Cricket news

Rohit Sharma says all India players who competed in last three ICC events deserve respect

He recalled India’s seven-run victory over South Africa in Barbados to clinch the trophy, pointing out that athletes must showcase grit and resolve during difficult phases. Rohit remarked that the IPL was a challenging period for the team, but there were many opportunities to look forward to after the tournament.

Published

2 years ago

March 29, 2025

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Rohit Sharma acknowledged the challenges the Indian cricket team has faced over the past nine months, emphasizing their collective effort in achieving success. He believes that every player who participated in the last three ICC tournaments deserves recognition and respect.

In their recent outings in ICC limited-overs tournaments, India has excelled, losing just one match out of 24, with that sole defeat occurring against Australia in the 2023 ODI World Cup final held in Ahmedabad. The team has previously won both the ICC Champions Trophy and the T20 World Cup at home.

In addition to this success, India faced some setbacks, including an unusual home Test series loss to New Zealand and a defeat in Australia. Reflecting on his leadership, Rohit stated, “Just look at the accomplishments of this team in these major tournaments. To emerge victorious in all but one of them, especially in the final of the World Cup, is quite remarkable.”

He added, “Think about it—if we had won that final, going undefeated across three ICC tournaments would have been unprecedented. Nevertheless, winning 23 out of 24 games is an amazing feat. While it appears impressive from the outside, the journey has had its share of highs and lows.”

Rohit emphasized the importance of celebrating these achievements, acknowledging the hard times the team has endured. He noted, “Everyone involved in these three tournaments deserves admiration,” in a statement shared via a video from Mumbai Indians on their social media.

Interestingly, his remarks coincide with a postponed BCCI meeting meant to outline the team’s future direction. Rohit continued, “Every athlete experiences challenges; during those low moments, the goal is to rebound and turn things around.”

He reflected on the recent lows, such as the home series loss and the performance in Australia, followed by their triumph in the Champions Trophy. These experiences serve as a testament to the ups and downs of life, illustrating how cycles can fluctuate.

Rohit outlined how their approach shifted after India exited the T20 World Cup in Australia in 2022. “We clarified our expectations with the players, emphasizing how we wanted them to perform. It was crucial to foster an environment where players can express themselves without fear. We did face some setbacks, but we maintained our composure and stayed true to our philosophy.”

He elaborated on building a cohesive squad, stating, “The first step in this process is to assess what the team needs, identify areas of past shortcomings, and understand why things didn’t go our way previously.”

Discussing the disheartening 2024 IPL season, where Mumbai Indians finished at the bottom, Rohit expressed the need for determination and resilience in sports. He focused on the T20 World Cup, which he viewed as a significant opportunity to conclude his career in the format on a high note.

“I was well aware of the upcoming World Cup and shifted my focus accordingly, especially since this was my last T20 World Cup. I was determined to make it worthwhile, and I understood that achieving this would require the support of my teammates. We came together as a unit, and our collective effort throughout the tournament was key,” he shared.

Reflecting on his career of nearly 18 years, he acknowledged the inevitable ups and downs he has faced, which have imparted valuable lessons. Regarding his journey with Mumbai Indians, Rohit noted, “Much has changed since I began—my batting position has shifted from middle order to opening, and my role as captain has evolved. Many teammates from past triumphs are now coaching, highlighting the changes in our dynamics.”

Yet, he emphasized that the core mindset remains unchanged. “My motivation to lead this team and pursue victory has not wavered. Our focus remains on succeeding and securing trophies, which has defined MI’s legacy over the years.”

Cricket news

Abhishek Sharma smashes 113 off 38 balls as India beat New Zealand in 3rd ODI

Abhishek Sharma hammered 113 off just 38 balls as India chased down New Zealand’s 199-run target in 13.2 overs, winning the third T20I by six wickets.

Published

1 week ago

October 27, 2026

APNLive Desk

Abhishek Sharma delivered a stunning batting performance in the third T20 International against New Zealand in Wellington, smashing 113 off just 38 balls to power India’s chase of 199. India reached the target in 13.2 overs, winning the match by six wickets.

The Indian opener’s explosive innings proved decisive as India chased down New Zealand’s total of 198/3. His aggressive approach put the hosts under pressure and helped India complete the chase with plenty of overs to spare.

Abhishek Sharma leads India’s chase

Abhishek’s 113-run knock off 38 deliveries was the standout performance of the contest. His innings provided India with the momentum needed to pursue the 199-run target at a rapid pace.

The century also made Abhishek the central figure of the third T20I, with his power-hitting dominating the contest. India’s successful chase underlined the impact of his innings in a match where New Zealand had posted a substantial total.

India chase down 199 against New Zealand

New Zealand scored 198/3 in their innings, setting India a target of 199. However, India’s batters responded with an aggressive chase, reaching the target in just 13.2 overs.

The six-wicket victory gave India an important result in the five-match T20I series. Abhishek’s century was the defining contribution of the match, ensuring that the visitors completed the chase comfortably.

Abhishek Sharma’s innings takes the spotlight

Abhishek’s quickfire century was the major talking point from the Wellington encounter. Scoring 113 runs from only 38 balls, he combined scoring speed with the ability to keep India’s chase firmly on track.

His performance will be among the key highlights of the third T20I as India continue their campaign against New Zealand.

Cricket news

India beat Pakistan by 19 runs to win Asian Games cricket gold

India beat Pakistan by 19 runs in the Asian Games 2026 men’s cricket final to retain the gold medal in the competition.

Published

1 month ago

October 3, 2026

APNLive Desk

India defeated Pakistan by 19 runs in the men’s cricket final at the Asian Games 2026 on Saturday to retain the gold medal.

India posted 211 for six after being sent in to bat, before restricting Pakistan to 192 for six in their 20 overs. The victory gave India their second successive Asian Games gold medal in men’s cricket.

India post 211 in final

India’s batting was led by Abhishek Sharma, who scored 61 off 28 balls, while Tilak Varma contributed 51 off 22 balls.

The two batters provided the momentum as India reached 211 for six from their 20 overs.

India captain Shreyas Iyer had won the toss and elected to bat first in the final.

Pakistan fall 19 runs short

Pakistan’s chase was anchored by Hasan Nawaz, who made 96 from 51 balls. Saim Ayub added 29 from 22 balls, but Pakistan finished on 192 for six after 20 overs.

India’s Axar Patel and Washington Sundar each took two wickets as Pakistan fell short of the target.

The result secured the gold medal for India, while Pakistan finished with silver. Sri Lanka won the bronze medal after defeating Bangladesh in the bronze-medal match.

India retain Asian Games cricket title

The victory marked India’s second consecutive men’s cricket gold medal at the Asian Games. India had also won the men’s cricket gold at the Hangzhou edition.

India’s victory over Pakistan also completed a gold-medal double for the country in cricket at the 2026 Asian Games, after the women’s team won the women’s cricket final earlier in the competition.

Cricket news

Jasprit Bumrah becomes first Indian to play T20Is in 13 countries

Jasprit Bumrah became the first Indian to play T20I cricket in 13 different countries after featuring against Sri Lanka in Japan.

Published

1 month ago

October 1, 2026

APNLive Desk

Jasprit Bumrah added another milestone to his international career on Thursday after taking the field for India against Sri Lanka in the Asian Games 2026 men’s cricket semifinal in Japan.

Bumrah’s appearance at Nishin made him the first Indian to play T20I cricket in 13 different countries, according to the report. He moved ahead of former India captains Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, along with Bhuvneshwar Kumar, who have each played T20Is in 12 countries.

Bumrah’s 13-country T20I record

Before playing in Japan, Bumrah had represented India in T20Is in 12 other countries — India, Australia, Bangladesh, England, Ireland, New Zealand, South Africa, Sri Lanka, the UAE, the United States, West Indies and Zimbabwe.

His appearance in Japan took the tally to 13. Kohli, Rohit and Bhuvneshwar had played in all of those countries except Japan, leaving Bumrah alone at the top of the list.

Kohli and Rohit cannot add to their totals as both have retired from T20I cricket, according to the source.

Bumrah shines against Sri Lanka

Bumrah also made an immediate impact in his first T20I appearance in Japan. He claimed two wickets in his opening over against Sri Lanka and finished with figures of 2/7 in two overs.

India went on to dismiss Sri Lanka for 45 in 9.5 overs and won the semifinal by 124 runs to book a place in the Asian Games 2026 men’s cricket final.

The result set up an India-Pakistan gold-medal clash, scheduled for October 3.

Jasprit Bumrah has become the first Indian to play T20I cricket in 13 different countries. His appearance against Sri Lanka in Japan took him past Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma and Bhuvneshwar Kumar, who have played T20Is in 12 countries each.