Author: Gargi Raut

Having grown up in a fairly cricket-oriented family, I was always connected to the sport. There isn’t a time when I don’t recall playing cricket. I vividly remember being glued to the TV on March 26, 2016, with Virat Kohli in prime form. Just like a million other kids who must have been inspired by the way that Kohli had commanded his innings, something changed inside me too. You couldn’t help but feel his raw, unbridled passion through the TV screen. That is the power that Kohli holds. On that day, it seemed like destiny was putty in Kohli’s hands.…

Eden Gardens as we all know it is a boiling pot of history and anticipation. The iconic venue has witnessed uncountable historic moments and legendary performances, etching itself as one of the best venues in cricket history. The stadium is an embodiment of the passion and enthusiasm of the people of Kolkata. And it is the people who have elevated the stadium to more than just a cricket arena. Eden Gardens isn’t merely a cricket stadium, it’s a cultural institution, a place where generations of cricket lovers have gathered to witness history. And in light of the ongoing ODI World…

An artist once wrote a lyric that said “Never trust an elevator if it rises fast, it can’t last” Perhaps the lyric most resonates with England’s quick rise and fall in recent times. The defending champions are now in such a state, you can’t help but be sorry for them. Quick success struck, and England is now lovesick for a template it once proudly claimed. England took all their chances and it worked for as long as luck would allow it. When the English players were in the thick of their success, they knew that the dangerous, always on the…

When you think about the ODI World Cup, you can’t help but think about some of the iconic moments. “Dhoni finishes off in style…” Martin Guptill’s 273 against West Indies, Sachin Tendulkar being carried around the Wankhede Stadium after the 2011 World Cup win and many more. But slowly, along the way, the ODI World Cup has lost its charm. And this time around, it seems like there’s not much hype around the tournament that is taking place in a cricket-worshipping nation like India. In the ongoing World Cup, there seems to be a scarcity of thrillers and down-to-the-wire matches.…

Pakistan were at the receiving end of an upset when they last met an underdog opponent. Afghanistan left no stones unturned as they served the Men in Green their third consecutive loss after losing to India and Australia in a rather mortifying manner. The Pakistan cricket team has been resting at the 5th spot on the points table with three losses and a meagre two win record in the World Cup. With South Africa winning their 5th game of the tournament. Pakistan’s only hope is for Australia to lose some of their upcoming fixtures. But all hope is not lost…

It is an exciting time in India as the country gears up for the start of the festive season. It is an especially thrilling time in the city of joy. Kolkata is all decked up and dazzling for the Durga Pooja. The streets are lined with thousands and thousands of lights, people out and about with their families, dressed in the same colours to honour the Navratri tradition. At the same time, India, the cricket worshipping nation celebrates the widely loved sport as the country hosts the ODI World Cup. The Indian cricket team do their part to raise the…

Heading into a Cricket World as underdogs is not everyone’s cup of tea, but the Afghanistan cricket team seem to be making it a habit to punch above their weight against teams ranked much higher up in the pecking order. We were all witness to one such upset today. The Afghanistan cricket team pops out to sing a protest song every once in a while, reminding us that if they really play to potential, they can turn the tide against the heaviest of the opponents. Afghanistan against mighty England held their nerve and defeated the “attacking” champions (as Jos Buttler…