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NDTV
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- NDTV
"Want to Make You A Bollywood Hero": Shikhar Dhawan Recalls First Meeting With MS Dhoni, Reveals His Reaction
Swashbuckling former opening batsman Shikhar Dhawan has come out with his memoir in which he bares it all - from his relationships to friendships, to all the controversies surrounding him, be it off or on the field. "Cricket gave me purpose, but it was the journey with the highs, the falls and the quiet moments, that truly shaped me as a man I am today. This is me sharing that journey from the heart - raw, honest and unfiltered," Dhawan said about his book "The One: Cricket, My Life and More". "Written with candour and sincerity, 'The One' offers an unprecedented glimpse into Shikhar Dhawan's inner monologue and all the vulnerabilities that have shaped him into the champion cricketer and sensitive human being he is today," publishers HarperCollins India said. According to Sachin Sharma, publisher at HarperCollins India, "Shikhar Dhawan has lived an incredible life both on and off the field. In this unputdownable memoir, Shikhar has opened up about his life, cricket, relationships, and every curveball that he faced and emerged stronger." Growing up in the intensely competitive cricketing scene of Delhi, Dhawan started out as a wicketkeeper but later transitioned to an opening batsman. He played 34 Tests for India scoring 2315 runs, 167 ODIs (6793 runs) and 68 T20 matches (1759 runs). "When I was trying to break into the Indian side, social media was still nascent and cricketers were under a lot less scrutiny. But other media platforms - print and broadcast - were thriving," he writes in the book. "Team selections and individual cricket performances were discussed threadbare and had gained sufficient audience in the country. However, unlike the current times in which social media can transform cricketers from 'hero' to 'zero' almost overnight, narratives took a lot longer to change back in those days," he says. Talking about his entry into the Indian dressing room, he said when Australia came to India for a short tour in October 2010, "that's when I received my long-awaited call to join the big boys". Dhawan also writes that when he first saw Mahendra Singh Dhoni, "I wanted to cast him in a Bollywood movie; he looked like a film star with that long hair and easy smile". He added: "We were having a chat about my motivation when I suddenly blurted out, 'I want to play for India and I want to make you a Bollywood hero!' He threw back his head and laughed." Though he was chosen for the three ODIs, the first and third matches in Kochi and Margao were washed out. "Before the first match in Kochi, there was so much nervous energy bubbling inside me that I could not sleep the whole night... But when I got up in the morning, it was raining heavily, and all my hopes turned to nought. No action was possible that day," Dhawan writes. "Then, just ahead of the second ODI at Vizag, I took a sleeping pill to soothe my nerves. I thought it was important to sleep well, and I was worried that my performance would suffer if I went through another round of insomnia as I had done on the eve of the first match," he recalls. India won the toss and invited Australia to field. Dhawan's debut game had begun. The Aussies batted first and scored 289. Dhawan opened the batting with Murali Vijay. But in the very first over, he was bowled for a duck off the second ball by Clint McKay. "I walked off from the crease with a smile pasted on my face, but inside, I was kicking myself hard. I had visualized myself playing dazzling shots and piling up a huge amount of runs for India for so long that I found it difficult to wrap the reality around my head," he writes.
Time of India
23-06-2025
- Sport
- Time of India
IND vs ENG: 'You just let Rishabh Pant be Rishabh Pant' - KL Rahul hails star batter after twin tons as India set England 371-run target
KL Rahul (Pic credit: Sahil Malhotra/ in Leeds: 'You just let Rishabh Pant be Rishabh Pant. Stand out there and admire.' KL Rahul 's words summed up the essence of day four at Headingley, where the Indian duo of Rahul and Pant unleashed twin centuries to propel India to 364 all out in their second innings, setting England a steep 371-run target. Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE NOW! By stumps, England openers Zak Crawley and Ben Duckett had reached 21 without loss. The series opener remains delicately poised with 350 more needed by the hosts and one full day to go. Pant, who made 134 in the first innings, completed his second century of the match with a thrilling 118 off 140 balls - becoming the first Indian to hit twin tons in a Test against England and only the second wicketkeeper in history to achieve the feat. Greenstone Lobo predicts winner of IND vs ENG series | Who Has the Astrological Edge? KL Rahul, anchoring the innings with a composed 137 off 247 balls, was at his vintage best. 'Was happy with the way I was batting in Australia… Unfortunately couldn't get big runs. I learnt there that once I get starts, I'll convert into big ones,' he said after the day's play. On his ever-evolving role in the batting order, he admitted: 'Last couple of years I have forgotten what position I am comfortable in. I am ready for whatever has been given to me. I have enjoyed my role as an opener the last couple of series.' Rahul also spoke about helping younger players adjust to English conditions. 'Everyone wants to learn, get better at their game. Whoever has come and spoken to me, we've had lengthy conversations. It was something that used to happen earlier also.' Despite India losing their last six wickets for 31 runs, they had done enough damage. England pacer Josh Tongue, who triggered India's late collapse, said: 'It's a shame I couldn't get the hat-trick… but the dressing room is very positive. We have a very good batting order.' Day five promises fireworks - or a fight for survival. For real-time updates, scores, and highlights, follow our live coverage of the India vs England Test match here . Game On Season 1 kicks off with Sakshi Malik's inspiring story. Watch Episode 1 here
NDTV
23-06-2025
- Sport
- NDTV
KL Rahul Slams Ninth Ton For India In 1st Test vs England. Sachin Tendulkar Reacts
KL Rahul was picture of composure on Monday. Even as Rishabh Pant rocked and rolled at the other end, KL Rahul (120 batting) was rewarded for his indefatigable resistance as he constructed a classic hundred to power India to a dominant 298 for four at tea on the fourth day and stretch their overall lead to 304 runs. Rahul looked calm, composed and self-assured at the other end, helping India swell the lead brick by brick, even as Pant seemed to tone down his attacking approach and blocked without any difficulty. Luck too smiled on Rahul as Harry Brook dropped him at gully after the batter tried to steer a quick Josh Tongue delivery. At the other end, Rishabh Pant became only the second wicketkeeper in the game's history to score hundreds in both innings of a Test, guiding the visitors to a position of strength in the series-opener against England. Sachin Tendulkar and Suresh Raina lauded both batters. @klrahul 's calm. @RishabhPant17 's flair. Two special knocks. Two proud moments. — Sachin Tendulkar (@sachin_rt) June 23, 2025 What a statement by #KLRahul & #RishabhPant! Centuries in the 2nd innings when it mattered the most Pure class, grit & intent on display! Keep going boys, big series ahead! #ENGvIND #TestCricket #TeamIndia — Suresh Raina (@ImRaina) June 23, 2025 Former captain Nasser Hussain and decorated speedster Stuart Broad were left enchanted by "elegant" India star KL Rahul's batting "masterclass" in English conditions on day four of the opening Test at Headingley. Rahul has inflicted malicious damage to England at Headingley with his composed demeanour and picture-perfect strokeplay in the second innings. While Pant has bustled about his business at the other end in patches, Rahul has remained unfazed, leaving the deliveries in the corridor of uncertainty and punishing the ones that landed in his arc. "He is so elegant. Even when a ball goes past the outside edge, it doesn't faze him too much. If you want to learn how to bat in English conditions, he is giving you a masterclass," Hussain said on Sky Sports. Rahul notched up his fifty and kept relying on his robust defense to ensure India remained unscathed after captain Shubman Gill chopped the ball into the timber. Fortune stood by his side when he steered the ball straight into Harry Brook, who fumbled on the opportunity and allowed Rahul a breather. "He has driven the ball so beautifully, but last night, I really enjoyed the field Stokes operated with by leaving mid-off completely open. He had a square extra-cover and tempted Rahul to drive straighter," Broad said. When the pitch started to misbehave, Rahul kept his eyes glued to the ball till the last moment and weathered puzzling deliveries to remain unbeaten on 72 at the stroke of lunch. On the other hand, Pant stayed true to his natural aggressive intent but eventually gave in to his survival instincts. Pant was struck on the pads while attempting to scoop the ball. A faint edge saved him from being dismissed, and from then on, he adapted to the policy of the artificial sedation of his instincts to ensure the partnership saw the light after the first session. After lunch was called, India hammered 153/3 on the board, enjoying a promising lead of 159. " Dinesh Karthik summed up this Rahul-Pant partnership pretty well when he said classical music from one end and hip-hop from the other. The hip-hop, Pant, has toned it down after a [frenzied] period. He had a word with himself and has got into his innings now. He has a relatively sensible head on, and Rahul has always had a sensible head on," Hussain said while reflecting on Pant and Rahul's partnership. With agency inputs
Hindustan Times
23-06-2025
- Sport
- Hindustan Times
Manjrekar rips into post-Kohli panic as Rahul, Pant slam second innings tons: 'What after Virat is irrational'
Ever since the retirement of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli from Tests, there were fears regarding how an Indian playing XI will fare in the five-match series against England on overseas shores. The Shubman Gill-led side is without their three most senior pros - Virat, Rohit and Ravichandran Ashwin, hence the fear of fans was warranted. However, the young lineup has put all the outside talk to rest. Shubman Gill and the rest of his team are bossing the ongoing first Test against England and are favourites to walk away with a favourable result. Former India batter Sanjay Manjrekar had a brutal take on 'what after Virat Kohli' fear(AP) Looking at how a young Indian lineup has been performing in the first Test, former India batter Sanjay Manjrekar had a brutal take on 'what after Virat Kohli' fear as he lauded Rishabh Pant and KL Rahul for their tons against England. KL Rahul and Rishabh Pant slammed centuries in the second innings to propel India's position in the Headingley Test. The left-handed Pant is just the second wicketkeeper in the history of the game to score centuries in both innings of a Test. Ever since Kohli retired from the longest format, having played 123 Tests, fans have been panicking about the health of Test cricket. Virat Kohli has long supported Tests, often saying that the longest format is the 'toughest.' Even after RCB's maiden IPL triumph, Virat Kohli famously said that this victory ranks 'five levels' below Test cricket. Also Read: IND vs ENG Live Score: KL Rahul, Karun Nair gear up to push India into winning position However, Manjrekar said that cricket will always remain the top sport in the country as several youngsters are waiting to represent the country. 'Cricket is a by far the no 1 sport in India. There is tremendous incentive for young kids to take up cricket. Hence 'What after Fab 4, or what after Virat' is an irrational fear,' Manjrekar wrote on X (formerly Twitter). India on top in the Headingley Test England got off to the perfect start possible on Day 4 of the Headingley Test as Brydon Carse dismissed Shubman Gill in the first over. However, from then on, Pant and Rahul kept the England attack at bay. Pant and Rahul both slammed centuries in the second innings, and the duo put on 195 runs for the fourth wicket. KL Rahul smashed his first century in 18 months in Test cricket. He had last scored a ton against South Africa in the Centurion Test in 2023. Earlier, India had gained a lead of six runs in the first innings after Jasprit Bumrah's five-wicket haul helped India bundle out England for 465. In India's first innings with the bat, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Gill, and Pant scored centuries, and India posted 471 runs on the board.
The Advertiser
23-06-2025
- Sport
- The Advertiser
Healy's path to World Cup set, will play into summer
Alyssa Healy has ruled out making this year's ODI World Cup a farewell party, revealing recent injuries could persuade her to push back any retirement plans. Healy's path back to cricket will be confirmed on Tuesday, with the wicketkeeper to be named as part of an Australia A squad to face India A in Queensland in August. The matches will mark the Australian captain's first since the Ashes success at the start of the year, when she missed games with a stress fracture in her foot and did not keep wicket in others. Healy has endured a difficult year fitness-wise, also missing the finals of last year's T20 World Cup with the foot injury and having a knee issue end her WBBL season early. The 35-year-old then sat out ODIs in New Zealand and the WPL in India as a result of her injuries, but said she has been fit and able to play since March. Healy often jokes she has decided to retire from cricket five or six times before opting against it, and revealed earlier this year she had an ideal exit scenario. But that will not be after the October-November World Cup, with a hunger for cricket while injured meaning her yet-to-be-revealed plans could be pushed back. "It's probably shifted a little bit," Healy told AAP. "It's made me realise that I still want to do a little bit more than maybe what I thought. "At the same time, sometimes there's stuff in life that are a little bit more important than pulling on the green and gold. So it's just a constant reassess. "But at the moment I definitely want to play a home summer. I want to bring the World Cup home, but also to play against India (in February-March)." Tuesday marks 100 days until Australia's opening World Cup clash against New Zealand, with the India tournament presenting a real challenge for the defending champions. Australia are gunning to be the first side to win back-to-back in the tournament in almost 40 years, with the team having faced a large large transition since 2022. Forming a pathway to the ODI World Cup was part of Healy's pitch when she took over the captaincy when Meg Lanning retired in 2023. "That was one of my goals, putting a timeline on it and saying this is where I could take this group, even not knowing what I was going to do personally," Healy said. "It definitely was a big focus of mine, to get the group to a place to compete at this World Cup, and win the trophy. "It's not so much about the captaincy (driving me), or ticking one more box. "It's just that I want to win a World Cup for Australia, and no one has gone back-to-back, which is a real motivator." Healy has not kept wicket in a match since January, but is confident the three Australia A series and subsequent ODIs in India will have her fit for up to nine World Cup matches in 32 days. "According to science, the ODI World Cups is one of the heaviest loads that we go through as cricketers," Healy said "My aim is to play every game of that World Cup. So to make sure I can do that's important." Alyssa Healy has ruled out making this year's ODI World Cup a farewell party, revealing recent injuries could persuade her to push back any retirement plans. Healy's path back to cricket will be confirmed on Tuesday, with the wicketkeeper to be named as part of an Australia A squad to face India A in Queensland in August. The matches will mark the Australian captain's first since the Ashes success at the start of the year, when she missed games with a stress fracture in her foot and did not keep wicket in others. Healy has endured a difficult year fitness-wise, also missing the finals of last year's T20 World Cup with the foot injury and having a knee issue end her WBBL season early. The 35-year-old then sat out ODIs in New Zealand and the WPL in India as a result of her injuries, but said she has been fit and able to play since March. Healy often jokes she has decided to retire from cricket five or six times before opting against it, and revealed earlier this year she had an ideal exit scenario. But that will not be after the October-November World Cup, with a hunger for cricket while injured meaning her yet-to-be-revealed plans could be pushed back. "It's probably shifted a little bit," Healy told AAP. "It's made me realise that I still want to do a little bit more than maybe what I thought. "At the same time, sometimes there's stuff in life that are a little bit more important than pulling on the green and gold. So it's just a constant reassess. "But at the moment I definitely want to play a home summer. I want to bring the World Cup home, but also to play against India (in February-March)." Tuesday marks 100 days until Australia's opening World Cup clash against New Zealand, with the India tournament presenting a real challenge for the defending champions. Australia are gunning to be the first side to win back-to-back in the tournament in almost 40 years, with the team having faced a large large transition since 2022. Forming a pathway to the ODI World Cup was part of Healy's pitch when she took over the captaincy when Meg Lanning retired in 2023. "That was one of my goals, putting a timeline on it and saying this is where I could take this group, even not knowing what I was going to do personally," Healy said. "It definitely was a big focus of mine, to get the group to a place to compete at this World Cup, and win the trophy. "It's not so much about the captaincy (driving me), or ticking one more box. "It's just that I want to win a World Cup for Australia, and no one has gone back-to-back, which is a real motivator." Healy has not kept wicket in a match since January, but is confident the three Australia A series and subsequent ODIs in India will have her fit for up to nine World Cup matches in 32 days. "According to science, the ODI World Cups is one of the heaviest loads that we go through as cricketers," Healy said "My aim is to play every game of that World Cup. So to make sure I can do that's important." Alyssa Healy has ruled out making this year's ODI World Cup a farewell party, revealing recent injuries could persuade her to push back any retirement plans. Healy's path back to cricket will be confirmed on Tuesday, with the wicketkeeper to be named as part of an Australia A squad to face India A in Queensland in August. The matches will mark the Australian captain's first since the Ashes success at the start of the year, when she missed games with a stress fracture in her foot and did not keep wicket in others. Healy has endured a difficult year fitness-wise, also missing the finals of last year's T20 World Cup with the foot injury and having a knee issue end her WBBL season early. The 35-year-old then sat out ODIs in New Zealand and the WPL in India as a result of her injuries, but said she has been fit and able to play since March. Healy often jokes she has decided to retire from cricket five or six times before opting against it, and revealed earlier this year she had an ideal exit scenario. But that will not be after the October-November World Cup, with a hunger for cricket while injured meaning her yet-to-be-revealed plans could be pushed back. "It's probably shifted a little bit," Healy told AAP. "It's made me realise that I still want to do a little bit more than maybe what I thought. "At the same time, sometimes there's stuff in life that are a little bit more important than pulling on the green and gold. So it's just a constant reassess. "But at the moment I definitely want to play a home summer. I want to bring the World Cup home, but also to play against India (in February-March)." Tuesday marks 100 days until Australia's opening World Cup clash against New Zealand, with the India tournament presenting a real challenge for the defending champions. Australia are gunning to be the first side to win back-to-back in the tournament in almost 40 years, with the team having faced a large large transition since 2022. Forming a pathway to the ODI World Cup was part of Healy's pitch when she took over the captaincy when Meg Lanning retired in 2023. "That was one of my goals, putting a timeline on it and saying this is where I could take this group, even not knowing what I was going to do personally," Healy said. "It definitely was a big focus of mine, to get the group to a place to compete at this World Cup, and win the trophy. "It's not so much about the captaincy (driving me), or ticking one more box. "It's just that I want to win a World Cup for Australia, and no one has gone back-to-back, which is a real motivator." Healy has not kept wicket in a match since January, but is confident the three Australia A series and subsequent ODIs in India will have her fit for up to nine World Cup matches in 32 days. "According to science, the ODI World Cups is one of the heaviest loads that we go through as cricketers," Healy said "My aim is to play every game of that World Cup. So to make sure I can do that's important."
