BGT 2024: Rohit Sharma’s Participation Uncertain In The First Two Tests
Indian Cricket Team Captain – Rohit Sharma might not be available for early matches in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 due to personal reasons. Rohit Sharma To Miss These Many Matches Sources revealed that Rohit Sharma has already informed the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) of his situation. With this, he will, therefore, have to miss at least one of the first two test matches or quite probably, both the test matches in the five-match series which will get under way on November 22, 2024. When Will Rohit Sharma Join The Team? While reports suggest that the BCCI is aware of the situation where Rohit may miss a couple of games in the series owing to a personal reason, little is known of this particular issue. There is still hope that he will be able to sort out the problem and make it into the series with his fellow mates.. How It May Affect The Team India may receive in a high-pressure series against the reigning World Test Championship Winners – Australia. Rohit Sharma had to be present. India may face a huge problem without him, both leadership vise as well as batting as the tourists eye good performance on the Australian soil. Who Might Lead In Rohit’s Absence? There is no official statement from the BCCI regarding who might be at the help of affairs for India in the absence of Rohit Sharma. However, guys like Shubman Gill, Jasprit Bumrah, KL Rahul and Suryakumar Yadav (if selected for the red ball side) are in the train. Fans and teammates are excitedly waiting for the BGT 2024-25, along with updates on Rohit Sharma’s situation. Everybody wants an early resolution so that he can join the squad for the complete five tests in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. The Sportz Planet Desk,Atharva Shetye
How An Ordinary Mumbai Boy Became A Household Name In Cricket
A young boy from Mumbai dreaming of playing cricket at the highest level spending countless hours on the bustling maidans of the city. That boy is Rohit Sharma and today he’s not just a cricketer but a legend in the making. From The Grassroots Rohit’s journey began in the narrow lanes of Borivali, where he first picked up a bat. As a child he was mesmerized by the game and with every swing, he inched closer to his dream. His raw talent was soon spotted by the Dronacharya Awardee, Mr. Dinesh Lad, who converted Rohit from a raw material to a finished product. Listen From Rohit’s Dronacharya Rohit quickly rose through the ranks, making his debut for Indian Cricket Team in 2007. However it wasn’t an easy ride. Early in his career, consistency eluded him and there were whispers about his potential being unfulfilled. Rohit earned his initial IPL contract at the Deccan Chargers in the inaugural season of the league and then shifted to the Mumbai Indians in IPL 2011 season. Since then Rohit has been the face of Mumbai Indians with his spectacular performances. Shifting To The Top Gear Everything changed in 2013 when Rohit was asked to open the innings in ODIs. It was as if a switch flipped. The world witnessed a different Rohit Sharma—one who could single-handedly change the course of a game. His elegant yet powerful stroke play earned him the nickname “Hitman” and a label that stuck after he smashed multiple double centuries, a record that stands unmatched. Rohit’s Family: A First Priority Beyond the cricket field, Rohit’s life is just as remarkable. He married Ritika Sajdeh in 2015, his close confidante and manager. Their bond is often highlighted in the media, especially their adorable daughter, Samaira, who was born in 2018. Rohit Sharma’s journey from the dusty maidans of Mumbai is a story of perseverance, raw talent and an unyielding love for the game. His rise to becoming one of the most feared openers in cricket didn’t happen overnight—it was the result of years of dedication and an unwavering belief in his abilities. Whether he’s smashing centuries at Wankhede or leading India to victory, Rohit embodies the spirit of a true sportsman. His story isn’t just about records and titles, it’s about inspiring millions to chase their dreams no matter where they start. The Sportz Planet Desk,Nitya Sutrave
Five Indian Cricketers with Highest Brand Value in 2024
In India, cricketers are much more than just athletes. Each of them is a national icon celebrated for their influence on and off the field. Here’s a look at the top five Indian cricketers in 2024 who have the highest estimated brand value. 1. Virat Kohli – $228 million (approx. 1912 cr) Leading from the front is Virat Kohli, whose brand value has risen meteorically because of his aggressive play, consistency and worldwide appeal. Kohli’s brand goes beyond cricket and is interpreted as a way of life representing fitness, lifestyle and aspiration. His endorsement deals range from sports equipment to personal care products, making him an absolute delight for brands looking to target the youth segment. 2. MS Dhoni – $91.4 million (approx. 766 cr) Even after his retirement from international cricket, MS Dhoni continued to be a brand powerhouse. With a cool demeanor and a mind that works like a strategy chart, Dhoni has been associated with brands that emphasize reliability and leadership. He endorses automotive, real estate and sports equipment—reflecting his status as a composed and successful leader. 3. Sachin Tendulkar – $91.4 million (approx. 766 cr) Even years after his retirement, Sachin Tendulkar‘s brand value remains. On account of his legendary status in the game of cricket, brand endorsements focus on legacy, trust and his affiliation with cricket-loving households across India. The image of a role model stays with brands related to education, health and sports. 4. Rohit Sharma – $41 million (approx. 344 cr) A rise in brand value for Rohit Sharma comes on the back of some stellar performances and leadership roles for the stylish batsman in limited-overs cricket. His endorsement portfolio comprises fashion, sports and lifestyle brands because of his stylish yet aggressive gameplay that modern urban Indians look up to. 5. Hardik Pandya – $29.6 million (approx. 249 cr) Hardik Pandya has risen really fast due to his dynamic all-rounder skills. Charisma and energy have made him a darling of the youth-centric brands in fitness, fashion and lifestyle—what has been enough to indubitably put him at the pinnacle of brand ambassadors. There is an exemplary case of these cricketers regarding how cricket has taken on cultural and commercial muscle in India, with athletes turning into icons who affected trends, lifestyles and market dynamics. The Sportz Planet desk,Atharva Shetye
Shreyas Iyer Opens Up On How Rohit Sharma’s Distinct Way of Communicating Impacts Team
While Rohit Sharma continues to win hearts with his performance, both with the bat and with his on-field antics, the hilarious stump mic conversations and words like “ye” and “wo” at the time of playing have become sources of entertainment for Indian cricket fans. The endearing and occasionally forgetful nature of Rohit only seems to add to his charm, converting him in reality to a true entertainer on the field. Shreyas Iyer Shares Insights on Rohit’s Quirky Communication There was much buzz recently at the CEAT Cricket Awards held in Mumbai on Rohit’s quirky style of communication. One of his colleagues who has shared the cricketing field for several years now is Shreyas Iyer. He shed light on what it is like to work with Rohit Sharma and how the team handles situations where the skip constantly uses ambiguous words. “These are like fill-in-the-blanks for us. We just visualize whom he can refer to at that time and we understand his feelings. We have been playing together for so many years. And what he is trying to say is not that he keeps beating around the bush. We know what exactly he means,” said Shreyas Iyer. Simple Logic by Rohit Sharma in Response Rohit, who is known for his straight forwardness, turned around and replied to Iyer’s remarks with a simple logic in his way of communicating. He said that he wants every player to be himself on the field and, as a leader, he applies the same rule on himself. The relaxed and humorous approach would not only keep the team content but also positive in keeping an ambiance within the squad. A Night of Celebrations at the CEAT Cricket Awards It was a memorable night at the CEAT Cricket Awards for both cricketers. Rohit Sharma won the prestigious Men’s International Cricketer of the Year, where he was lauded for his spectacular performance on the international platform, and Shreyas Iyer bagged the award for “Outstanding Leadership” in the IPL 2024 season, where he led the Kolkata Knight Riders to a title win. Camaraderie and Success Donning the blue jersey, Rohit and Shreyas have been assets for Indian cricket, and both on and off the cricket field, the camaraderie they share is unmatchable. The friendship and mutual respect were there for all to see, and the camaraderie they shared was visible with the success they tasted together in the CEAT Cricket Awards. The fans will continue to have more fun, not just with Rohit’s comic timing but also with how effective a leader he can actually be. The Sportz Planet Desk,Atharva Shetye
26th CEAT Cricket Rating Awards: Rohit, Kohli And Other Award Winners
The 26th CEAT Cricket Rating Awards was held in Mumbai on Wednesday, 21st August, 2024. This event marked the outstanding performances in both international and domestic cricket fields by those individuals who have worked hard to showcase talent and leadership skills throughout the year. Here is a complete list of award winners at the 26th CEAT Cricket Rating Awards. Sr. No Award Winner 1 CEAT Lifetime Achievement Award Rahul Dravid 2 CEAT Men’s International Cricketer Of The Year Rohit Sharma 3 CEAT Men’s ODI Batter Of The Year Virat Kohli 4 CEAT Men’s ODI Bowler Of The Year Mohammad Shami 5 CEAT Men’s Test Batter Of The Year Yashashvi Jaiswal 6 CEAT Men’s Test Bowler Of The Year Ravichandran Ashwin 7 CEAT Men’s T20I Batter Of The Year Phil Salt 8 CEAT Men’s T20I Bowler Of The Year Tim Southee 9 CEAT Domestic Cricketer Of The Year Sai Kishore 10 CEAT Women’s Indian Batter Of The Year Smriti Mandhana 11 CEAT Women’s Indian Bowler Of The Year Deepti Sharma 12 Memento – Most Matches As A Captain In Women’s T20I History Harmanpreet Kaur 13 Memento For Outstanding Leadership For TATA IPL Shreyas Iyer 14 Memento For Fastest Double Century In Women’s Test Shafali Verma 15 CEAT Award for Excellence In Sports Administration Jay Shah The 26th CEAT Cricket Rating Awards kept on continuing the celebration of cricketing excellence with many eyeballs as the world of cricket, celebrities, and sports lovers came under one umbrella. It acknowledged not just individual brilliance but also reinstated the fact that cricket binds and keeps. The Sportz Planet Desk,Atharva Shetye
SL vs IND: Sri Lanka Tame India after 27 Years
After 27 long years, Sri Lanka has managed to end its losing streak in ODI series against India. The last time the island nation was successful against India was back in 1997 when the former defeated India by a margin of 3-0. Sri Lanka Sets Challenging Target Sri Lanka, through its sterling performance, managed to trounce India in the third and final ODI by 110 runs to notch up their first-ever series victory over India in the 50-over format since 1997. This victory was therefore a huge one, given that it came just after they failed to qualify for the upcoming Champions Trophy. India Faces Tough Chase Thanks to Avishka Fernando’s impressive 96 runs, Sri Lanka set a 248-run target. In the first two ODIs, India had struggled to chase targets of 231 and 241; a highest target of the series against Sri Lanka on a dry, difficult pitch was always going to be tough. India started well in their chase with the smashing of Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli on the other hand misfired. The other Indian batters fell quickly in the face of some good spin magic by Wellalage and lost six wickets in under 13 overs. Dunith Wellalage was the star for Sri Lanka with his left-arm spin, picking four of the first six Indian wickets. He removed Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli. India’s middle-order collapse saw them lose a record 24 wickets to spin in this series, any bilateral ODI series. At 92/6, India still had Shivam Dube and debutant Riyan Parag at the crease. Parag, included to beef up the middle order, was bowled by Jeffrey Vandersay. Another change in the team, Rishabh Pant replacing KL Rahul, didn’t make much of a difference. Also know more on Riyan Parag’s ODI debut for the Indian Cricket Team against Sri Lanka. Sri Lanka Seals the Win Wellalage cleaned up Kuldeep Yadav to claim his fifth wicket as India’s innings folded for 138 in 26.1 overs. Nine of India’s wickets fell to spin, and Wellalage became the first spinner to take a five-wicket haul against India more than once. Sri Lanka’s Strong Start Earlier, Sri Lanka openers Pathum Nissanka and Fernando shared a solid 89-run opening stand. Axar Patel broke the opening stand as Nissanka was dismissed. Fernando batted well as he hit a half-century before getting out to Parag, who ended up taking three wickets. Despite losing the middle order, Kusal Mendis scored a final overs fifty to help Sri Lanka add 31 runs in the last three overs. Memorable Series Win for Sri Lanka The total proved to be more than adequate as Sri Lanka pulled off a memorable series win – its first set of back-to-back ODI victories over India since August 2010. The Sportz Planet Desk,Atharva Shetye
SL vs IND: Head to Head In ODI’s
The ODI series will see India and Sri Lanka moving to Colombo right after the series conclusion of the T20I series. In the IND vs SL ODI series, there are three matches scheduled for the series, out of which the first one is on Friday, August 2, 2024. The return of captain Rohit Sharma, who comes back into the team following Suryakumar Yadav‘s captaincy in the T20I series, will certainly boost India. Indeed, Sharma is the captain of the team in both ODIs and Tests. It will be the same case for Sri Lanka, who will retain Charith Asalanka as their skipper for the ODI series. Though he was not able to handle his team as expected in the T20I series with an end result of 3-0. Ahead of the IND vs SL 1st ODI at the R Premadasa Stadium, here are the complete head-to-head records between India and Sri Lanka in One Day Internationals. Check out more insights from the ODI leg of India’s tour of Sri Lanka here. Head-To-Head India has played 168 ODI matches against Sri Lanka. Out of these, India has won 99, while Sri Lanka has won 57 games. Besides, 11 matches ended without a result, and 1 match ended in a tie. INDIA vs SRI LANKA HEAD-TO-HEAD IN ODI’s CATEGORY INDIA SRI LANKA Matches Played 168 168 Matches Won 99 57 Matches Lost 57 99 No Result 11 11 Tied 1 1 Home Wins 40 28 Away Wins 32 12 Neutral Venue Wins 27 17 Head-to-Head: Recent 5 Encounters Of the last five ODI outings between these two teams, all have been won by India. However, the home series in July 2021 did see Sri Lanka win one ODI game out of the three. Of these five matches, three have been hosted in India and two in Sri Lanka. India will eye to add one more series win against their name while Sri Lanka will be playing for their pride after a 3-0 loss in theT20I series. The Sportz Planet Desk,Atharva Shetye
SL vs IND: ODI Series Kicks Off in Colombo
The three-match ODI series between India and Sri Lanka gets underway on Friday, 2ns August, 2024 at the R. Premadasa International Cricket Stadium in Colombo. Big Names Return for India Bolstered by the return of senior players, including captain Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, K.L. Rahul, and Kuldeep Yadav, the Indian Cricket Team is looking to keep the winning momentum going. Unlike the T20 format, India has an extremely solid core for the 50-over game; this series will go a long way in cementing places within the team and grooming future talent. Squad Focus and Strategy With only six ODIs to be played before the ICC Champions Trophy in February 2025, the upcoming series becomes very important for the new coach and captain to stamp their strategy. The third pacer to complement Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj features at the top of the list of areas to focus on. On the other hand, Mohammed Shami, an exceptional performer in the World Cup last year, will be tried alongside new talent like Arshdeep Singh, Khaleel Ahmed, and IPL sensation Harshit Rana. The blinding six-wicket haul was by Siraj at this very venue during the Asia Cup, so he will spearhead the pace attack. Wicketkeeper Dilemma Another call pending for the Indian team is at the wicketkeeper’s position. K.L. Rahul has been effective both as a batsman and ‘keeper, but with Rishabh Pant back in the ODI set-up, the team has a strategic call to make. Pant would provide an extra left-hand option in batting, but may restrict India to five bowlers. Sri Lanka’s Injury Woes It’s an injurious start to the series for Sri Lanka, with key pacers Dilshan Madushanka and Matheesha Pathirana out of action. Clearly a case of improvements needed, their struggles in the T20 series were marked by middle-order collapses. A second-string pace attack makes Sri Lanka heavily dependent on their spinners to test India’s strong batting line-up. The team is keen to end a ten-match losing streak against India and provide a boost for their fans. INDIA Rohit Sharma (Capt.), Ꮪhubman Gill, Virat Kohli, K.L. Rahul, Rishabh Pant, Shreyas Iyer, Shivam Dube, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohd. Siraj, Washington Sundar, Arshdeep Singh, Riyan Parag, Axar Patel, Khaleel Ahmed, Harshit Rana. SRI LANKA Charith Asalanka (Capt.), Pathum Nissanka, Avishka Fernando, Kusal Mendis, Sadeera Samarawickrama, Kamindu Mendis, Janith Liyanage, Nishan Madushka, Wanindu Hasaranga, Dunith Wellalage, Chamika Karunaratne, Maheesh Theekshana, Akila Dananjaya, Asitha Fernando, Mohamed Shiraz and Eshan Malinga. Match Details The first ODI will start at 14:30 IST and both the teams will be looking to start the series on a winning note. The Sportz Planet Desk,Atharva Shetye
SL vs IND: Team India’s ODI Team Combination Blueprint
The Indian Cricket Team would be taking on Sri Lanka in a day’s time. The T20I leg of the series starts from the 27th of July, 2024 with the 1st T20I at Pallekele, Sri Lanka. The ODI’s start from the 2nd of August, 2024 in Colombo, Sri Lanka. Focussing on the ODI’s, the Indian Cricket Team is in search of balance and right combinations as the men in blue prepare for the Champions Trophy 2025 and also the ICC Men’s ODI World Cup 2027. However, there are a couple of questions to be answered. The Best Fit Out of KL Rahul, Shreyas Iyer and Rishabh Pant? The ODI squad composition is under scrutiny, particularly the middle-order spots. With Rohit, Gill and Kohli cemented at the top and Hardik Pandya’s place secured when fit, the selectors face a dilemma. KL Rahul and Shreyas Iyer, once mainstays, now find their positions challenged by Rishabh Pant. Pant’s recovery and subsequent performance have put him back in contention, making the Sri Lanka ODIs crucial for these players to stake their claim. The selectors might have to make tough choices, balancing between batting depth and allrounder utility. What Can We Expect from India’s Fast-Bowling Cartel? Managing a heavy test match schedule on the horizon is a must. Jasprit Bumrah has been rested while Mohammed Shami is on a comeback trail from injury. Mohammed Siraj is expected to lead the bowling attack in both formats during the tour. Arshdeep Singh, having established himself in T20Is will look to impress in the 50-over format. Khaleel Ahmed and Harshit Rana, selected for T20Is and ODIs respectively, along with Mukesh Kumar, Avesh Khan, and Mayank Yadav, have opportunities to make a mark in the Indian bowling lineup. With the questions on the right player to man the middle order and the rising stars set to take responsibility, India’s tour of Sri Lanka surely is going to be a ‘Gambhir Maamla’ to watch out for. Also read about what’s happening with the Indian Cricket Team in T20Is here. The Sportz Planet Desk,Atharva Shetye
Gautam Gambhir Focuses on Team Unity and Professionalism As New Head Coach
After being appointed as the head coach of the Indian men’s senior team, Gautam Gambhir made a prompt and punctual appearance at his first media interaction on Monday, 22nd of July, 2024. Accompanied by national selection committee chairman Ajit Agarkar, Gambhir shared his vision for fostering a harmonious team atmosphere and spoke candidly about his relationship with Virat Kohli. On-Field Rivalry Turned Professional Respect Gambhir, who has had his share of intense on-field clashes with Kohli during the IPL, emphasized that their professional relationship is now based on mutual respect and maturity. “It’s good for the TRP, but our relationship is not public. What kind of a relationship I share with Virat Kohli… I think it’s between two mature individuals,” he said. “On the field, everyone has the right to fight for their own jersey and come back to a winning dressing room. But at the moment, we’re representing India, representing 140 crore Indians and I’m sure we’re going to be on the same page and try and make India proud.“ Optimistic Collaboration with Kohli Gambhir also highlighted that he has been in regular contact with Kohli, looking forward to their collaboration. “I have had a lot of chat with him… we’ve shared messages. It’s not important what we discussed or how many chats I have had with him. Just because we want headlines, it’s not important,” he said. “Right now, the most important thing is we both are going to be working extremely hard to make India proud. And that’s our job.“ Future of Senior Players: Kohli and Rohit Discussing the future of senior players Kohli and Rohit Sharma, Gambhir assured fans that both players remain motivated and ready to contribute to the team’s success in upcoming tournaments like the Champions Trophy and the tour of Australia. “I think they’ve shown what they can deliver on the big stage. Whether it is the T20 World Cup or the ODI World Cup. I think both of those guys have a lot more to offer. We’ve got the Champions Trophy, a tour of Australia, so they will be motivated,” Gambhir said. “Hopefully, they can keep their fitness till the 2027 ODI World Cup. To say how much cricket is left in them is difficult. Any team that has players of their class would love to have them for as long as possible.“ Managing Workloads: Focus on Fast Bowlers On the crucial issue of managing player workloads, particularly for key fast bowlers like Jasprit Bumrah, Gambhir stressed its importance. “He is one rare bowler, who anyone would want. You want him to play important games. That’s why the workload management for not just him but fast bowlers is important,” he explained. Support Staff Setup: Key Appointments Gambhir also shared his satisfaction with the support staff setup, announcing that Abhishek Nayar and Ryan ten Doeschate will join as assistant coaches, with T. Dilip continuing as the fielding coach. “I am really happy with BCCI. They’ve agreed with most things I’ve asked for. The crux of the support staff will remain as they are. The rest of the staff will be finalised after the Sri Lanka tour,” he said. He also hinted at the possible appointment of Morne Morkel as the bowling coach, with Sairaj Bahutule stepping in on an interim basis for the Sri Lanka tour. Gambhir’s approach emphasizing on unity and professional excellence promises to bring a fresh dynamic to Indian cricket as the men in blue gear up for the start of the Gambhir era. The Sportz Planet Desk,Atharva Shetye
