Author: Vaibhav Tripathi

Vaibhav Tripathi in Dubai For Indian fans, cricket is more than just a sport; it’s a whirlwind of emotions, woven with moments of glory and heartbreak. Yet, among those memories lies a nightmare they wish to erase – the 2023 World Cup final in Ahmedabad. That night, a swashbuckling left-hand batter, Travis Head, a name that still stirs unease in the stands, shattered their dreams and rewrote history. That night, under the floodlights, as India hoped for a fairytale ending, it was Head who snatched the script, rewrote it, and walked away with the trophy. And not just once—he has…

While all eyes were glued to the high-octane clash between India and New Zealand in Dubai, the Australian team quietly went about their business at the ICC Academy. Uncertain of their semi-final opponent, Steve Smith and his men still made the trip, preparing for whatever lay ahead. India’s commanding 44-run victory over New Zealand has set up a blockbuster semi-final against Australia. Remarkably, the Aussies have made it this far without five of their key players—Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood, Mitchell Marsh, and Marcus Stoinis. Unlike India, who dominated all three of their group-stage games, Australia have played just…

Some bowlers torment opposition batters, while others keep their own wicketkeeper on edge. Mohammed Shami does both. With a rhythmic run-up, effortless acceleration, and a high, commanding release, Shami embodies the essence of a perfect fast bowler. His follow-through is as smooth as his seam position—both a thing of beauty and a nightmare for batters. Despite battles with injuries, his numbers speak volumes: 229 wickets in 64 Tests, 202 in 105 ODIs, and 27 in 25 T20Is. Since 2018, he hasn’t just been a bowler; he’s been India’s game-changer, a relentless force with the ball in hand. Shami’s action is…

Vaibhav Tripathi in Dubai Virat Kohli was seen defending off the back foot against the pacers in Wednesday’s net session. But he soon expanded his game, crunching a couple of pull shots. The focus of India’s premier batter was on short-of-a-good-length deliveries, fully aware of the challenge ahead as India face New Zealand next, a team boasting a lineup of tall fast bowlers. Much of the build-up to this clash has revolved around New Zealand’s spinners testing India’s batting might. But Kohli’s session painted a different picture, one of calculated preparation against the fast-bowling challenge that lies ahead. Even in…

Vaibhav Tripathi in Dubai After a well-earned two-day break, Team India were back in action, gearing up for what promises to be a high-voltage clash against New Zealand. The day began with a heartwarming gesture as Washington Sundar, Varun Chakravarthy, and Arshdeep Singh were the first to arrive at the ICC Academy, not just to train but to share the joy of cricket with schoolchildren . As part of ICC’s Cricket for Good community program, they played, laughed, and handed out food hampers, creating memories beyond the boundary ropes. Once the off-field commitments concluded, the focus shifted to the…

When New Zealand arrived on Indian shores last year for the Test series, their journey took them through the cricketing battlegrounds of Bengaluru, Pune, and Mumbai. Touring India or any other country is never just about facing a formidable opponent. It is about embracing the relentless challenge of unfamiliar conditions, especially in the gruelling five-day format of Test cricket. Adapting to the pitches, the heat, and the sheer intensity of Indian cricket is often as daunting as outplaying the home team. Yet, despite being without their greatest-ever batter, Kane Williamson, New Zealand defied expectations. They not only adjusted to…

-Vaibhav Tripathi in Dubai Year after year, tournament after tournament, New Zealand continues to defy expectations, not with flamboyance but with quiet consistency. If there’s one team that has mastered the art of navigating ICC events, it’s them. Always labeled underdogs, yet always finding their way into the knockouts, a pattern that has held strong for a long time. The 2025 Champions Trophy has been no different. The Kiwis, unfazed by pre-tournament skepticism, have secured a semi-final spot with remarkable ease. They set the tone by outclassing Pakistan in the tournament opener and solidified their standing with a clinical win…

Vaibhav Tripathi in Dubai On what appeared to be a batting paradise in Rawalpindi, Michael Bracewell wove a masterful spell, ensnaring four key wickets to shackle Bangladesh to a modest 236/9 in their allotted 50 overs. Though the chase seemed straightforward, Bangladesh jolted New Zealand early with two quick breakthroughs, giving Kiwi fans a slight scare. However, Rachin Ravindra’s elegantly constructed century, complemented by Tom Latham’s composed fifty, steadied the ship, guiding New Zealand to a comfortable five-wicket win. With this victory, New Zealand have secured their spot in the semi-finals alongside India from Group A, while Bangladesh and hosts…

While Virat Kohli stole the spotlight with a majestic century against Pakistan, it was Shreyas Iyer who provided the perfect supporting act, continuing his fine form with a composed 56 off 67 deliveries. On a sluggish pitch, Iyer ensured India never lost control during the middle-overs. Kohli, as always, anchored the chase with precision, maintaining a steady tempo through strike rotation and well-timed boundaries. But the real surprise was Iyer’s approach. Walking in at 100/2, he partnered with Kohli to stitch together a crucial century stand, their seventh in just 29 innings. While Kohli kept the scoreboard moving, Iyer started…

Vaibhav Tripathi in Dubai It was nearing midnight in Dubai when the Pakistan team emerged from their first practice session at the ICC Academy, their focus sharpening ahead of the big ticket clash against India. The city had long settled into its night rhythm, but outside the academy, the energy was electric. A sea of eager faces, Pakistan fans in large numbers joined by a handful of Indians, had been waiting since 9:30 PM. Hats, T-shirts, bats, and caps clutched tightly in hopeful hands, they stood, eyes scanning for a glimpse of their heroes. When the players finally stepped out,…