Sports

Iyer Shares the Story Behind His Last-Minute Inclusion in the First ODI

Published

1 year ago

February 8, 2025

Shreyas Iyer, who played a crucial role in India’s victory over England by scoring a match-winning half-century in the first ODI in Nagpur, shared that he learned of his spot in the Playing XI following a late-night call from skipper Rohit Sharma just before the match.

With Virat Kohli ruled out due to a swollen right knee, India handed opener Yashasvi Jaiswal his ODI debut. However, it seems that Jaiswal may have been included in the original lineup regardless of Kohli’s injury, as Iyer, typically the No. 4 batsman, was initially expected to start the series on the bench.

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Iyer showcased his skills by scoring 59 runs off just 36 balls, leading India to a successful chase of England’s modest total of 248, allowing India to take a 1-0 lead in the three-match series.

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“It’s a funny story. I was watching a movie last night and thought I could stay up late, but then received a call from the skipper informing me that I might be playing since Virat has a swollen knee. I rushed back to my room and went to sleep immediately,” Iyer told Star Sports.

“I wasn’t originally set to play in the first game, but due to Virat’s injury, I got the chance. I always kept myself prepared, knowing that an opportunity could arise at any moment.

“This happened to me last year during the Asia Cup as well— I got injured and another player scored a century,” he added.

While the full extent of Kohli’s knee injury is still unclear, his potential return for the remainder of the series against England and for the Champions Trophy leaves India with a rich batting lineup, allowing them to include all their in-form players.

Yashasvi Jaiswal made his ODI debut against England and is likely to be a contender for the ICC Champions Trophy, being the only left-hander in the top order. Meanwhile, Shubman Gill demonstrated his prowess in Nagpur with a stellar innings of 87, earning the Player of the Match award.

India also boasts the experienced trio of KL Rahul, Rohit Sharma, and Kohli, alongside all-rounders Axar Patel, Hardik Pandya, and Ravindra Jadeja, who will be considered for the middle order during the tournament held in Pakistan and the UAE.

Iyer has been in fantastic form, having accumulated 530 runs during the last ICC World Cup in 2023. The 30-year-old attributes his recent success to the lessons learned from his performances in the domestic season.

“Honestly, playing throughout the domestic season taught me a lot. It gave me a clearer idea of how to approach my innings and maintain the right attitude, improving my mindset over time,” he stated.

“Additionally, from a skills perspective, it’s essential to continuously upgrade and learn. I believe I ticked all the right boxes, and my fitness played an important role as well,” he explained.

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Sports

Complaint Filed Against Hardik Pandya Over Alleged National Flag Insult

Published

4 days ago

March 12, 2026

Namma Kudla

Sports: A complaint has been filed against Hardik Pandya for allegedly insulting the Indian national flag during the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup victory celebrations. The complaint was submitted to police in Pune by advocate Wajid Khan.

According to the complaint, Pandya wrapped the tricolour around his body and behaved in an inappropriate manner on the field after India’s win against New Zealand national cricket team in the final at Narendra Modi Stadium. The lawyer requested police to register an FIR and take legal action.

A police officer from Shivaji Nagar Police Station confirmed that the complaint application was received.

Meanwhile, Pandya celebrated India’s T20 World Cup victory and said winning back-to-back titles was a personal promise fulfilled. He also said this victory is only the beginning of the team’s success.

Pandya had a strong tournament performance with the bat and ball. He scored two half-centuries and took nine wickets during the competition.

Sports

Suryakumar,Gambhir and Jay Shah Visit Hanuman Temple after wining World cup

Published

1 week ago

March 9, 2026

Namma Kudla

Sports: After India’s historic victory in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, Indian captain Suryakumar Yadav, head coach Gautam Gambhir and ICC chairman Jay Shah visited a Hanuman temple in Ahmedabad and offered special prayers. The trio carried the World Cup trophy and sought the blessings of Lord Hanuman after India’s memorable win.

The visit came a day after India defeated New Zealand in the final at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. With this victory, India lifted its record third T20 World Cup title and created history in international cricket.

After losing the toss, India was asked to bat first by New Zealand. India got off to a strong start as Abhishek Sharma played a brilliant innings. He scored 52 runs from just 21 balls, hitting six boundaries and three sixes. His aggressive batting gave India early momentum.

Sanju Samson then continued the strong performance and built an important partnership with Abhishek Sharma. Later, Samson also shared a century partnership with Ishan Kishan, who played a powerful knock. Ishan Kishan scored 54 runs from 25 balls with four boundaries and four sixes. Their partnership helped India cross the 200-run mark by the 16th over.

Although India lost a few quick wickets later, Shivam Dube played a crucial cameo. He scored 26 runs from just 8 balls, including three boundaries and two sixes. His quick runs helped India finish with a massive total of 255 runs for the loss of five wickets. This became the highest total ever recorded in a T20 World Cup final.

Chasing a huge target of 256 runs, New Zealand struggled under pressure. Indian bowlers delivered an outstanding performance to restrict the opposition. Axar Patel took three wickets for 23 runs, while Jasprit Bumrah was the star with four wickets for just 15 runs.

For New Zealand, Tim Seifert fought hard and scored 52 runs from 26 balls with two boundaries and five sixes. Daryl Mitchell scored 17 runs, while captain Mitchell Santner made 43 runs from 35 balls. However, the rest of the batting lineup failed to build partnerships.

As a result, New Zealand were bowled out for 159 runs and suffered a heavy defeat. India won the match by 96 runs and celebrated one of the biggest victories in T20 World Cup history.

Following the victory, captain Suryakumar Yadav, coach Gautam Gambhir and ICC chairman Jay Shah visited the Hanuman temple in Ahmedabad with the trophy. They offered special prayers and thanked the deity for the team’s historic achievement. The visit reflected the team’s gratitude after winning the prestigious global tournament.

Sports

Ishan Kishan Plays World Cup Final Despite Personal Loss

Published

1 week ago

March 9, 2026

Namma Kudla

Mumbai: Ishan Kishan helped India win the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 despite the death of his brother-in-law in a car accident two days before the final.

Because of the tragedy, his father Pranav Pandey could not travel to Ahmedabad for the match. Kishan also wanted to be with his family but stayed with the team due to the responsibility of the final.

In the final, Kishan played a brilliant innings and scored 54 runs off 25 balls. After reaching his half-century, he looked at the sky to pay tribute to his late brother-in-law.

He also took two important catches to dismiss Rachin Ravindra and Tim Seifert of New Zealand national cricket team.

Kishan finished the tournament with 317 runs in nine innings and became the fourth-highest run scorer.