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Wrestler Sushil Kumar condemns Batra’s call to pull out of Commonwealth Games as ‘Unfair’

Sushil Kumar, the Indian freestyle wrestler termed Narinder Batra’s call that India should pull out of the Commonwealth Games permanently as ‘unfair’.

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6 years ago

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Wrestler Sushil Kumar

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Sushil Kumar, the Indian freestyle wrestler termed Narinder Batra’s call that India should pull out of the Commonwealth Games permanently as ‘unfair’. 

Batra,the President of the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) reasoned that the standard of competition at the Commonwealth Games is not high, so it was a waste of time and money for everyone involved. Instead of competing at CWG, Indian teams should plan for better competitions and prepare for the Olympics, he said.

The boycott call by Batra came in the backdrop of a frosty relationship between Louise Martin of the Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF) and IOA, after the former dropped shooting sports from the 2022 Birmingham CWG programme.

However, two-time Olympic medalist, Sushil Kumar openly objected the idea saying, “As an athlete I want to say that one should not rob any athlete of a chance to win medals at any stage. CWG is a big competition and I think it is unfair to call for a boycott because one sport (shooting) is not there. Wrestling too was thrown out of CWG in 2006.” 

“I will request IOA president to not raise such demands. Also, the competition level is rising. These days sometimes you have to fight Russians fighting under Great Britain’s flag,” he added.

Some IOA officials were also taken aback by Batra’s statement. IOA treasurer Anandeshwar Panday is not in favour of a total boycott. “He is the IOA president so in that sense I can’t give you my reaction (as an IOA official),” Panday said. “In my individual capacity, I want to say that every multi-sport event has relevance. Take for instance the SAF Games, in which only seven countries participate. We organized the Commonwealth Games and it was one of the better managed games. We should keep on participating in these as it is a platform for many athletes to excel,” he added.

Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, president of Wrestling Federation of India also said he was against pulling out of CWG. “I don’t agree with his statement at all,” Singh said.

“Commonwealth is a big stage for a few of our athletes. There was a time that Canada used to beat us in wrestling. But now when we are beating a few of them, so where is the harm in it?” he added.

Raninder Singh, president of the National Rifle Association of India, said Batra was right about the level of competition at CWG. “President is right when he says the standard of competition is low. It is largely mediocre in the rifle and pistol disciplines. There are exceptions, yes, but the level is not at par with the World Cups. But in the shotgun events, the competition is higher because of the participation of Australian and England shooters,” he said.

“A far as total boycott is concerned; it is the prerogative of the Government of India. When I called for a boycott, it was not because our sport was not part of the programme… It was mainly because they (CGF) were treating us badly as a country. They were being disrespectful,” he added.

Sportspersons believing that they shouldn’t be robbed of the opportunity to excel have expressed their views against Batra’s call.

Boxer Vijender Singh, “By this logic, India should not send teams to invitational tournaments either because the level of competition is not like the Olympics. Why belittle the athletes’ achievements? CWG has strong boxing nations such as England and Ireland in fray.” 

Krishna Poonia, discus thrower, said,”For athletics, CWG is world-class, the competition is of higher level than the Asian Games.”

Zafar Iqbal, former India hockey team captain, “That’s a ridiculous statement coming from a man who is holding numerous important positions in national as well as international sports federations.”[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

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Ravi Shastri warns critics against messing around with Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma

Ravi Shastri has cautioned critics and certain individuals against creating hurdles for Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, calling them “ODI giants” who deserve unwavering backing from selectors and management.

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21 hours ago

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December 4, 2025

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Ravi Shashtri

Former India head coach Ravi Shastri has issued a strong and direct warning to those questioning or undermining the roles of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma in India’s ODI setup. His remarks come amid growing scrutiny over the duo’s future, especially regarding the 2027 ODI World Cup plans.

Shastri, who shares a long professional and personal equation with both stalwarts, made his views clear during an interview, saying that critics and certain individuals should refrain from creating unnecessary trouble around two of India’s most accomplished white-ball players.

‘Don’t mess around with Kohli and Rohit’: Shastri

Shastri emphasised that Kohli and Rohit remain giants of ODI cricket and deserve respect, not interference. Without naming anyone, he hinted at individuals who are allegedly trying to complicate things for the pair.

He said the two senior batters have earned their stature over years of consistency and match-winning performances, and warned that if they decide to “switch on” completely, those attempting to disrupt their journey would be sidelined swiftly.

Debate over 2027 ODI World Cup participation

Shastri’s remarks come amid ongoing discussions about whether both players should continue in the ODI format. Critics argue that their time away from domestic cricket could affect their World Cup chances.

Rohit Sharma has agreed to participate in the Vijay Hazare Trophy to stay in rhythm as per BCCI guidelines. Virat Kohli initially declined a return to domestic one-day cricket but eventually reconsidered after persuasion from selectors.

A message for selectors and team management

Shastri’s comments are widely seen as a firm reminder to the current selection committee and team management to support proven performers instead of adding pressure. His warning, delivered in his typical candid style, signals his unwavering backing for the senior pros.

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Virat Kohli hits record 53rd ODI century as India build big total in Raipur

Virat Kohli’s superb 53rd ODI century and Ruturaj Gaikwad’s 105 powered India past 280 in the second ODI against South Africa after a strong 195-run stand.

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2 days ago

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December 3, 2025

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virat kohli

India put up a commanding batting display in the second ODI against South Africa in Raipur, with Virat Kohli smashing a record-extending 53rd ODI century and Ruturaj Gaikwad delivering a superb hundred to push the hosts near the 300-run mark.

Kohli anchors India’s recovery after early wickets

After being asked to bat first, India stumbled early with Rohit Sharma and Yashasvi Jaiswal departing at a score of 62. The situation changed once Virat Kohli and Ruturaj Gaikwad joined forces for the third wicket.

The pair stitched a formidable 195-run partnership, stabilising the innings and then accelerating with precision. Kohli, who had already hit a century in the previous ODI, continued his rich form by reaching his 53rd ODI ton—also his 84th international century.

Gaikwad strikes his first ODI hundred

Ruturaj Gaikwad took time to settle but shifted gears beautifully, bringing up his maiden ODI century with a boundary. His 105 off 83 balls included strong strokes, including a six and four in a single over off Keshav Maharaj. He eventually fell to Marco Jansen while attempting to clear the boundary.

India surge past 280

Kohli remained firm at the crease, striking timely boundaries and even surviving a close chance off Corbin Bosch. KL Rahul supported him at the other end as India crossed 280 in the 39th over, building momentum for a possible 350-plus total.

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Gautam Gambhir says BCCI will decide his future after 2-0 test series defeat

Gautam Gambhir has left his future as India’s Test coach to the BCCI after a 2-0 series loss to South Africa, saying the blame begins with him and calling for stronger focus on Test cricket.

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1 week ago

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November 26, 2025

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Gautam Gambhir

India head coach Gautam Gambhir has put the responsibility of deciding his future on the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), following the team’s 2-0 Test series loss to South Africa. India’s defeat in Guwahati, their heaviest in terms of runs, has intensified scrutiny over the team’s performance under Gambhir’s leadership.

Gambhir leaves decision to BCCI

After India’s 408-run defeat, Gambhir made it clear during the press conference that he would not ask for more chances.
He said the BCCI would decide whether he should continue as Test coach.

“Indian cricket is important, I am not. It is for the BCCI to decide,” Gambhir stated, adding that he has always maintained this stance. He also reminded that he had previously delivered results in major tournaments like the Champions Trophy and Asia Cup.

“Blame starts with me,” says Gambhir

Gambhir accepted full responsibility for the series loss, acknowledging that every member of the team shares the blame.

He pointed to India’s collapse from 95/1 to 122/7 as a turning point that cannot be justified.

“You don’t blame individuals. Blame lies with everyone, and it starts with me,” he said.

Criticism over team changes and approach

Under Gambhir, India have lost 10 of 18 Tests, with consecutive whitewash defeats—first against New Zealand last year and now South Africa. Despite team overhauls and new faces, results have remained unchanged.

He has faced criticism for frequent experimentation, especially his preference for all-rounders over specialist players in the traditional format.

Responding to queries on what kind of players succeed in Tests, Gambhir said the format demands resilience.

“You don’t need the most flamboyant and talented cricketers. You need tough characters with limited skills,” he said.

“Prioritise Test cricket,” Gambhir urges

Gambhir stressed that reviving India’s Test performance requires a collective effort and a renewed focus on red-ball cricket.

“If you are serious about Test cricket in India, start prioritising it. You cannot blame only players or a certain individual,” he emphasised.

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