Author: Subhayan Chakraborty

Subhayan Chakraborty at the MCA Stadium, Pune As the Indian cricket team look to continue their dominant run in the ICC Men’s ODI World Cup, having won three out of three matches, the spotlight now turns to their next clash, against Bangladesh at the Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium in Pune. After a day off, the Indian players took to the training ground on Tuesday with a clear focus on sharpening their skills. The day began with Rohit Sharma, the captain, and Rahul Dravid, head coach, being the first to step on to the field. They engaged in lengthy discussions while…

Subhayan Chakraborty at the Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad When India emerged to train at the cavernous Narendra Modi Stadium on the eve of the most anticipated game of this World Cup, all eyes were Shubman Gill, especially after Rohit Sharma, the captain, had announced that he was “99 per cent available for the game against Pakistan”. Gill had missed India’s two opening matches after being laid low by dengue fever in the days leading up to the opening game in Chennai. As he stepped into the nets, three net bowlers joined Mohammed Shami to challenge Gill. This group of bowlers…

As Pakistan geared up for the high-voltage World Cup clash at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, they left no stone unturned during a rigorous training session on the eve of the match. After the pre-match press conference, Pakistan’s captain, Babar Azam, along with Mohammad Rizwan, received guidance from the team’s bowling coach, Morne Morkel, and Mickey Arthur, the team director, as they inspected the playing square before heading to the practice nets. With the Ahmedabad pitch expected to favour spinners, the primary focus of the session was on facing the turning ball. The local spinners, stationed at the nets,…

Ahead of the high-intensity clash with India in the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, Pakistan captain Babar Azam said that the Men in Green are well capable of putting an end to the 7-0 record against their arch-rivals in ODI World Cups. “There is more pressure for match tickets than the match,” Babar said in a light-hearted manner at the pre-match press conference. “It is not a pressure match for us. We have played each other a lot of times. We got a lot of support in Hyderabad and we hope the same…

Subhayan Chakraborty in Ahmedabad As the much-anticipated clash between India and Pakistan in the ICC Men’s ODI World Cup at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on October 14 draws nearer, RevSportz spoke to Riaz Afridi, the former Pakistan cricketer who also happens to be the elder brother and coach of Pakistan’s star bowler, Shaheen Shah Afridi. “Look, the way Pakistan’s position is, they seem like a very strong team in every aspect – batting, bowling, fielding,” Riaz Afridi told RevSportz. “There’s tough competition all around. If you look at Pakistan’s fast bowlers, they all consistently bowl at speeds of…

Subhayan Chakraborty at the Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad As Shaheen Shah Afridi made his way towards the boundary rope after training, a couple of members of the media requested a selfie. In response, Shaheen quipped, “Zaroor selfie loonga, but five wicket lene ke baad [I’d be happy to take one, but only after I’ve claimed five wickets].” As one set foot in Ahmedabad, the anticipation for the much-anticipated India-Pakistan clash was palpable. The city exuded cricket fever, with massive World Cup posters and bustling activity at every turn, reflecting the grandeur of the sport’s biggest spectacle. The Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel…

Subhayan Chakraborty at the Arun Jaitley Stadium, Delhi The Arun Jaitley Stadium came alive with pulsating energy as India squared off against Afghanistan in an ICC Men’s ODI World Cup 2023 clash. With a dazzling display of masterful strokes, the Men in Blue claimed a resounding victory, led by none other than Rohit Sharma, with a record seventh World Cup century. Rohit’s breathtaking pull shots, lofted drives, and perfectly timed cut shots sent the 34,800-strong crowd into a frenzy. His swashbuckling innings deservedly earned him accolades. Yet, amid this extraordinary exhibition, there was something else that added to the carnival…

Subhayan Chakraborty from New Delhi As the Indian cricket team geared up for their second World Cup match against Afghanistan at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in New Delhi, their net session on the eve of the clash provided curious moments, featuring struggle, entertainment and determination. The batting session commenced with Ishan Kishan, Shreyas Iyer and Ravindra Jadeja taking centre stage, followed by the arrival of captain Rohit Sharma. However, it was a rollercoaster session, especially for young opener Ishan. He found himself facing a barrage of challenges from the net bowlers, including leg-spinners and pacers. The turbulent ride began when…

Subhayan Chakraborty in Chennai In the twilight of his life, at theage of 93, when most individuals retreat into solitude and nostalgia, CoimbataraoDoraikannu Gopinath stands as testament to the enduring love for cricket that unites millions of Indians. He is the last living connection to India’s cricketing adolescence, the lone survivor from that historic first Test winin February 1952. As the world eagerly awaits the start of India’s World Cup campaign, Gopinath, who resides just a stone’s throw away from Chennai’s hallowed MA Chidambaram Stadium, will also tune in to back the Men in Blue on Sunday. Despite Bollywood actors…

Rohit Sharma has been there and done a few things. After struggling to cement his place in the XI for a few years, he has become indispensable in all formats. His contribution and ability was acknowledged when he was named captain of the national team. But, at 36, he thinks there is something he has not achieved yet. That is holding aloft the 50-over World Cup trophy. Speaking to the media a day before India open their campaign against Australia, Rohit emphatically stated that this event is “unfinished business” for him. Sachin Tendulkar had similar thoughts before the 2011 World…