Author: Trisha Ghosal

Trisha Ghosal in Melbourne For every cricket lover, the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) is more than just a stadium—it’s a sacred colosseum, a theatre where legends are forged, and history is written. On Monday, I stepped into this hallowed ground, and for a fleeting moment, time stood still. As I walked through the entrance, my heart raced. The enormity of the arena hit me instantly, its vastness both intimidating and inviting. The stands, empty for now but alive with echoes of past roars, seemed to whisper stories of heroes and heartbreaks. I paused, took two deep breaths, and let the…

When Virat Kohli lost his cool at Melbourne airport, the moment quickly became a talking point. Cameras zoomed in, opinions flew, and debates erupted. Was Kohli overreacting? Should he expect privacy in public spaces? After all, isn’t fame a “package deal”—adoration on one hand and scrutiny on the other? But lurking beneath the surface lies a much bigger question—one that extends beyond sport, beyond celebrity, and strikes at the core of what we value as a society: Where do we draw the line between admiration and intrusion? This isn’t just about Kohli, or about cricket. It’s about the very human…

In a surprising turn of events, Ravichandran Ashwin announced his retirement from international cricket midway through the Border-Gavaskar series, at the conclusion of the third Test at the Gabba. For fans like me, who have admired Ashwin’s journey from the sidelines, this moment felt like the end of an extraordinary era. Ashwin’s career has been nothing short of phenomenal—537 Test wickets, countless match-winning performances, and the quiet intelligence that made him not just a cricketer but a master craftsman. Beyond the records and achievements, though, Ashwin’s story has offered lessons that anyone, even non-cricket lovers, can carry into their own…

After a tough 3-0 loss in the ODI series against Australia, India Women return to the T20 format, eager to bounce back in a three-match series against the West Indies at the DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai. For the hosts, it is a chance to close out a mixed year on a high note, while also laying the groundwork for the next ICC T20 World Cup. For the visitors, a team brimming with confidence after a strong World Cup showing and improved performances in 2024, it is an opportunity to break their eight-match losing streak against India. India: New…

India’s women’s cricket is at a crossroads. Once touted as the next big force in world cricket, the team now finds itself led by a captain whose leadership is as uninspired as her batting is inconsistent. Harmanpreet Kaur, the power-hitter who once carried the hopes of millions, now seems to weigh the team down—both as a leader and a batter. Let’s begin with her captaincy, or the sheer lack of it. Leadership demands courage, proactive thinking, and composure—qualities Harmanpreet repeatedly fail to display. During crucial games, when the opposition dominates, her approach lacks vision. There’s no urgency to innovate, no…

When Amol Muzumdar was appointed as the head coach of the Indian women’s team, there was hope. Hope that a seasoned domestic stalwart would bring structure, stability, and strategy to a team poised to dominate world cricket. Nearly a year into his tenure, however, that hope seems misplaced. Inconsistent selections, lack of defined roles, a revolving door of debutants, and a startling absence of accountability have become the new normal. The World Cup is less than a year away, yet India look anything but ready. So, it’s time to ask some hard questions – ones Muzumdar must answer, not deflect…

The Indian women’s cricket team has been a force to reckon with in recent years, consistently inching closer to global titles and earning the respect they deserve. But under coach Amol Muzumdar, the team seems to be moving backwards, not forward. Since he took charge, the Indian camp has been defined by inconsistency, questionable decision-making and a visible lack of direction. With a World Cup looming just 8-10 months away, Muzumdar’s tenure raises more questions than it answers. The statistics paint an incomplete picture of the chaos. While India’s Test record under Muzumdar (three wins) offers a glimmer of hope,…

The Indian women’s cricket team finds itself in a troubling state since October 1, 2024, with performances in both T20Is and ODIs falling significantly short of expectations. Despite boasting experienced players like Smriti Mandhana, Harmanpreet Kaur, Jemimah Rodrigues, and Deepti Sharma, the team has been plagued by inconsistency and questionable tactical decisions, exposing deep flaws in their approach. Batting Failures: A Clear Pattern of Underachievement In the four T20Is played during the T20 World Cup in Dubai, the openers managed just 172 runs at an average of 21.50 with a solitary fifty-run stand, highlighting a lack of foundation at the…

Game 6 of the ongoing FIDE World Championship match, being held in Singapore, ended in a tense draw as India’s Gukesh Dommaraju and defending champion Ding Liren of China fought a high-stakes battle. With the tie now locked at 3-3 after six rounds, both players remain firmly in the hunt for the coveted world title. The game was marked by fascinating tactical exchanges and subtle psychological warfare. Ding, playing with the white pieces, appeared content to push for a draw midway through the match. However, Gukesh, unwilling to settle, pressed on to test his opponent. At one point, Gukesh added…

Hits RCB’s revamped squad promises explosive batting firepower, especially at their high-scoring home ground, the M Chinnaswamy Stadium. The lineup boasts proven match-winners like Virat Kohli, Rajat Patidar, and Jitesh Sharma, complemented by the hard-hitting prowess of Liam Livingstone, Phil Salt, and Tim David. These players, despite all being right-hand batters, have a knack for adapting and innovating under pressure, giving RCB the potential to set or chase imposing totals. The addition of Jacob Bethell provides an intriguing left-hand option. The youngster’s fearless approach and versatility could be a trump card in key situations. On the bowling front, RCB’s new-ball…