvi Shaw’s Remarkable Double Century for Northamptonshire in Royal London One-Day Cup

    Prithvi Shaw, the Indian batsman who has been out of the national team, showcased his immense talent as he smashed his second double hundred in List A cricket. Playing for Northamptonshire in the Royal London One-Day Cup against Somerset on Wednesday, August 9, Shaw’s blazing innings saw him accumulate a remarkable 244 runs off just 153 balls.

    Twitter Applauds Prithvi Shaw's Remarkable Double Century for Northamptonshire in Royal London One-Day Cup

    Opening the batting, Shaw’s extraordinary performance contributed significantly to Northamptonshire’s imposing total of 415/8. His innings was characterized by an impressive tally of 28 fours and 11 sixes, all achieved at a remarkable strike rate of almost 160. Despite his exclusion from the national team, Shaw’s dedication to playing various formats of cricket remains evident.

    Shaw’s exceptional knock led to the shattering of several records. He became the first player to achieve double centuries in List A cricket for two different teams. Additionally, he secured the distinction of being the inaugural cricketer to notch List A centuries in two distinct countries.

    His batting prowess was showcased vividly as he registered his first century in 81 deliveries, followed by another century in just 48 balls. With this extraordinary performance, Shaw has silenced any doubts surrounding his talent and capabilities. As Shaw’s extraordinary innings resonated across social media, Twitter hailed his exceptional talent and impressive feat in the Royal London One-Day Cup.

    While Shaw’s off-field behavior and attributes prompted the BCCI to overlook him for national team selection, his commitment to his game on the field has remained steadfast. In domestic Indian cricket, Shaw consistently amasses runs for Mumbai across various tournaments, including the Duleep Trophy, Ranji Trophy, Vijay Hazare Trophy, and Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy.

    Also Read: ICC Announces Nine Rescheduled Matches in World Cup 2023 – IND vs PAK Confirmed on 14 October

    Despite his prolific domestic performances, Shaw’s international opportunities have been limited. Since his Test debut against West Indies in Rajkot in 2018, where he marked his arrival with a century, he has played only five Tests, six ODIs, and a lone T20I for India. His underwhelming performance in IPL 2023 for Delhi Capitals further added to the reasons for his exclusion, as he managed to score a mere 106 runs at an average of 13.25 in eight matches.

  • Watch: Rohit Sharma Playfully Teases Yuzvendra Chahal during the Second India vs West Indies Match

    Watch: Rohit Sharma Playfully Teases Yuzvendra Chahal during the Second India vs West Indies Match

    In a lighthearted moment during India’s second ODI against West Indies, Rohit Sharma was caught on camera playfully hitting Yuzvendra Chahal, bringing smiles to everyone’s faces. As the camera zoomed in, it became evident that Rohit was the mischievous culprit behind the playful act. The commentators couldn’t help but chuckle at the sight, with one of them jokingly stating, “Someone is having fun with Yuzvendra Chahal, and the secret is out – it’s Rohit Sharma!”

    Despite the light-hearted moment, Team India faced a disappointing six-wicket defeat, with star players Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli being rested for the match. Hardik Pandya led the side, but the team could only manage a total of 181 runs before being bowled out. West Indies, under the captaincy of Shai Hope, efficiently chased down the target in just 36.4 overs, leveling the series and ending their nine-match losing streak against India in ODIs.

    Also Read: Rinku Singh Credits Memorable Sixes for Securing India Call-up for Asian Games

    The series now heads to the decider at the Brian Lara Stadium in Trinidad. With Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli returning to the XI, Team India aims to bounce back and secure a victory, while West Indies will look to maintain their momentum after their historic win against India.

  • Wasim Jaffer’s Hilarious Meme on India’s Unconventional Batting Order during First ODI against West Indies Goes Viral

    Wasim Jaffer’s Hilarious Meme on India’s Unconventional Batting Order during First ODI against West Indies Goes Viral

    Former Indian cricketer Wasim Jaffer, renowned for his wit, couldn’t resist sharing his take on India’s unconventional batting order during the second ODI against the West Indies. He took to Twitter and posted an amusing meme, suggesting that the Men in Blue might have adopted a street cricket approach to decide their batting lineup for the match.

    Wasim Jaffer's Hilarious Meme on India's Unconventional Batting Order during First ODI against West Indies Goes Viral

    Despite the experimental approach and shuffling in the order, India secured a victory by 5 wickets. Jaffer’s tweet quickly went viral, sparking a massive engagement on social media. However, not all Indian fans were thrilled with the experimentation. While some found humor in it, others expressed concern that the team should be taking their games more seriously.

    Also Read: Ashes 2023: Glenn McGrath Raises Concerns over David Warner’s Test Career; Urges a Big Second Innings Performance

    One fan humorously quipped that the same approach might be used to finalize World Cup venues. Nevertheless, many fans were not entirely pleased to witness India losing wickets to an unproven bowling line-up. One person remarked, “It’s not good to see India losing five wickets while chasing just 115 runs against a team that hasn’t even qualified for the ODI World Cup.”

    The absence of Virat Kohli from the batting innings against the West Indies disappointed several fans who were eager to see their favorite player perform. A fan replied, “And as always, Virat was unlucky; he didn’t get to bat because of this.”

    Wasim Jaffer's Hilarious Meme on India's Unconventional Batting Order during First ODI against West Indies Goes Viral

    In the first ODI of the international series at the Kensington Oval, Barbados, India opted for a different opening duo. While Rohit Sharma and Yashasvi Jaiswal had proven to be an ideal pair in Test matches against the Windies, in the 50-over format, Ishan Kishan and Shubman Gill were entrusted with leading the innings, following an impressive display by the Indian bowling unit.

  • Watch: Rohit Sharma’s Hilarious Birthday Banter with Ishan Kishan Goes Viral

    Watch: Rohit Sharma’s Hilarious Birthday Banter with Ishan Kishan Goes Viral

    The current Indian Cricket Team has no better entertainer than skipper Rohit Sharma. The Mumbai batsman knows how to lighten up the mood, whether it’s in the dressing room or on the field with his teammates.

    Watch: Rohit Sharma's Hilarious Birthday Banter with Ishan Kishan Goes Viral

    In a recent video, India’s captain was caught asking Ishan Kishan, who was celebrating his 25th birthday, what he wanted for his special day.

    “What birthday gift do you want? What do you need, buddy? You have everything with you. You’ll have to ask the team,” Rohit Sharma said when a reporter asked what he would give Ishan Kishan as a birthday present.

    “Give me a birthday gift, brother… get a hundred,” the captain concluded, bringing laughter to the celebration.

    Rohit Sharma’s bond with his teammates is golden. He never misses a chance to pull their legs, and this time, it was Ishan Kishan’s turn.

    As the team prepares for the second Test against the West Indies, Rohit Sharma ruled out any radical changes in the winning combination. However, he mentioned that the wet weather made it challenging to gain clarity about the Queens Park Oval track.

    India secured a victory in the first Test by an innings and 141 runs. This time, the Indian captain made a welcome change by announcing Yashasvi Jaiswal’s debut and Shubman Gill’s new batting position.

    While Rohit didn’t specifically mention any player, left-arm bowler Jaydev Unadkat appeared to be the sole weak link in the batting order. He didn’t look as potent as Mohammed Siraj or Shardul Thakur in the opening Test.

    Also Read: Virat Kohli & Rohit Sharma Share Batting Insights Ahead of IND vs WI 2nd Test

    Looking at the conditions, the Indian team management may consider including a third spinner like Axar Patel to make life difficult for the Caribbeans or opt for Mukesh Kumar’s far more incisive swing bowling.

    Rohit Sharma also expects the West Indies to bounce back in the historic Test between the two countries. He feels that both teams have a rich history and have played exceptional cricket against each other.

    “It’s an honor to be leading the Indian team into this game; it’s not something that happens every day. I expect no different in this Test because the two teams have so much history and so much good cricket played.”

    “I am confident that they (the West Indies) will recover, and it will be exciting for both teams.”