BCCI Nudged Dhoni For a Captaincy Transition
The captaincy transition from MS Dhoni to Virat Kohli across formats was a marquee moment of Indian cricket in 2017. Dhoni had already quit Test captaincy in 2014. But in 2017, the change became complete. The move, it is now revealed, was driven by the Board of Control for Cricket in India selection committee. They informed Dhoni that it was time for a transition. He was also asked to confirm his decision through an email. Former selector Jatin Paranjpe recalled the moment on The Great Indian Cricket Show. He and then chief selector MSK Prasad had to break the news. “Mahi was batting,” Paranjpe said. “He batted for almost an hour. MSK and I kept looking at each other. We had planned how to say it respectfully. Then we told him, ‘Mahi, we think this is the right time to move on.’” There was no argument. No hesitation. According to Paranjpe, Dhoni agreed immediately. “He told MSK, ‘Anna, this is the perfect decision. Tell me what you want from me.’ We asked him to put it in writing.” That same night, the email arrived. Dhoni wrote that he wished to step down. The selectors knew the decision would draw criticism. But they believed it was necessary. Paranjpe also revealed Dhoni’s assurance regarding Kohli. “He said, ‘Don’t worry. I will fully support Virat. He is like my brother. I will share all my experience. We will build a strong team.’” At that time, Dhoni was 35. He had already achieved everything in white-ball cricket. He led India to the 2007 T20 World Cup, the 2011 ODI World Cup and the 2013 Champions Trophy. The transition marked the end of an era.
Pramod Bhagat Clinches Record-Breaking Sixth World Title at BWF Para Championships
Pramod Bhagat once again proved why he remains a giant of para badminton. The Indian star clinched the men’s SL3 gold medal at the BWF Para World Championships in Manama with a straight-game victory over Indonesia’s Muhammad Al Imran on Saturday. Bhagat, 37, controlled the final from start to finish. He sealed the match 21-12, 21-18, showing composure and authority under pressure. The win marked his fourth successive singles gold at the world championships and his sixth world title overall in the SL3 category. The SL3 classification is meant for standing players with significant impairment in the lower limbs. Bhagat, who contracted polio at the age of five, has built an extraordinary career in this division. His world championship singles titles came in 2009, 2015, 2019, 2022 and 2024, underlining his remarkable consistency across eras. With this latest triumph, Bhagat achieved a historic milestone. He moved past Lin Dan, who won five men’s singles world titles in able-bodied badminton. Bhagat now stands as the most decorated singles champion in world championship history across the sport. The gold medal also carried emotional weight. Bhagat had earlier served an 18-month suspension for breaching the Badminton World Federation’s anti-doping whereabouts rules, a setback that ruled him out of the 2024 Paris Paralympics. His return to the top of the podium in Manama signals both redemption and resilience.
‘We want to Play Against the Best’ Pakistan Captain Agha Talks Before India- Pakistan Clash
On the eve of the T20 World Cup clash in Colombo, Salman Ali Agha faced the media with calm assurance. The Pakistan captain addressed every major talking point ahead of Sunday’s high-voltage encounter against India. The build-up to the match has not been smooth. Political tension and weeks of boycott-related debate had cast a shadow over the fixture. Agha, however, chose to keep the focus firmly on cricket. “This game should be played in good spirits,” he said. “What has happened off the field is separate. Once we step onto the ground, it is about cricket.” Pakistan’s record against India in ICC World Cups has not been flattering. Agha admitted that reality but refused to dwell on it. “We do not have a great record against them in World Cups,” he acknowledged. “But every match is a new contest.” The captain also brushed aside the significance of the toss. In conditions where weather could play a role, many believe the coin flip may be decisive. Agha disagreed. “Toss cannot decide the game. If you play good cricket, you will win. Cricket will matter, not the toss.” One of the recurring debates has been around spinner Usman Tariq and his unorthodox action. Questions have been raised despite him being cleared in the past. Agha made his position clear. “Usman has been cleared twice by the ICC. I do not know why there is still talk about his action. He is not bothered by it.” He was equally firm when asked about the form of senior batter Babar Azam. The captain expressed full confidence in his star player and showed no concern. Interestingly, Agha also spoke about India opener Abhishek Sharma, who is recovering from a stomach illness. “I hope Abhishek plays tomorrow. I hope he recovers well. We want to play against the best,” he said, signalling respect for the opposition. Another question centred on the handshake issue that drew attention in a previous India–Pakistan meeting. Talking about ‘Handshake drama’ of India Pakistan, Agha smiled and replied, “We will find out tomorrow.” With rain forecast and tension simmering in the background, the stage is set. But if Agha’s words are anything to go by, Pakistan want the contest to be decided purely by the quality of cricket on the field.
Harbhajan Singh Plainly Supports India Before Pakistan Clash
Ahead of the India Pakistan T20 World Cup clash in Colombo, former India spinner Harbhajan Singh backed the Men in Blue to come out on top. He, however, warned that they must handle Pakistan’s spinner Usman Tariq carefully. “India will win,” Harbhajan asserted while speaking in Ranchi. “Pakistan have a good spinner in Usman Tariq. We have to play him safely. Our team is strong. They should play without pressure and wave the flag of victory.” The much-anticipated contest comes after weeks of off-field tension and the end of a boycott by the Pakistani government. The rivalry resumes only months after India dominated Pakistan in the Asia Cup, including in the final. Usman has been impressive in T20Is. He has taken 11 wickets in four matches at an average of 7.90. He also has a four-wicket haul. However, his sidearm action has drawn scrutiny. He releases the ball after a brief pause. Critics have questioned its legality and alleged chucking. From Vadodara, former India wicketkeeper Nayan Mongia also expressed confidence in India’s chances. “It will be fun,” Mongia said. “India are playing very well. Their batting and bowling are strong. The captain is leading from the front. The game is about confidence. Pakistan have lost several ICC tournaments in a row. There will be pressure on them.” He added that modern cricket has changed. “India’s youngsters are fearless. One over can change the match. A four or a six can shift momentum.” Mongia also placed his faith in fellow Baroda cricketer Hardik Pandya. “Hardik performs in big matches. He handles pressure well,” he said. Hardik has an impressive record against Pakistan. He has scored 315 runs in 12 innings at an average of 35. His strike rate is above 126. He also has two fifties. With the ball, he has taken 25 wickets at an average of 18.60. His best figures are 3 for 8.
