In a candid and explosive statement, former Cricket South Africa president Dr. Ali Bacher has expressed concern over the growing dominance of cricket by India, Australia, and England, while other boards, including South Africa, Pakistan, and the West Indies, are being marginalized. Dr. Bacher, a pivotal figure in bringing Proteas cricket to the mainstream post-apartheid, shared his views during an exclusive interview while observing India and South Africa opening Test.

“Cricket today is dominated by India, Australia, England. South Africa has been marginalised, Pakistan has been marginalised, West Indies have been marginalised. That’s not good,”

remarked Dr. Bacher, emphasizing the need to grow the game globally. He expressed disappointment that his earlier objective, during his tenure as chairman of ICC’s development committee, to spread the game worldwide is not being realized today.

Dr. Bacher addressed the International Cricket Council’s (ICC) efforts to promote the sport in the United States. While acknowledging the ambitious plans, he expressed skepticism about cricket’s massive growth in the USA due to substantial financial requirements.

“You need billions and billions of dollars to get a small niche of that (USA) market. To be honest, I called it a day after two occasions. It wasn’t going to happen,” he recalled.

Instead, he advocated for the growth of cricket in Asia, citing the enormous potential in countries like South Korea and Japan. Dr. Bacher cautioned against pursuing the US. market, noting the massive investments in other sports like baseball, basketball, and rugby.

Speaking about the current state of South African cricket, Dr. Bacher acknowledged a decline in world-class players but expressed optimism about the nation’s cricket future. He reminisced about the strong cricketing legacy with players like AB de Villiers, Jacques Kallis, and Shaun Pollock highlighting the current world-class talent, Kagiso Rabada.

Reflecting on the commercial growth of Indian cricket, Dr. Bacher recalled a time when he negotiated broadcast rights with Jagmohan Dalmiya, stating,

“When I asked (Jagmohan) Dalmiya, how much people would come to watch, he said around 100,000 at Eden Gardens. At that time, cricket broadcast in India was controlled by Doordarshan. I offered a quarter million rands, and he (Dalmiya) couldn’t believe it.”

Despite the evolving dynamics in global cricket, Dr. Bacher expressed satisfaction at being a part of cricket’s commercial success in India, attributing it to the country’s massive cricket-loving population.

Indian cricket captain Virat Kohli is set to rejoin the national team in South Africa, gearing up for the inaugural Test match scheduled to kick off on December 26 in Centurion. A recent report from News18 sheds light on the reason behind Kohli’s temporary departure.

During his absence, Kohli was in London, a pre-planned trip that had been communicated well in advance to the team management. Contrary to speculation, the decision was not abrupt, as a senior BCCI official clarified:

“Look at the player in question, it’s Virat Kohli. He is very well planned when it comes to these things, and his London trip was communicated and planned well in advance.”

Officials further revealed that Kohli had engaged in multiple training sessions with the team before departing for London on December 15. After his return, he is expected to resume practice upon joining the team in Centurion. The absence of Kohli from the intra-squad practice matches was a strategic move, ensuring his optimal preparation for the upcoming Test series against South Africa.

South Africa’s head coach, Shukri Conrad, expressed confidence that India would face a formidable challenge despite its frontline pacers Kagiso Rabada and Lungi Ngidi returning to action. Both Rabada and Ngidi, having overcome minor setbacks, were seen in full swing during the training sessions.

Conrad acknowledged the importance of freshness in his pacers, stating,

“They will be fresh and firing. I am always a firm believer in freshness.”

Although Rabada and Ngidi may lack recent match practice, Conrad remains unfazed, expressing optimism about their readiness for the game.

As the ‘Boxing Day’ Test approaches, the South African coach anticipates having a full squad of 15 to choose from, emphasizing the potential impact of his lethal bowling duo in challenging India on the pacer-friendly Centurion track.

In a historic moment, 24-year-old pacer Arshdeep Singh etched his name on the cricket annals as the first Indian fast bowler to claim a five-wicket haul against South Africa in ODIs. The remarkable feat unfolded during the opening ODI clash between India and South Africa in Johannesburg. Arshdeep showcased exceptional skill, seizing 5/37 in 10 overs at an impressive economic rate of 3.7. His fiery bowling dismantled the South African top order, dismissing key players such as Reeza Hendricks, Tony de Zorzi, Rassie van der Dussen, Heinrich Klaasen, and all-rounder Andile Phehlukwayo.

This accomplishment positions Arshdeep as the fourth Indian bowler to achieve a five-wicket haul against South Africa in ODIs. Sunil Joshi, a spinner, set the precedent in 1999 with a remarkable 5/6. Subsequently, spinners Yuzvendra Chahal (5/22) in 2018 at Centurion and Ravindra Jadeja (5/33) in 2023 at Kolkata achieved similar milestones.

Reflecting on his outstanding performance, Arshdeep shared his strategy, emphasizing simplicity and expressing pride in opening his ODI wicket account with a five-wicket haul. Despite challenging conditions, including surprising movement on the pitch and scorching heat, Arshdeep credited adaptability as key for bowlers.

In the game itself, the Proteas’ decision to bat first backfired as Indian pacers Arshdeep and Avesh Khan wreaked havoc. Only De Zorzi and Phehlukwayo made decent contributions as South Africa were bowled out for 116 in 27.3 overs. Arshdeep (5/37) and Avesh (4/27) emerged as the standout bowlers for India, with spinner Kuldeep Yadav securing one wicket.

As India set out to chase 117 runs for victory and a 1-0 series lead, Arshdeep’s phenomenal performance undoubtedly set the stage for an exciting cricket encounter.

As India clashed with South Africa in the inaugural ODI of the three-match series, the return of the dynamic Sanju Samson and the debut of Sai Sudharsan marked significant roster changes. Sudharsan, recognized for his List A cricket performances, earned his first cap for India. However, the seasoned duo of Rajat Patidar and Rinku Singh missed out on their ODI debuts, with Samson securing the coveted finisher’s spot over Rinku.

Despite the hype surrounding Sudharsan, Rinku, and Rajat, whose domestic and IPL performances have generated buzz, the trio faced exclusion in the series opener. Rinku, particularly known for his match-winning exploits in India’s T20I squad, was left out of the 1st ODI team.

In a twist of fate, South Africa’s captain Aiden Markram won the toss and elected to bat. KL Rahul, who leads India in the series, expressed a preference for batting first. Subsequently, Rahul unveiled India’s playing XI for the match, emphasizing the squad’s IPL experience and expressing optimism about their performance.

“It’s a special day; the Pink ODI is a big occasion in South Africa. Looking forward to the cracker of the game. There’s a bit of spin in the track, and we’ll try to put pressure on them. Sai Sudharsan is making his debut today. We have players with a lot of IPL experience, and hopefully, that helps them perform to the best of their ability,” said Rahul.

South Africa Playing XI:

Reeza Hendricks, Tony de Zorzi, Rassie van der Dussen, Aiden Markram(c), Heinrich Klaasen(w), David Miller, Wiaan Mulder, Keshav Maharaj, Nandre Burger, Tabraiz Shamsi, Andile Phehlukwayo.

India Playing XI:

KL Rahul(w/c), Ruturaj Gaikwad, Sai Sudharsan, Shreyas Iyer, Axar Patel, Arshdeep Singh, Avesh Khan, Kuldeep Yadav, Tilak Varma, Sanju Samson, Mukesh Kumar.

It’s been over a week since India’s heart-wrenching loss to Australia in the 2023 Cricket World Cup final, and the wounds are still fresh for fans of the Rohit Sharma-led team. Despite an undefeated run into the final, winning 10 consecutive matches, India faced a devastating defeat as Pat Cummins’ Australia secured a 6-wicket victory, claiming their sixth ODI World Cup title.

In a recent interview with The Age, Australian skipper Pat Cummins was asked to choose his ‘deathbed moment’ from the final. Without hesitation, he pointed to the crucial wicket of Virat Kohli. Cummins explained the profound impact of that moment, recalling the eerie silence in the stadium after Kohli’s dismissal.

Batting first, India seemed in control at 148/3 with Kohli and KL Rahul holding strong. However, Cummins’ delivery saw Kohli’s inside edge, leading to a dramatic turn of events. The subsequent huddle, as described by Cummins, captured the gravity of the moment.

Despite India’s competitive total of 240, Travis Head’s masterful innings of 137 guided Australia to a convincing six-wicket victory in Ahmedabad. The left-handed opener’s controlled performance secured Australia’s sixth World Cup title with seven overs to spare, leaving Indian fans grappling with the agony of a missed opportunity.

The echoes of that final will resonate for a long time among cricket enthusiasts, and the Virat Kohli wicket will forever hold a special place in the memory of Pat Cummins and cricket fans alike.

In a thrilling encounter, India and New Zealand are set to face off in the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 first semi-final at Mumbai’s Wankhede Stadium on November 15, kicking off at 2:00 PM IST.

The high-soaring Indian cricket team wrapped up the league stage with a resounding 160-run victory over the Netherlands, maintaining a flawless record of nine wins out of nine in the ODI World Cup. Yet, their next hurdle is none other than New Zealand, a formidable adversary that has consistently challenged the Men in Blue over the years.

While New Zealand’s initial four victories showcased their World Cup prowess, four subsequent losses temporarily dimmed their shine. However, a crucial win against Sri Lanka in their final league match secured their spot in the semi-finals. The Kiwis are primed to give their best for a third consecutive appearance in the ODI World Cup final.

History Haunts India
Rohit Sharma and Rahul Dravid lead India with a shadow of history hanging over them. The haunting memory of the 2019 World Cup semi-final defeat against New Zealand, resulting in India’s exit, remains a cause for concern. The Kiwis have consistently proven to be India’s nemesis, and as the team gears up for the clash, the weight of this past history is likely to play on their minds.

Knockout Woes
India, with a fourth consecutive appearance in the ODI World Cup semi-finals, face the challenge of overcoming recent knockout setbacks. The pressure associated with these crucial matches, coupled with the memory of the 2022 T20 World Cup exit, might impact the team’s performance against a determined New Zealand.

Right vs. Left Conundrum
India’s unchanged right-handed batting lineup, including stars like Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, faces a potential challenge against New Zealand’s left-arm duo, Trent Boult and Mitchell Santner. Boult, in particular, has troubled Sharma with ODIs. With Santner’s prowess against right-handers, India’s composition might pose a challenge in the semi-finals, while New Zealand’s mix of right and left-handed batters could exploit this imbalance with strategic strike rotations.

Rohit Sharma etched his name into cricket history with two remarkable achievements in the Cricket World Cup 2023 clash between India and the Netherlands in Bengaluru on Sunday. The captain of the Indian cricket team showcased scintillating form, scoring 61 off just 54 deliveries, including 8 boundaries and 2 towering sixes. With his first six against Colin Ackermann, Rohit set a new record for the most sixes in a calendar year, reaching an impressive total of 60 sixes in 2023, surpassing the previous record of 58 set by South African legend AB De Villiers in 2015.

60* – Rohit Sharma in 2023*
58 – AB de Villiers in 2015
56 – Chris Gayle in 2019
48 – Shahid Afridi in 2010

Not stopping there, Rohit Sharma also outshone England’s Eoin Morgan, securing the record for the most sixes by a captain in a single edition of the Cricket World Cup. When Morgan hit 22 sixes in 2019, Rohit surged ahead with 24 against the Netherlands, setting the stage for more as India advanced to the semifinals.

24* – Rohit Sharma in 2023*
22 – Eoin Morgan in 2019
21 – AB de Villiers in 2015
18 – Aaron Finch in 2019
17 – Brendon McCullum in 2015

Winning the toss and choosing to bat in their final league game against the Netherlands, both India and the Netherlands maintained unchanged lineups. With India eyeing their ninth consecutive victory before their semi-final clash with New Zealand on November 15, the Dutch, already out of contention, aim to conclude their campaign on a positive note.

India: Rohit Sharma (c), Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, Suryakumar Yadav, Ravindra Jadeja, Mohammed Shami, KL Rahul (w), Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, Kuldeep Yadav.

Netherlands: Wesley Barresi, Max ODowd,  Sybrand Engelbrecht, Scott Edwards (w/c), Bas de Leede, Colin Ackermann, Teja Nidamanuru, Logan van Beek, Aryan Dutt, Roelof van der Merwe,  Paul van Meekere.

In a stellar display of cricket prowess, the Indian cricket team secured their eighth consecutive victory in the 2023 World Cup, dominating South Africa at Eden Gardens. This remarkable streak has earned them accolades from the cricketing world.

India’s resounding win over South Africa, by a staggering 243-run margin, further solidified their position at the top of the World Cup points table. The match showcased their unwavering dominance in the tournament.

Former Pakistani cricketer Hasan Raza recently stirred up controversy with accusations of India manipulating the Decision Review System (DRS) to their advantage in the World Cup campaign.

Raza, in a conversation on a Pakistani TV channel, cited an example from the match to substantiate his claim. He pointed to the dismissal of Rassie van der Dussen, questioning the technology used for DRS.

Raza elaborated on the incident, stating that Jadeja’s delivery pitched on the leg stump but managed to hit the middle stump. He raised concerns about the ball’s trajectory and its impact, advocating for scrutiny and transparency in such cases.

Raza didn’t limit his allegations to just one match; he suggested that India had employed similar tactics in their match against Pakistan in this World Cup as well. He emphasized that India’s ‘home advantage’ may be contributing to their success.

‘Home advantage’ was a major factor in India’s dominant performance at this year’s ODI World Cup,” Raza said.

He thought of the famous event between Sachin Tendulkar and Saeed Ajmal from the 2011 World Cup.

Cricket fans have debated and discussed Raza’s assertions, raising questions about how technology may affect cricket match outcomes.

India are yet to face defeat in the 2023 World Cup, and their most significant challenge came on the league stage against South Africa at the challenging Eden Gardens. In a remarkable display, the Indian bowlers dismantled the South African batting lineup, securing a historic 243-run victory that extended their unbeaten run in the tournament.

Mohammed Shami, a crucial figure in India’s successful second phase of the league stage, didn’t hold back in his assessment of South Africa following this resounding win.

Before the match, India’s bowling unit faced a stern test, especially after Hardik Pandya’s unfortunate ankle injury ruled him out of the remainder of the World Cup. South Africa have been relentless against their opposition’s bowling attacks, consistently scoring 350 or more in four out of their seven matches, including a tournament-high 428 for five. With the likes of Quinton de Kock, David Miller, and Heinrich Klaasen in superb form, South Africa appeared a formidable batting lineup.

However, when facing India, South Africa’s batting order crumbled dramatically, primarily due to Ravindra Jadeja’s five-wicket haul. They were bowled out for a mere 83 runs in just 27.1 overs, with Marco Jansen batting at No. 7, being the top scorer with a 30-ball 14.

After the astonishing win, Mohammad Kaif, a former Indian cricketer on the Star Sports panel, playfully asked Shami about the competition level, saying,

“You beat Australia, New Zealand, and South Africa. Where will we get a new team now, from the moon?”

It’s worth noting that besides South Africa, India has also defeated three other teams that have scored 350 or more at least once in this World Cup – Australia (3), New Zealand (2), and England (1).

Shami responded with his trademark bluntness, saying,

“Har baar 400 paar karne waalon ka haal dekho” (Look at the condition of the team that consistently scores over 400 runs).”

With two wickets in just four overs against South Africa, Shami added to his tally of 14 wickets in four appearances in this World Cup, including two five-wicket hauls. He now stands as India’s top wicket-taker in the tournament’s history.

Within the world of Indian cricket, the names of Sachin Tendulkar and Virat Kohli elicit hopes and dreams that span decades of supporters. They have been subjects of countless comparisons, a testament to their combined greatness. However, their impact on Indian sports extends far beyond mere statistics. They have consistently exceeded the expectations of a billion-plus population in their unique ways. Nevertheless, there are certain milestones that demand attention, like the one Virat Kohli achieved at the iconic Eden Gardens during a Cricket World Cup 2023 match against South Africa on Sunday.

At a venue where Sachin Tendulkar delivered many unforgettable performances, Virat Kohli emphatically matched a world record previously held by the cricketing legend. Sachin Tendulkar held the world record for 49 ODI centuries, a mark that Virat Kohli has now reached in 277 innings. He has an excellent chance of breaking this record in the current World Cup of cricket. It’s interesting to remember that Virat Kohli’s first ODI century came at Eden Gardens against Sri Lanka in 2009.

Virat Kohli has long been considered the worthy successor to Sachin Tendulkar in the Indian batting lineup. Over the past decade and a half, he has consistently lived up to these expectations, steering India to victory with his remarkable batting prowess. Sunday’s feat carries added significance for several reasons. Firstly, the attainment of 49 ODI centuries is a milestone that was once deemed unattainable until Sachin Tendulkar accomplished it. Now, two Indian cricket legends have achieved this extraordinary feat. Secondly, this statistical milestone reaffirms that Virat Kohli is unquestionably the rightful heir to Sachin Tendulkar’s legacy.

This century was Virat Kohli’s 79th in international cricket (including 29 in Tests and 1 in T20Is), and he reached the milestone during the 49th over of the match with a single off Kagiso Rabada.

In his own words, Virat Kohli expressed his thoughts on this journey:

“If we talk about cricket, I had never thought of achieving it all, as in where my career is and how God has blessed me with such a career span and performances. I had always dreamt I’d do this, but I never thought things would pan out this way exactly.” He added, “Nobody can plan these things, the way your journey is going, or the way things unfold in front of you. I hadn’t thought that I’d score so many centuries and so many runs in the last 12 years.”

Clearly, Virat Kohli’s journey into the world of cricket is destined to witness many more historic milestones.