Former Indian cricket team spinner Harbhajan Singh did not include both Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma while picking the top three batters in the world. The top pick for the cricketer, who won the 2007 T20 World Cup as well as the 2011 ODI World Cup, was the legendary Sachin Tendulkar. He also named former South Africa all-rounder Jacques Kallis and West Indies great Brian Lara as his other two options. In a video that has gone viral on social media, Harbhajan was asked to choose the top three batters in the world and he went for three legendary options rather than any player who are currently playing the game.

Former Indian cricket team batter Robin Uthappa also did not include Rohit and Virat as he went with Sir Vivian Richards, Tendulkar and Lara as his three options.

Former Australia captain Aaron Finch also picked Tendulkar and Lara with his third choice being the legendary Australia cricket team captain Ricky Ponting.

“Obviously, Sachin, the record that he had over… Ricky Ponting for the impact that he had on Australian cricket, Brian Lara, just the sheer entertaining value,” Finch said.

However, former India all-rounder Suresh Raina included both Rohit and Virat in his Top 3 along with England cricketer Joe Root.

Earlier, Harbhajan Singh congratulated Gautam Gambhir on his new innings as the Team India head coach.

“I am sure that your experience, energy, passion, aggression and talent will steer the team on the path of excellence. My best wishes to you. Good luck buddy,” wrote Harbhajan.

Anil Kumble commented: “Congratulations Gautam Gambhir. Wishing you the best!” Former Indian batter Robin Uthappa who was his opening partner in their 2014-IPL title winning campaign, also chipped in with a congratulatory message.

“Congratulations bro!! Can’t wait to see the men’s team flourish under your able guidance. Wishing you the best for the new role. Lots of love!!” Uthappa posted on X.

Test stalwart Cheteshwar Pujara wrote, “Congratulations and best wishes Gauti bhai!”

(With PTI inputs)

England fast-bowling great James Anderson has admitted that legendary Indian batter Sachin Tendulkar is the toughest opponent he has faced in his career. As Anderson draws the curtains on an illustrious career, he has revealed that Tendulkar would be the batsman to whom he would not know what to bowl. Anderson is one of only three bowlers to take more than 700 Test wickets (701* at the time of writing), but even he has admitted that he would not have a game plan against Tendulkar.

Speaking to Sky Sports in a fan Q&A, Anderson said: “The best batter I would have to say is Sachin Tendulkar.”

“I don’t remember having a specific game plan against Sachin Tendulkar,” Anderson said. “I would just think that I cannot bowl a bad ball here, he was that kind of player,” he added.

“If you get him out in India, the whole atmosphere in the ground changes. He was such a big wicket,” Anderson continued.

Despite this revelation, however, it must be noted that Anderson was fairly successful against Tendulkar. In fact, the seamer got him out on eight separate occasions.

“You just try on bowling your best ball, top of off-stump, the whole time and hope he misses a straight one. In England, he might knick the odd one, but generally, I’d try and get him out LBW early,” Anderson explained.

Tendulkar amassed nearly 16,000 Test runs in his career, and averaged over 50 against England, with a best score of 193.

Anderson calls time on his career

After 188 Test matches, James Anderson is playing the final Test of his career at Lord’s as West Indies tour England. However, after West Indies were put into bat, it was pace partner Gus Atkinson who stole the show, grabbing seven wickets to bundle out the opposition for just 121. Anderson picked up just the one wicket, of no. 11 batter Jayden Seales.

Legendary Indian cricketer Sachin Tendulkar extended birthday wishes to compatriot and batting legend Sunil Gavaskar, who turned 75 on Wednesday, saying that he served as an inspiration to the future generations of Indian cricket and it owes a lot to him for his services. Gavaskar, one of the best Test batters produced by India and the first man ever to reach 10,000 Test runs, turned 75 on Wednesday. Tendulkar hailed Gavaskar as one of his heroes and for becoming “younger and energetic” day by day, and still being involved passionately with cricket.

Taking to X, Sachin wrote about his idol and “one of his special batting heroes”, “My special wishes to one of my special batting heroes, Mr. Sunil Gavaskar. You’ve crossed 75 years, my prayers for a long and healthy life. The more batters spend time at the crease, the more free-flowing they become. You are no different. You are becoming younger and more energetic by the day! To see you being as involved and as enthusiastic today about cricket, reflects how much you love the game. When an opener sets a good foundation, it becomes easy for rest of the batting order. We all were inspired by you, and in turn were able to inspire the next generation. Indian cricket owes a lot for your services, may you continue being involved with our beautiful game. Happy birthday and I’ll see you soon!”

My special wishes to one of my special batting heroes, Mr. Sunil Gavaskar. You’ve crossed 75 years, my prayers for a long and healthy life.

The more batters spend time at the crease, the more free-flowing they become. You are no different. You are becoming younger and more… pic.twitter.com/4kjngcHdGi

— Sachin Tendulkar (@sachin_rt) July 10, 2024

Gavaskar, also known as the ‘Little Master’ made his international debut for India in 1971 and went on to represent India till 1987. He was the best Test batter of his era, scoring 10,122 runs in 125 matches at an average of 51.12, with 34 centuries and 45 fifties and best score of 236*. The star batter also holds the record for most runs in a Test series as a debutant, scoring 774 runs against West Indies in a four-Test series at an average of 154.80, with four centuries and three fifties. Gavaskar has incredible statistics against West Indies, scoring 2,749 runs in 27 Tests and 48 innings at an average of 65.45, with 13 centuries and seven fifties. His best score was 236*.

Several of his historic and heroic innings in cricket’s longest and, arguably, the toughest format, came between 1971 and 1987. Through his many memorable knocks, which came on some of the least hospitable surfaces, got him among the pantheon of legends.

A distinguished member of India’s maiden World Cup-winning squad of 1983, Gahaskar once held the record for scoring the most centuries in Tests. He was also the member of the Team India which won the first Asia Cup in 1984 and the World Championship of Cricket in 1985.

Not counting wicketkeepers, he was the first Indian fielder to have achieved the milestone of a century of catches in Test cricket. For the record, he took an incredible 108 catches in his Test career.

Sachin Tendulkar at Wimbledon 2024© AFP

Legendary India batter Sunil Gavaskar said it would be apt if Rahul Dravid is conferred with the Bharat Ratna by the Indian government. Dravid recently wrapped up his two and a half year coaching stint with the Indian team through 2024 T20 World Cup triumph in the West Indies. Under his coaching, India also finished up as runners-up in 2023 Men’s ODI World Cup and 2023 World Test Championship final, apart from winning Asia Cup in the same year. Dravid, the former India captain who amassed 24,177 runs in international cricket, had also been NCA head of cricket and even won 2018 U19 World Cup as the head coach.

“It would be apt if the Government of India honours him with the Bharat Ratna, for that’s what he has truly been. Great player and captain of the country with famous away series wins in the West Indies when wins there really meant something and also win in England being only among the three Indian captains to have won a Test match series there, a wonderful talent groomer in his earlier role of the chairman of the National Cricket Academy and then as coach of the senior team.

“Earlier in the year, the Bharat Ratna was given to some leaders who had done yeoman service to society. Even their most ardent supporters will agree that the influence they wielded was mostly restricted to their party and to the part of the country where they came from.

“Dravid’s achievements have given joy across all party lines and across caste, creed, communities and brought untold happiness to the whole country. Surely, that deserves the highest accolade the country can give. C’mon everybody, please join me in asking the Government to recognise one of the greatest sons of India. Bharat Ratna, Rahul Sharad Dravid. Sounds terrific, doesn’t it?” wrote Gavaskar in his column for Mid-Day on Sunday.

He also lauded Dravid’s selfless attitude in his playing days, which has continued in his time as the head coach of the Indian team. “During the time he was playing, Dravid did anything that was asked of him. When an Indian wicket fell around the dying minutes of the day’s play, he would walk out to bat.

“Not for him a night watchman for the simple reason that if he, as a top-order batter, couldn’t play those last few minutes of the day, how can one expect a lower-order batter to do so? When asked to keep wickets, he would do so because that helped the team think-tank pick an extra batter or bowler according to the pitch and the opposition.

“That’s the team-oriented attitude that he inculcated in the team and if that continues, then the Indian team will win many more trophies and series. His calmness also would have rubbed off on the team as could be seen in the way they kept their nerve in the close games against Pakistan and the final when South Africa looked like they were running away with the game. He has left on a high with the gratitude of a cricket-crazy nation,” concluded Gavaskar.

As the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) announced an enormous Rs. 125 crore reward for the victorious Indian team after their 2024 T20 World Cup win, calls have been made to fund the treatment of ailing former Indian cricketer and head coach Anshuman Gaekwad. Gaekwad, who coached India across two spells during the late 1990s, is currently battling blood cancer at the King’s College Hospital in London, at the age of 71. Former BCCI chairman of selectors Sandeep Patil, who played alongside Gaekwad, has been loudest in urging the BCCI to step in.

“Anshuman Gaekwad told me that he has received financial support from the cricket board, but more financial support is needed,” wrote Sandeep Patil in his column on Mid-Day.

Patil revealed that a conversation with BCCI treasurer Ashish Shelar regarding the issue has already been had, and assurance has also been provided.

“In this regard, former cricketer Dilip Vengsarkar and I had a conversation with Cricket Board Treasurer Ashish Shelar. We called Ashish Shelar from the car after seeing Anshuman Gaekwad in the hospital,” wrote Patil.

“Ashish Shelar instantly said he would look into ours and other former cricketers’ requests for funds. I’m sure he will facilitate this and, at the risk of sounding macabre, save Anshu’s life. Any cricketer from any country should be helped by his Board, but Anshu’s case must be taken up on priority and treated as paramount,” wrote Patil.

Gaekwad played 40 Tests and 15 ODIs for India between 1974 and 1987. Notably, he was head coach of India between 1997 and 1999 in his first stint, and then took over after the infamous match-fixing scandal. During his second stint, India finished runners-up to New Zealand in the 2000 ICC KnockOut Trophy (later known as the Champions Trophy).

In his column, Patil also referred to the fact that Sachin Tendulkar had been in his best form during Gaekwad’s tenure as head coach.

The who’s who of Indian cricket fraternity, including Mahendra Singh Dhoni, Sachin Tendulkar and Sunil Gavaskar, hailed the title triumph in the T20 World Cup, saying it will inspire the country’s “starry-eyed children to move one step closer to their dreams”. India’s first T20 world champion skipper Dhoni led the chorus of former and current cricketers, hailing Rohit Sharma’s men for regaining the trophy after 17 long years after beating South Africa by seven runs in a pulsating final in Barbados on Saturday.

Former skipper Dhoni, who led India to their maiden title win in 2007 in South Africa, praised the team for maintaining their calm during the adverse situations in the game.

“WORLD CUP CHAMPIONS 2024. My heart rate was up, well done on being calm, having the self belief and doing what u guys did,” (sic) Dhoni wrote on Instagram.

“From all the Indians back home and everywhere in the world a big thank you for bringing the World Cup Home. CONGRATULATIONS.arreeee thanks for the priceless birthday gift,” said Dhoni, who will turn 43 early next month.

The legendary Tendulkar took to social media to express his delight on India’s achievement, saying the country has now got a ‘fourth star’, following two 50-over World Cup wins in 1983 and 2011 as well as the historic triumph in the inaugural 2007 World T20.

“Every star added to the Team India jersey inspires our nation’s starry-eyed children to move one step closer to their dreams. India gets the 4th star, our second in T20WC,” he wrote on ‘X’.

Tendulkar, who was a member of the Indian team which suffered a first-round exit in the 2007 50-overs World Cup, said life has come a full circle.

“Life comes full circle for Indian cricket in the West Indies. From our lows in the 2007 ODI World Cup to becoming a cricketing powerhouse and winning the T20WC in 2024,” he said.

“Very happy for my friend Rahul Dravid, who missed out on the 2011 World Cup win but his contribution to this T20 World Cup victory has been immense. I am so so happy for him.” Hailing Rohit’s captaincy and the contributions of the other squad members, Tendulkar said, “What can one say about Rohit Sharma? Superb captaincy! To put the 2023 ODI World Cup loss behind and to keep all our players motivated towards the T20 World Cup is commendable.” “Jasprit Bumrah’s Player of the Tournament award as well as Virat Kohli’s Player of the Match award are both well-deserved. They were just superb when it mattered,” he added.

“Along with Rahul, Paras Mhambrey and Vikram Rathour also made their international debuts in 1996. It was wonderful to see Team India excel under the guidance of this class of ’96.” “A total team effort. Hearty congratulations to all the players, coaches, support staff, and BCCI,” Tendulkar continued.

Gavaskar said that winning the trophy is like finally scoring a hundred.

“It is a great win after such a long time. Earlier, I kept saying that India was getting 90s but not getting centuries because they were reaching semi-finals and finals. Now, they have got a century and what a wonderful century this is,” the former India captain told PTI.

From VVS Laxman to Anil Kumble, Sourav Ganguly to Gautam Gambhir, everyone praised the stupendous achievement in unison.

“Congratulations Team India on becoming the T20 World Champions. Been the best team in the tournament remaining unbeaten throughout,” VVS Laxman, current head of the National Cricket Academy wrote on X.

“Great composure and character shown by the team to win this from the situation we were in with 5 overs remaining. Every player deserves credit for giving it their all and rising to the occasion and wonderfully led by Rohit,” he added.

“We are champions!” rejoiced ace spinner and 2011 World Cup winner Ravichandran Ashwin.

Former India captain and head coach Anil Kumble wrote, “Congratulations team India! Wonderful victory.” “YEH MERA INDIA. WE ARE THE CHAMPIONS. SO PROUD OF YOU GUYS. (This is my India. We are the champions, so proud of you guys.),” wrote former spinner Harbhajan Singh.

An ambassador for the T20 World Cup in the Americas, Yuvraj Singh individually praised all the key members of the side.

“You did it boys ! @hardikpandya7 your a hero ! @Jaspritbumrah93 what an over to bring India back in the game ! Extremely ecstatic for @ImRo45 great captaincy under pressure ! @imVkohli #Rahul Dravid and the whole team indiavssa #ICCT20WorldCup2024,” he wrote.

“Well played @akshar2026 @IamShivamDube. koi reh to nahi gaya ! Oh @surya_14kumar what a catch under pressure,” Yuvraj added, wondering if he mistakenly did not leave out anyone.

Hero of two T20 World Cup finals and India’s would be coach Gautam Gambhir wrote, “CHAMPIONS!” Having earlier explained his standout moments of the game when it was under progress, legendary Sachin Tendulkar wrote, “Chak De India!!!!” Former India captain and BCCI president Sourav Ganguly also congratulated the side.

“Heartiest congratulations to Rohit sharma and his team .. what a game to win .. may be a World Cup in 11 (13) yrs but the talent the country has ,they will win many more ..” (Sic) “Bumrah is absolutely magic .. well done Virat,axar ,Hardik and every one .. rahul Dravid and the support staff .. what a proud moment,” (sic) Ganguly added.

Former Pakistan captain Inzamam-ul-Haq admitted that the team is on a decline.© AFP

Indian cricket team great Sachin Tendulkar has often said how family played a big role in his cricket career. Time and again, the batting maestro has said his family was a pillar of strength as he went around the world to play cricket. While Tendulkar’s son Arjun is a cricket himself, who plays for Mumbai Indians, his wife Anjali got her medicine degree. On Friday, Tendulkar shared an important update on her daughter Sara. He announced that Sara completed her Master’s with distinction in Clinical & Public Health Nutrition. 

“It was a beautiful day. The day our daughter completed her Master’s with distinction in Clinical & Public Health Nutrition. As parents, we feel so proud to have seen all the work you have put in through the years to get here. It’s not easy. Here’s to all your dreams for the future. We know you’ll make them come true. Dher ‘Sara’ Pyaar,” Tendulkar wrote in a post on X. 

It was a beautiful day.

The day our daughter completed her Masters with Distinction, from UCL’s Dept of Medicine, in Clinical & Public Health Nutrition.

As parents, we feel so proud to have seen all the work you have put in through the years to get here. It’s not easy. Here’s… pic.twitter.com/sTs091Niew

— Sachin Tendulkar (@sachin_rt) May 24, 2024

Sachin Tendulkar cast his vote during the ongoing Lok Sabha elections on Monday at Mumbai. Notably, Tendulkar has been recognised as the ‘national icon’ of the Election Commission (EC) to raise voter awareness in the electoral process. His son, Arjun Tendulkar, who plays for the Indian Premier League (IPL) franchise Mumbai Indians (MI), was also present with his father. Also, his wife Anjali and daughter, Sara, could not make it to Mumbai because of the latter’s post-graduation convocation ceremony, as per sources. Later, Sachin and Arjun showed off their inked finger after voting.

“I would like to say that problems happen because, one, you act without thinking, and two, you just keep thinking but do not act. I would urge people to cast their vote. It is extremely important for our nation’s future,” said Tendulkar to the media.

Sachin is the leading run-scorer in international cricket, with 34,357 runs and 100 centuries in 664 international games. He is the only cricketer with a century of experience in international cricket. Sachin was also part of the Indian team that won the 2011 ICC Cricket World Cup.

Legendary Indian cricketer Sachin Tendulkar cast his vote during the ongoing Lok Sabha elections on Monday at Mumbai. Notably, Tendulkar has been recognised as the ‘national icon’ of the Election Commission (EC) to raise voter awareness in the electoral process. His son, Arjun Tendulkar, who plays for the Indian Premier League (IPL) franchise Mumbai Indians (MI), was also present with his father. Also, his wife Anjali and daughter, Sara, could not make it to Mumbai because of the latter’s post-graduation convocation ceremony, as per sources. Later, Sachin and Arjun showed off their inked finger after voting.

“I would like to say that problems happen because, one, you act without thinking, and two, you just keep thinking but do not act. I would urge people to cast their vote. It is extremely important for our nation’s future,” said Tendulkar to the media.

Sachin is the leading run-scorer in international cricket, with 34,357 runs and 100 centuries in 664 international games. He is the only cricketer with a century of experience in international cricket. Sachin was also part of the Indian team that won the 2011 ICC Cricket World Cup.

The fifth phase of the Lok Sabha elections marks an important part of the seven-phase electoral process, with extensive arrangements made to ensure a smooth and secure voting experience for all citizens. Elections in 6 Lok Sabha seats of Mumbai are underway for Phase 5.

The seats are Mumbai North, Mumbai North West, Mumbai North East, Mumbai North Central, Mumbai South, and Mumbai South Central. The other constituencies of Maharashtra that are a part of the ongoing election in the fifth phase include Dhule, Dindori, Nashik, Kalyan, Palghar, Bhiwandi and Thane. Maharashtra has 48 Lok Sabha seats, the second largest after Uttar Pradesh.

The fifth phase witnesses key contests in various constituencies. Leaders such as Rahul Gandhi, BJP leaders Rajnath Singh, Smriti Irani, Rajiv Pratap Rudy, Piyush Goyal, Ujjwal Nikam, Karan Bhushan Singh, LJP (Ramvilas) chief Chirag Paswan, JKNC chief Omar Abdullah, and RJD leader Rohini Acharya are looking for electoral success. Eight states/UTs going for polls in phase 5 are Bihar, Jammu and Kashmir, Ladakh, Jharkhand, Maharashtra, Odisha, Uttar Pradesh, and West Bengal. Of the 49 Lok Sabha seats, 14 are from Uttar Pradesh, 13 from Maharashtra, 7 from West Bengal, 5 from Bihar, 3 from Jharkhand, 5 from Odisha, and one each from Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh.

In a bid to create a peaceful atmosphere for the electors, a total of 2,000 flying squads, 2105 static surveillance teams, 881 video surveillance teams, and 502 video viewing teams are keeping surveillance round the clock across the 94,732 polling stations.