CRICKET
WATCH: Keshav Maharaj wishes Indian community in South Africa ahead of Ram Mandir Pran Pratishtha ceremony in Ayodhya
South African cricketer Keshav Maharaj, an ardent devotee of Lord Ram and Hanuman, sent his wishes to the Indian community in South Africa ahead of Ram Mandir’s Pran Pratishtha in Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh. The grand ceremony on Monday (January 22) is expected to hog the spotlight throughout the day as many celebrities and prominent personalities from all fields have been invited to grace the occasion.
Reportedly, more than 6000 guests will be part of the inauguration ceremony led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. From the cricket fraternity, Sachin Tendulkar, Virat Kohli, MS Dhoni, Harbhajan Singh, Ravichandran Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, Anil Kumble, and Harmanpreet Kaur among a few others have received invitations.
As the nation set to embrace one of the most important pilgrimage sites for Hindus, the Indian-origin South African all-rounder Maharaj wished for peace and spiritual enlightenment. In a video posted on his Instagram Story, the 33-year-old can be heard saying: “Namaste everyone. I just want to wish my Indian community in South Africa for the inauguration of Ram Mandir in Ayodhya tomorrow. May be there peace, harmony and spiritual enlightenment to all. Jai Shree Ram.”
Watch the video below:
Keshav Maharaj wishing everyone "Pran Pratishtha of Lord Rama" in Ram Temple Ayodhya tomorrow.pic.twitter.com/oAnuhGO3ki
— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) January 21, 2024
Maharaj reveals he requested ‘Ram Siya Ram’ song to be played during SA vs IND Test match
Earlier, during South Africa‘s home Test match against India in Cape Town, the popular song ‘Ram Siya Ram’ was played in the background when Keshav Maharaj came out to bat. Later, the left-arm spinner revealed that he requested to play the ‘Adipurush’ movie song as he owes his playing career to the Almighty.
“Obviously, something that I put forward to the media lady and requested that song to be played. For me, God has been my greatest blessing, giving me guidance and opportunity. So, it’s the least that I can do, and it also just gets you in your zone. It’s a nice feeling walking out (into the ground) to hear ‘Ram Siya Ram’ playing in the background,” Maharaj was quoted as saying to PTI.
CRICKET
Karnali Yaks Secure Qualifier Spot with Victory Over Chitwan Rhinos
Karnali Yaks delivered a commanding performance against Chitwan Rhinos, clinching a crucial win that secured their place in the Nepal Premier League qualifiers. With this win, the Yaks ensured that their efforts throughout the tournament culminated in a spot among the top teams. The victory was powered by both solid batting and disciplined bowling, which kept Chitwan’s chase under control throughout the match. Karnali Yaks qualifier!
In their innings, the Karnali Yaks set a challenging target, thanks to an impressive contribution from their middle-order batsmen. Their steady partnerships and timely hitting from the tail ensured they posted a total that was always going to be difficult for Chitwan Rhinos to chase. Karnali Yaks qualifier! The Yaks’ bowlers, led by their pace attack, controlled the flow of runs, consistently breaking partnerships and picking up key wickets.
Chitwan Rhinos, while they fought hard, were unable to maintain the required run rate. Despite some strong efforts from a few of their key batsmen, the pressure mounted as they failed to build partnerships. The Rhinos could not recover from the consistent breakthroughs by the Karnali bowlers. Additionally, the Yaks’ fielding was exceptional, with a few key stops and a game-changing run-out.
The win has boosted Karnali Yaks’ confidence as they head into the qualifiers. This victory was a testament to their all-round capabilities, making them serious contenders for the title. On the other hand, Chitwan Rhinos will need to regroup quickly, as the loss in such a crucial game has dealt a blow to their qualification hopes.
Karnali Yaks now looks forward to the next phase of the competition, where they will face tougher opponents, but their strong performance in this match has given them the momentum needed to go all the way.
BIG NEWS
Ravichandran Ashwin Announces Retirement from International Cricket
Ravichandran Ashwin’s, one of India’s greatest cricketers, has retired from international cricket. He ended a stellar career as the nation’s second-highest wicket-taker in Test history. Ashwin, known for his exceptional spinner skills and vital contributions with the bat, leaves behind a legacy that will inspire generations of cricketers.
The 37-year-old debuted in 2011 and quickly became a pivotal figure in Indian cricket. Over the years, Ravichandran Ashwin’s amassed an impressive 489 Test wickets, second only to Anil Kumble in India’s all-time rankings. His ability to adapt to different conditions and outsmart some of the best batsmen in the world earned him accolades across all formats.
Ashwin’s retirement marks the end of an era in Indian cricket. His sharp mind and innovative bowling strategies often made the difference in crucial matches, particularly in Tests. Besides his bowling prowess, Ashwin contributed significantly as a lower-order batsman, scoring five Test centuries.
“This will be my last day as an Indian cricket in all formats of the game at the international level. I do feel there is a bit of punch left in me in a cricketer. I would like to showcase that in club-level cricket. So this will be my last day. I have had a lot of fun. I must say I’ve created a lot of memories alongside Rohitt and several of my teammates,” Ashwin said at the press conference.
“Obviously, there are a lot of people to thank. But, I would be failing in my duty if I didn’t thank the BCCI and the rest of my teammates. I want to name a few of them and all the coaches — Rohit, Virat, Ajinkya, and Pujara who have taken all those catches in the slips to help me get those wickets.”
Ashwin also thanked the Australian cricket team for being fierce competitors over the years.
“Also a big thank you to the Australian cricket team. They have been very fierce competitors. I have enjoyed playing alongside them.
“I won’t be taking any questions, but certainly, it’s a very emotional moment.”
Speculation about his retirement was rife after he was seen hugging former captain Virat Kohli in the dressing room at Gabba during a rain interruption on Wednesday. Ashwin and Kohli had an intense chat in the dressing room, leading to rumors on social media.
Ashwin ensured the rumors did not stay for long as he confirmed the call right after the third Test ended in a draw.
BGT
Gautam Gambhir Criticized for Treatment of Ravindra Jadeja Despite Stellar All-Rounder Stats
Gautam Gambhir, a former Indian cricketer and current commentator, is under fire for his comments regarding Ravindra Jadeja’s one of India’s premier all-rounders. Fans and analysts have taken issue with Gambhir’s critique, especially in light of Ravindra Jadeja’s remarkable achievements that position him among the game’s elite players.
Ravindra Jadeja, the ICC’s No. 1-ranked all-rounder, boasts impressive statistics that surpass even some of cricket’s legends, including Sachin Tendulkar, Virat Kohli, and Rohit Sharma, in certain contexts. His contributions with both bat and ball have been crucial for India in all formats of the game, yet Gambhir’s recent remarks seem to downplay these feats.
Statistically, Jadeja’s consistency is unparalleled. He has maintained high averages and strike rates while excelling in bowling under pressure. Fans argue that comparing his numbers to cricket greats reveals his immense value to Indian cricket. His performances in Test matches, particularly in challenging overseas conditions, have been instrumental in India’s success.
Critics of Gambhir’s stance assert that his remarks undermine Jadeja’s legacy as an all-rounder. Social media platforms were flooded with support for Jadeja, highlighting his match-winning contributions and unmatched versatility. Fans have called for greater recognition of the all-rounder’s achievements, urging commentators like Gambhir to acknowledge his importance.
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