Greg Chappell analyzes how cricket legends like Virat Kohli, Steve Smith and Joe Root face their eventual decline, termed "Elite Performance Decline Syndrome." He observes subtle shifts in their approach, marked by increased caution and a struggle to recapture peak fluency.
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Delhi Capitals achieved a convincing six-wicket victory over Gujarat Giants in the Women's Premier League, led by Shafali Verma's 44 and Jess Jonassen's unbeaten 61. Successfully chasing 127 in 15.1 overs, a 74-run stand between Verma and Jonassen was pivotal. Earlier, Delhi's bowlers restricted Gujarat to 127, spearheaded by Marizanne Kapp, Shikha Pandey, and Annabel Sutherland.
Rajat Patidar, in his first term as RCB captain, achieved a historic win against CSK at Chepauk after 17 years. His exceptional leadership and personal performance were acknowledged by teammates, including Phil Salt, showcasing Patidar's strategic decisions and impactful innings in the game's most critical moments.
England’s Adil Rashid dismissed Virat Kohli for the 11th time in international cricket during the third ODI in Ahmedabad on Wednesday. Rashid joins Tim Southee and Josh Hazlewood in troubling Kohli the most across all formats. Kohli managed to score his 73rd ODI half-century, while Shubman Gill achieved his seventh ODI century with consecutive fifties.
As the IPL 2025 approaches, anticipation builds not just for the games but for the intense rivalries and heated moments. Memorable incidents include Harbhajan Singh’s slap to Sreesanth, Virat Kohli and Gautam Gambhir’s clashes, Kieron Pollard’s bat toss, MS Dhoni’s pitch invasion, and David Warner’s confrontation with the umpire, highlighting the passion and pressure in the tournament.
The second season of the ILT20 was highly competitive with teams closely matched. Key players like Dushmantha Chameera, Nicholas Pooran, Kusal Perera, and Sikandar Raza made significant impacts. While Pooran and Perera were vital for MI Emirates, Chameera and Raza played crucial roles for their respective teams. Hasaranga’s contributions, despite limited games, were crucial for Desert Vipers.
Ron Draper, the oldest living Test cricketer, passed away at 98 in Gqeberha. Draper played two Test matches for South Africa in 1950. His first-class debut was marked by a century on his 19th birthday. Draper is remembered for his continued cricketing career until 1959-60, maintaining an impressive average of 41.64.
Gujarat advanced to the Ranji Trophy semifinals after defeating Saurashtra by an innings and 98 runs. Key players Priyajit Jadeja and Arzan Nagwaswalla led the bowling attack. Saurashtra was dismissed for 197 runs in their second innings. Cheteshwar Pujara scored 2 runs. Gujarat's performance sends a strong message to their upcoming opponents.
Pakistan's early exit from the Champions Trophy, with no wins in three games, has led to criticism from former cricketers. Ex-captain Mohammad Hafeez blamed past stars for failing to inspire new talent. Pakistan now prepare for a New Zealand tour with a reshuffled white-ball team, dropping key players Babar Azam and Shaheen Afridi.
The ICC unveiled the official song 'Jeeto Baazi Khel Ke' by Atif Aslam for the ICC Men's Champions Trophy 2025, produced by Abdullah Siddiqui. The song's release aims to build excitement for the tournament, set to take place in Pakistan and the UAE from 19 February to 9 March.
Australia took a 2-1 lead in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy with a 184-run win over India in the Boxing Day Test. Pat Cummins, who was named Player of the Match, praised the team for their all-round effort. Cummins contributed significantly both with bat and ball. Australia's strategic play, including not declaring to reduce India's chances, was key to the victory.