Author: Bharath Ramaraj

Bharath Ramaraj in Dubai On a Sunday night, the entire Dubai Stadium was packed to the brim, with the majority of them belonging to one country. The big occasion was India taking on New Zealand in a Champions Trophy final. So much so that even on the steps, fans had occupied most of the space. In the 41st over, when KL Rahul smashed a six, there was a cacophony of sounds reverberating across the stadium. As soon as Rahul essayed that stroke, one could observe some fans indulging in bhangra, and a few others dancing to their own beats. One…

Bharath Ramaraj in Dubai Varying degrees of success are synonymous with India entering Champions Trophy finals: One shared trophy, two losses and a memorable triumph in 2013. So, what is in store for the Asian nation when they lock horns against New Zealand in their fifth Champions Trophy final in Dubai? Maybe, just like 2002, there is a chance of rain playing spoilsport. You would think that is an unlikely scenario as the UAE hardly gets rain. But according to the National Centre of Meteorology, cloudy conditions are expected during the course of the match. Although there is only a…

Bharath in Dubai Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, the two stalwarts of Indian cricket, looked relaxed and stood in a corner after their respective net sessions. Kohli also took a bit of time out to sign some autographs just before the start of India’s training workshop. The air of calmness surrounding their demeanour extended to the rest of their teammates. It was on expected lines as India have won seven ODIs in a row, including four in the ongoing Champions Trophy. As it is aptly said: ‘Winning dressing room is a happy dressing room.’ The think-tank will hope that the…

Matt Henry versus India’s top-order Since the start of 2022, the experienced New Zealand pace bowler has bagged 67 wickets at an average of just over 23 in ODIs. The plucky seamer can move the ball both ways. More importantly, he possesses a deceptive wobble ball. After setting up right-hand batters with deliveries that leave them, Henry looks to bowl the one that just goes straight or wobbles in a bit after pitching. With the ball wobbling very little in the air and the wrist action indicating that it could leave the right-hander, there is a chance of a right-hand…

Bharath Ramaraj in Dubai ‘Chris Cairns knocks one to backward square leg off Ajit Agarkar’s full toss and runs across the stadium to celebrate New Zealand Men’s team’s maiden ICC trophy.’ New Zealand’s triumph in the ICC Knockout tournament in 2000 will certainly be etched in the memories of their fans for generations to come. Just connect the dots, and 25 years later, they have a chance to revisit those glory days by lifting the Champions Trophy in Dubai. Can the Mitchell Santner-led side emulate the heroics of that unfaniced New Zealand set-up? For starters, they have the required resources…

Bharath Ramaraj in Dubai Tap and run – Those two words should be gilt edged and framed alongside Virat Kohli’s photo and kept in a showcase at ICC’s headquarters and the Dubai International Stadium. Somewhere 20 years later, when a group of students take an excursion of the stadium, or headquarters, they would get an inkling of Kohli’s masterpieces in ODI cricket. Tap and run was also the lifeblood of how Kohli went about whittling away at Australia’s 265-run target in Dubai. He opened his account with a single to point. In the seventh over, there was another run stolen…

Over a couple of days, the Australian team had intense practice sessions at the ICC Academy, ahead of their all-important semifinal clash against India, at the Dubai International Stadium. In fact, on the eve of the match, the Australian players made their way to the Academy around 30-45 minutes before the scheduled time. Just scratch the surface and one can understand the gist of the bigger picture. Until now, all of Australia’s 2025 Champions Trophy games were held in Pakistan. So, they would want to have a feel of the overall conditions in Dubai. Josh Inglis and Marnus Labuschagne were…

As Varun Chakaravarthy was introduced into the attack by Rohit Sharma, in the Champions Trophy game against New Zealand, a cool breeze was blowing across the Dubai International Stadium. It felt as if there was a rhythmic synchronization between Varun’s run-up and the winds. The first over of Varun itself provided enough evidence that the spinner was in a zone of his own. After starting with a very full delivery, Varun pulled his length back just enough and had a couple of half-hearted appeals turned down. One wondered how long it would take before Varun starts to run through…

Bharath Ramaraj in Dubai The first two offerings that Virat Kohli faced in the international arena went on the following lines – A tentative forward defence to a delivery from Chaminda Vaas that straightened on the angle and the next one that beat him on the outside edge. Soon, he was dismissed LBW by Nuwan Kulasekara. In a nutshell, the-then Under-19 World Cup winning captain’s international career didn’t start with a bang. It has to be noted, however, that Kohli was batting out of position – at the top of the order. Just like that, over 6000 days have sailed…

Bharath in Dubai ‘Where is Rohit Sharma?’ ‘Has Rohit come out for practice?’ ‘I still can’t seem to see Rohit.’ ‘Keep an eye on Rohit’ ‘Why hasn’t Rohit come out?’ From the volley of questions, it is crystal clear that the lenses of all the cameras and phones were zoomed in on one player, and that was Rohit Sharma. The simple reason behind the frenzy among the reporters at the ICC Academy ground was because Rohit had picked up a hamstring problem during the India-Pakistan encounter. Around 15 minutes into the net session, Rohit slowly made his way into the…